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?
Continue reading related posts:
- The Voice Dies: In Memory of Whitney Houston… “God gave me a voice to sing with, and when...
- Help! My teen is using drugs. Amy Winehouse’s death made the national news. Her public...
- Are mental health issues an “addiction” issue? As I write this, Jane Velez-Mitchel is talking on CNN...
- Joan Rivers live live live! Tonight the hubby and I are seeing Joan Rivers...
- Announcing a LIVE Radio show on the Bullying Dilemma The response to my Bully and Target blog post...
Great post and this song brings tears to the edges of my eyes.