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Recently, I found myself sinking into a deep depression.  In those moments, I turned to the only lifeguard I had in those shark-infested waters: God.  I prayed fervently, unsure of what I was asking for, but I think it was a life preserver.  I am not alone because we all have stormy, sad, and difficult days.  

After my prayers, I needed solace.  The recent, emotionally charged and contentious election cycle had left many of us feeling drained and in need of soothing.  I asked Alexa to play music to calm my soul.  I knew there had to be a song buried somewhere in my heart I needed to hear.     

I have decided today that God has a thing for jelly.  I swear my husband loves our church because of those jelly-filled donuts they offer and the minister who allows David to spread crumbs while he’s preaching.   So, the first song that Alexa played was “I Am Not Okay” by Jelly Roll. 

Since I am not music savvy and the only tune I know well is “Jesus Loves Me,” I paused to listen when I heard Mr. Roll sing, “I am not okay, but it’s all gonna’ be alright.”  Yes, God does like jelly!

He will use anything, including Smuckers, to remind us that we will be alright if we seek His counsel and comfort.   We are okay if we live to love others, give what we can, and turn folks toward Him by our actions.   And we should all remember it doesn’t matter how we vote or if we are liberal or conservative; it is how we live. 

Jelly Roll sang, 

“I know one day we’ll see the other side

The pain’ll wash away

In the holy water tide

And we’re all gonna’ be alright.”

“I know I can’t be the only one who’s holding on for dear life

But God knows, I know

When it’s all said and done

I am not okay

But it’s all gonna’ be alright.” *

We are here on earth for a minute in time.   And we waste a bunch of it.  How much time do we spend on anger, selfishness, resentment, and the useless spreading of it all.  How much energy do we use to either heal or cause additional conflict?  

No, somedays we are not okay, but with faith, we endure to get alright.  There are times when it is a struggle to find tomorrow.  Some folks can wear a mask of happiness, but God knows the suffering and can heal when we are not okay.  

If we can find the patience and the will to use our time here wisely and resolve to be more compassionate and less judgmental, we will be better than okay.

If we, as Americans, choose unity over division and brotherhood over bias, then we will be more than just alright.

We will be a united, thriving community.

For so long, many of us have viewed life through only political lenses.  We have been consumed by it.  Some have let it break friendships and separate family members.  What a waste of love, joy, and precious moments.  

Do we really think we will be fine if we only see folks through conservative or liberal lenses?  The only way we will be alright is how God views us.  How did we spend our minutes here?  What will our legacy be?

After the memorial service for Connie, a dear lady who lived down the street, I talked with her daughter.  I reminded her that we all leave a gift when we depart this place.  Someone will remember one thing about us that will carry on.   

I said, “When I think of your mother, I recall her laughter!  It’s the first thing I remember when I hear her name.”   

What is the first thing one will recall when your name is mentioned?  I don’t think it will be Republican or Democrat, but rather the memory of how you overcame okay to be alright.   

If you are struggling through any life event, turn on the radio and listen to Jelly Roll as you roll into the church to grab your jelly donut.  

You, too, will be alright.  

*I Am Not Okay, written by Jelly Roll, Ashley Gorley, Casey Brown, Jason Deford, & Taylor Phillips