Today’s Word from Pastor Katrina…
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16
I had a whole missive topic in the works for this week… but then Dolly Parton passed away, and I knew I needed to write about her. I found out about her passing at church, and when I got home Jolene was playing on the radio, and I burst into tears.
I feel ill-equipped to write. I don’t have her music on prominent playlists. I don’t know her lyrics by heart or know much about the songs. For those of you who are avid Dolly fans, please forgive me, and please share your favorite songs– I will make a new playlist and start learning! While I didn’t know much about her, but what I did know I loved.
She was a light on a lampstand. In business, writing music, in her style, philanthropy, and faith, she shone light with joy and strength that in turn gave light to millions around the world. Her Imagination Library has gifted over 300 million books to over 3 million children in five different countries. Her foundation provides educational scholarships and support to students and local disaster relief. Her theme park employs over 23,000 people and is an important part of the local economy in Tennessee.
She is a light in her inclusion and support of others. On the Drew Barrymore show (November 27, 2023) she said, “I love everybody. I always know that there’s that little God light, that little thing in every human being and I try to go to that… I wrote a song called Whatever you are, be that… because anything else is just an act… I’m not a good enough person or a good enough Christian to judge and criticize other people. I want to be loved and accepted, so the least I can do is try to love and accept other people. And I love the difference in people. Just like that spice, the variety of life, being spice, you know? I mean, if everybody was the same, it would be a boring life wouldn’t it?”
There was nothing boring about Dolly Parton! I’m grateful for the easy going way in which she spoke openly and frequently about her faith. I’m grateful for her encouragement to honor, celebrate, and shine forth the God light that is in all of us. Rest easy, dear Dolly!
In Gratitude,
Pastor Katrina
pastorkat@trinityfreeland.org
