It was a shock to hear of the sudden death of Whitney Houston. She was one of the few celebrities that openly shared her faith and also the struggles and torment she had been through during the last 10+ years of her life.
I grew up with her music. I anticipated seeing her perform on the various awards show just so I could see what she was wearing, how her hair was styled and to top it off, what song she was going to sing. You do not realize the impact someone has on your life until you take the time to ask the question, how does this person influence my life? Unfortunately, we tend to ask this question after they have died.
Although Whitney had made some bad decisions, she knew where her strength came from. Did you ever find yourself holding your breath when watching her on television hoping she was not "loaded" and that she could finish a sentence or when she sang, praying she would hit those power notes that she was so famously known for? Then, the next time you saw her in an interview she would sincerely give glory to God for her life. Can you imagine that type of physical and spiritual struggle?
I grew up with her music. I anticipated seeing her perform on the various awards show just so I could see what she was wearing, how her hair was styled and to top it off, what song she was going to sing. You do not realize the impact someone has on your life until you take the time to ask the question, how does this person influence my life? Unfortunately, we tend to ask this question after they have died.
Although Whitney had made some bad decisions, she knew where her strength came from. Did you ever find yourself holding your breath when watching her on television hoping she was not "loaded" and that she could finish a sentence or when she sang, praying she would hit those power notes that she was so famously known for? Then, the next time you saw her in an interview she would sincerely give glory to God for her life. Can you imagine that type of physical and spiritual struggle?
I've heard many people say, "Whitney tried". In a strange way, that brings comfort to know that she fought to stand in life, again. Some might say, "but she died, anyway". "What was the use in her fight?" Yes, she did die. I do not know what happened in her hotel room the day. Quite frankly, neither do you. No matter what the reporters, newspapers and people say the only person who knew exactly what happened was Whitney and the Lord.
As I reflect on my virtual relationship with Whitney Houston, I ask what is the real lesson to be learned from the glimpse I had into her life. She was a daughter, niece and goddaughter of some of the most notable musical voices of this age. She was brought up in the church, which made her seem relatable (church girl...just like me). She had a voice that etched a sound in your ears and heart that was undeniably God given. However, she seemed to be a woman longing for something more. She struggled with a man-crafted music industry image. She had a marriage that seemed to defy all things righteous. She had a flirtatious relationship with a diabolical stranger that started out as a one-night fling. She would express her faith in God and looked to Him for solace and peace. Even as she looked to God, that diabolical stranger was always looking for opportunities to rekindle their relationship. She suffered spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
She started her rise to life with a decision and a song entitled, "I look to You". Although her life was shorten, her last clarion call or declaration that carried her much further than anyone could have imagined was, "I Look to YOU".
Your story may not be like my glimpse of Whitney's but ask yourself these questions, am I flirting with a diabolical stranger? Am I in a relationship with a diabolical stranger? Just to be clear...a diabolical stranger is drugs, illicit sex, abusive relationships, etc....anything that is destined to kill you.
Let me encourage you to look to the One who loves you. Get close to Him through His Word (Holy Bible). Develop your relationship with Him and stop flirting with diabolical strangers. Jesus loves you; He gave His life for you so you could live an abundant life full of His joy and His peace.
Please keep Whitney Houston's family lifted up in sincere prayer. Do not get caught up in what the media reports. Remember she was someone's Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend.
Grace and Peace!
As I reflect on my virtual relationship with Whitney Houston, I ask what is the real lesson to be learned from the glimpse I had into her life. She was a daughter, niece and goddaughter of some of the most notable musical voices of this age. She was brought up in the church, which made her seem relatable (church girl...just like me). She had a voice that etched a sound in your ears and heart that was undeniably God given. However, she seemed to be a woman longing for something more. She struggled with a man-crafted music industry image. She had a marriage that seemed to defy all things righteous. She had a flirtatious relationship with a diabolical stranger that started out as a one-night fling. She would express her faith in God and looked to Him for solace and peace. Even as she looked to God, that diabolical stranger was always looking for opportunities to rekindle their relationship. She suffered spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
She started her rise to life with a decision and a song entitled, "I look to You". Although her life was shorten, her last clarion call or declaration that carried her much further than anyone could have imagined was, "I Look to YOU".
Your story may not be like my glimpse of Whitney's but ask yourself these questions, am I flirting with a diabolical stranger? Am I in a relationship with a diabolical stranger? Just to be clear...a diabolical stranger is drugs, illicit sex, abusive relationships, etc....anything that is destined to kill you.
Let me encourage you to look to the One who loves you. Get close to Him through His Word (Holy Bible). Develop your relationship with Him and stop flirting with diabolical strangers. Jesus loves you; He gave His life for you so you could live an abundant life full of His joy and His peace.
Please keep Whitney Houston's family lifted up in sincere prayer. Do not get caught up in what the media reports. Remember she was someone's Mother, Daughter, Sister and Friend.
Grace and Peace!
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