I live in Minneapolis St. Paul area, home of Prince and Paisley Park. I have been trying to figure out why it seems the whole world lit up in purple to honor this musician from Minnesota.

His musical talents and life’s work clearly earned him deserved accolades. But I think his early death happened at just a time when the nation, and the world, desperately seek something in common to rally around. There is divisiveness and polarization on so many issues.  Celebrating the life of a super talented musician with a body of work that touches lives all around the world is something that fills that need, right now.

Thus the purple lights in Paris, Australia, London, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco and so many other places.  Thus pictures of Prince on the front page of almost every major newspaper in the USA. Thus the ongoing coverage of his life and friends and charity work and music.  And the personal connection so many feel to Prince and his music.

I’ve been listening to Prince all weekend on the XM streaming channel 50. I own an album or two, but didn’t count myself as a big fan. But seeing the impact of his life I can’t help but be in awe.

It is an inspiration and reminder to follow your dreams, use your God given talents to their fullest, and to create and contribute what you can to the world while you are here. This, we can agree on. – Ron