At the age of 39, Jelly Roll (yep, you read it correctly) won New Artist of the Year at the 2023 Country Music Awards, held last month in Nashville.

If you aren’t familiar with Jelly Roll, he is, in my opinion, as non-country in appearance as one could be. (Think rapper Post Malone.)

He speaks like a preacher. His acceptance speech sounded more like a sermon, and his congregation of fellow music artists were faithful listeners.

His message was clear. Keep looking forward, for that’s where the reward lives.

“There’s something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning New Artist of the Year,” he said, to thunderous applause and praise. “I got a thousand people to thank but most importantly my Lord and my wife.”

He acknowledged his fellow award nominees, calling them friends equally deserving of the honor.

He paid tribute to the path that got him to where he is now, accepting all struggles and challenges, confident that moving forward would feature a bright future.

Difficult moments, no matter the magnitude, can be profound in their ability to teach and help us grow. Often, we end up seeing and remembering those times we once viewed as awful and overwhelming with fondness and respect.

I recall a moment, as a newlywed, Christmas shopping at Lehigh Valley Mall. My husband and I, married for just about a month, wandered through J.C. Penney’s holiday display and came upon an angel perched atop a tree. She was dressed unconventionally in plaid and carried a small tree and basket of gifts. We both knew she would be perfect in our new home, but we were unsure if what seemed like a frivolous purchase was a wise decision.

Her price tag? $20.

We stood there for a long time, talking it through, and ultimately decided to spend the money, which was very dear at that time.

The angel, nearly 30 years later, remains atop our tree. She shows some wear. Her basket rests a bit off-kilter, and her halo might be lacking some shine. Our daughters have heard her story many, many times because we have always believed in the importance of teaching them that struggles can bring great rewards.

Jelly Roll’s award acceptance speech brought back the memory of that day in the mall.

“I don’t know where you’re at in your life or what you’re going through, but I want to tell you to keep going,” he said. “I want to tell you success is on the other side. I want to tell you it’s going to be OK.

“I want to tell you that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason - because what’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you!”

Our angel is an example of how a past with some struggles can lead to a happy present day. She also serves as a reminder that there’s still so much more in front of us.

Merry Christmas! And happy 2024!

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press