Written in 1973 and released as a single in 1974, Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You was a hit. When Whitney Houston sang her version of it in the movie The Bodyguard, it became known as her "signature song."
When Whitney released her single of I Will Always Love You, it was a success all over the world. Although she had eleven number one hits I Will Always Love You was the longest running, spending fourteen weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard 100.
Right after Whitney's death on February 11, 2012, I Will Always Love You could be heard on practically every news program. Tributes to her were accompanied by a clip of her singing this song. Dolly Parton and Whitney's ex-husband Bobby Brown were quoted as saying, "I will always love you, Whitney."
That song, as well as many other love songs, reveal a deep desire we all have to be loved. We not only want to be loved, we want to know that our loved ones will love us forever. Many holidays - Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. - were put in place so that we could express our love for one another. Card companies, florists, jewelers and other businesses flourish because people want to say, "I love you," in a tangible way to the special people in their lives.
People who love each other show love in many meaningful ways. Presence makes a bigger statement than presents do. Caring enough to spend time with another is often what the loved one needs most. It is not always possible to be with your loved ones. That's what makes family reunions so sweet.
Of course, not everyone is so fortunate.
For some always doesn't mean forever. What felt like always at the beginning of a relationship may degenerate into not any more after the passing of time. The pain that comes from rejection in a relationship is all too well known. News reports are filled with stories of those in the public eye -politicians, movie stars, sports figures, etc. - who have severed relationships. The tabloids make fortunes out of their distorted versions of these stories.
For a Christian, there is no question about the definition of always. It has a stronger meaning than is even possible with a human relationship. For a child of God, always means "everlasting," literally lasting forever. God's love never changes. That's who He is.
"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you" (Jeremiah 31:3). He who does not love does not know God, for God is love (1 John 4:8).
About Me
- Stephanie B. Blake
- As I speak internationally to English speakers as well as through an interpreter, some of my greatest joys have been speaking to groups where participation from the audience is possible. Not only do I value the input of those in my conferences, but if they are actively involved (share testimonies, participate in prayer, read Scripture aloud), it is obvious that everyone is with me. I am interested in theological study, Christian writing, historical application of Biblical principles as well as writing as a craft and the current status of the publishing industry as a whole. As a result, I find myself following blogs of those whom I have learned to trust who contribute information in those fields. It occurred to me that blogs are the internet equivalent of audience participation in a conference setting. So, this blog is a result of that discovery. As much as possible (sometimes when I travel I do not have internet access), I will be making weekly posts of how everyday life is related to what God has revealed about Himself in His Word - maintaining one focus on that most important relationship. I would welcome your participation.
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