The One Thing We Don't Know About Whitney Houston

Last night I watched Oprah Winfrey's last interview with Whitney Houston. It was wonderful to see her looking so beautiful, healthy, and strong. For a moment I forgot that she was no longer with us. Whitney spoke from her heart sincerely as she answered every question. It was evident that she had come to a place of peace with herself and God. I was happy for her.

Whitney was, to me, the most gifted female vocalist of my generation. She was beautiful, her music was clean, her style was elegant and she was a class act. And as far as I know, she never presented herself seductively or over the top as to use her body to make money. She simply opened her mouth and allowed the gift God had given her to flow freely to bless others. Whitney reached the world with her gift. Her music crossed cultures and different genres of music. What a beautiful gift!

During Whitney's years of struggle, I can remember how sad I was to see her in the state she was in. I, like so many others, was praying for her to turn her life around, and be restored to the Whitney we once knew. So when she did her interview with Oprah, I was thrilled to see her back on her feet, but I knew the days that followed wouldn't be easy for her. During one interview, I can remember Whitney asking that we not judge her for her mistakes, but to pray for her. And that is what I did. I believed the best of her, and I prayed that she would stay strong and hold on to God.

It grieves me to see and hear all of the reports, gossip, and judgement that is spoken over Whitney Houston now that she is gone. I will admit that in my mind I've also thought about how and why she died. I think it's just human nature to try to figure out what happened in situations such as this. But the one thing nobody knows about Whitney Houston is the final words that she uttered from her mouth before she died. We don't know the conversation that took place between her and God. So who are we to judge and speculate what happened in her final moments? What we should do is pray from our hearts, not for Whitney, for the place that she will spend eternity has already been set, but for her family and those who love her.

I know what it's like to lose a parent at the age of 18, when you're just entering into the real world and trying to find your way in life, so I can relate to Bobby Christina's pain. I've witnessed the pain of my mother when my brother died at the age of 43. As parents, we always expect to out live our children. So let's pray for Whitney's family, and those who know and love her in their time of grief and sorrow, for there's a long road ahead for them. Only God can heal their broken hearts and bind their wounds. Only He can bring peace to their hearts in the midst of confusion. While we sit back and analize, criticize, and judge Whitney Houston's life, may we be reminded of Jesus' words,

"Judge not, that you be not judged, for with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from you eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5

In so many words, Jesus tells us to look in the mirror and take care of ourselves, before we try to talk about someone else's issues. If anything were to happen to us today, would we be ready to meet our Master? We have no time to judge others. Wouldn't you agree?

As I was praying for the Houston family this morning, my prayers began to shift as I began to cry out and ask God to help me. Help me to maximize the gifts that He has entrusted to me. I asked Him to not allow me to leave this earth before my time without having done all that He has given me to do. I've had several relatives pass away too early, without doing all that they wanted to do. I feel so blessed to be here today, and I want to make the most of my life and my gifts. Don't you?

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...". Ephesians 5:15-18

Do you know what your purpose is? What gifts, talents and abilities has God placed on the inside of you? Have you reached your maximum potential? My dad always said, "If you have life, you have a chance." Let's maximize the gifts God has given us while we have a chance!

Please take a moment to enjoy one of my favorite Whitney Houston songs, "I Look to You". May we all look to God for all that we need, and may we fulfill our life's purpose and use our gifts to bless the world as Whitney Houston did.

Love & Blessings,

Kathy