An Elul Message from Dolly Parton, of blessed memory

I heard the sad news yesterday of the loss of one of my favorite songwriters...a genuinely good person who brought joy to so many.  Famous to some only for her physical appearance, she wrote some absolutley beautiful and touching ballads that touched the hearts of many, and was known for her kindness, generosity and deep faith.

This is my favorite Dolly song ... it contains a powerful and much needed Elul message (I bolded a few particular lines). 

 

Hello God

Hello God, are you out there?
Can you hear me, are you listening anymore?
Hello God, if we're still on speaking terms
Can you help me like before?
I have questioned your existence
My resistance leaves me cold
Can you help me go the distance?
Hello God, hello, hello?

This old world has gone to pieces
Can we fix it, is there time?
Hate and violence just increases
We're so selfish, cruel and blind
We fight and kill each other
In your name, defending you
Do you love some more than others?
We're so lost and confused

Hello God, are you out there?
Can you hear us, are you listening anymore?
Hello God, if we're still on speaking terms
Can you help us like before?
Oh, the free will you have given
We have made a mockery of
This is no way to be living
We're in great need of your love

 

Hello God, can you grant us
Love enough to make amends?
Hello God, is there still a chance
That we could start again?
Hello God, we've learned our lesson
Dear God, don't let us go
More than ever
Hello God, hello, hello

Hello God, we really need you
We can't make it without you
Hello God, we beseech you
In the name of all that's true
Hello God, please forgive us
For we know not what we do
Hello God, give us one more chance to prove ourselves to you
Hello, God, hello, God