The world is reeling from the news of Whitney Houston’s death. Everyone seems to have an opinion about what happened, and be intent on judging this amazingly talented and tortured woman. Here is an icon who struggled with her talent, abusive relationships, and the agony of addictions, all in the very unforgiving public spotlight.
Everyone has struggles.
Rather than judging Whitney Houston for her mistakes, I invite you to find – and celebrate – the amazing gifts this woman left to the world. Whitney’s songs spoke from that deep place of struggle and surrender, and awakened hope in millions of listeners. Take her gift, and take a close look at your own life. Rather than trying to put yourself in her shoes (not quite possible, regardless of your good intentions), put yourself firmly in your own shoes. Use this opportunity to face your fear, to evaluate your relationships, to see if there is a way you can more fully be true to who you were meant to be. What drives the direction of your life? How are you protecting your heart from those who would use you, while welcoming in those who make you a better person? Can you honestly say you are doing exactly what you were meant for?
Every single person on the planet struggles. Relationships are tough, life is overwhelming, success and failure are constantly redefined. Mistakes made publicly or privately often have life-altering consequences, and while we’re quick to judge another we’re often slow to learn from other’s mistakes.
Of all the songs Whitney Houston recorded, this one speaks most deeply to my heart. We will all grieve, some will judge endlessly as a way to avoid their own issues, and some will quietly find the HOPE that Whitney’s life embraced imperfectly. When all hope is gone, where do you turn?
How has Whitney Houston’s life and death most impacted your life, your recovery? How are you able to hold onto HOPE?
This is so beautifully said!! Thank you for putting into words the emotions many of us are feeling! And thank you for standing at this crossroads of time where the passing of someone so lovely can point us in a direction that will bring hope and healing to others who also struggle…including ourselves! Thank you!! Thank you!! God bless you as you continue to remind us that there is reason to hope even in the darkest nights of our lives! And that there is a calling on our lives if we have walked any of that journey and understand any of the mission we are now given!
Thanks for the reminder of the gift within those dark moments!
Nice blog. I had similar thoughts this morning that I blogged about too. We all need to be more sensitive, tender and compassionate with each other. Blessings, Sue
Thanks for your thoughts, Sue. Seems expressions of compassion are becoming a rare commodity – when being gentle with each other goes so much farther!
Beautiful reminder of the very things we must do. Instead of judging others, using the opportunity to look within ourselves. If we are too busy judging, we cannot love. That includes loving ourselves enough to look in the mirror. Often the very things that cause such strong reactions and judgements from us toward others, are indicators that there’s something we are not facing about ourselves.
Whitney Houston’s voice was powerful, and angelic. She now sings in Heaven…
Blessings to you for a necessary reminder.
-Ella
Ella, I love your line “loving ourselves enough to look in the mirror”. You are SO right – when we’re busy judging another, its impossible to love. And that love must begin with ourselves!
The song is super!!! Whitney was a great artist, great singer and the song describes her very well. May her soul rest in peace!!!
I have loved Whitney during her peak as artist and during her difficult times and struggles. She was a gift from God to this world. It made me sad to see people abuse her and take advantage of her. I pray that God takes her under his wing as well as her daughter. I would like to thank Whitney for all of her music and especially her song “I Look to You”. Whitney you have been an inspiration to all and I miss you dearly. May you rest in peace! Love Kathleen Xo