INSPIRASUNS

Like the rest of the world, yesterday afternoon I heard the news that Dolly Parton had passed away. I was sad because I knew she had been struggling with health issues for a while. One of my friends said, “She hasn’t been well since her husband passed away”.

She was a lovely woman. My goodness, can you think of a time when you saw her that she wasn’t smiling? We all know her story; she came from nothing, like literally nothing. Just listen to her song, “Coat of Many Colors”; it tells so much of her childhood, from nothing to being known all over the world simply by your first name, Dolly.

She was a brilliant businesswoman. She made almost 50 albums, sang more than 3000 songs, and was married to her husband for almost 60 years, which is unheard of in the entertainment world.

More importantly, she was a Christian who gave of herself to so many. Her Imagination Library initiative has gifted more than 240 million free books to young children all over the world. She donated millions after Hurricane Helene and worked on education and healthcare funding programs over the years.

What I noticed yesterday, as the news began to spread, social media blew up, so to speak. Everyone was expressing their condolences; I mean everyone. From everyday Americans to the many musicians who performed with her, politicians, and news personalities. It didn’t matter what political party, religious group, or music genre; condolences came in from everywhere. Someone actually said, “The one thing that has united Americans, we all think Dolly Parton was awesome”.

Maybe we all thought she was awesome because of the way she lived her life. She was humble, often made fun of herself, genuinely cared for others, always had a kind word, shared the love of Jesus, and she loved. In other words, she lived the way Jesus asked us to live. Through it all, she gained the love and respect of a nation.

We could all learn much from this sweet woman. Godspeed, Dolly; I know that yesterday, the heavenly choir of angels gained another voice. I look forward to the day when I can hear it as we all walk side by side with Jesus.

Last night, as I was driving home, the most vibrant rainbow appeared in the sky. It was amazing. Perhaps a sign from Dolly that all was well.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.