Be More Like Dolly
I have been mainlining Dolly Parton content since her death was announced yesterday; not just articles about her but also clips of her performances, interviews, and of course her music.
It's rare that a celebrity death stops me in my tracks and makes me cry as though they were my own kin - not surprisingly, that list includes people like Fred Rogers and Jim Henson. These are people who were not only amazing at their chosen work but brought thoughtfulness, kindness, and encouragement to their colleagues and by extension, all of us.
Countless others have done the deep dives into Dolly's childhood, music, acting, philanthropy, and public persona. I especially appreciated one piece reminding us that her public visage was indeed drag, and how it mattered. Another piece broke down how important the theme song for the film "9 to 5" actually was in the early 80s. A third spoke eloquently about her business acumen when it came to protecting her music.
What I want to say here, in a place normally full of observations and snark about congregations, is that we could do a lot worse than Dolly Parton when we think of what our progressive faiths call us toward. And I say this knowing I have readers outside of Unitarian Universalism: Dolly showed us what it means to love our neighbor. She absolutely knew who her neighbors were - not just actual neighbors from east Tennessee, but anyone who was struggling, ignored, marginalized. Her arms were always wide open to welcome everyone. And she put her resources to work; she didn't hoard, she shared. She didn't ask if you were worthy, because you already were.
In Unitarian Universalism, we have identified the center of our faith: Love. However you understand that (with or without divinity), it is love. And our life on this earth is the encounter with, engagement with, encouragement by, expression of, and transformation by Love.
Dolly understood that.
Be more like Dolly.
Love.
I'll leave you with the song I woke up singing this morning - an oldie but a goodie (I don't think she wrote it, but I always associate it with her).
As a reminder, Hold My Chalice has another break next week - so I'll see you in September!
