just sharing my thoughts...

If you haven't read my previous post on Remembering Whitney Houston I'd love for you to scroll down. I don't get on my soap box very often. Most of the time I try NOT to say much on this blog, but I wanted to give voice to a viewpoint of mine and many others concerning the coverage of Whitney's life, passing, and funeral. Just giving pause for reflection here. Everyone has their own opinion.

Below is a comment I left on a blog this morning. I read each comment and debated on whether to share mine or not. After thinking and praying about it this morning I shared this. Please know I'm not at odds with anyone, just thought I might give my own insight into the controversy over the media coverage issue.


"You asked for thoughts, I'd like to share mine. I think there are two distinct issues here. One the news media; with 24 hour news channels now, every story runs multiple times. I agree topics are not always chosen or run wisely. There are many many issues that could and should have attention that are worthy of our viewing. But I don't necessarily think most people get satisfaction from seeing other people's tragedies. You're so right everyone, there are thousands of people who suffer and die everyday. We ought to be bringing attention to their plight, also. 

I for one, DO think that in Whitney's case of prescription medications and drinking, we all need to take a long hard look. Oftentimes we think if we are taking legal prescription drugs then everything is OK, you add alcohol in to the mix, we are asking for trouble. Dr. Drew Pinsky's coverage on HLN has been timely and graphic in this area. If all the coverage and scrutiny saves one life, then I say the coverage was justified.

As for Whitney's funeral, I watched most of it. It was touching and intimate. Those that spoke or gave tribute in song, were not seeking attention, only to share their love, memories, and grief for their loved one, friend, and colleague. As a born again Christian I found it touching and spiritually uplifting. God loves all of us, even when we fall down. We can celebrate a life, knowing that she is now in a place without pain or struggle."

Having close family members that have had physical and emotional issues, and having taught many Bible Studies on Overcoming Addictions and Depression, I think it's valuable to know and understand the causes of addiction and the fallout for loved ones. Being a celebrity causes one to naturally be in the public eye. If we can learn from the trials and lives of other's we will all be better human beings, with an attitude of empathy and caring to our fellow brothers and sisters in life.

much love, thanks for letting me share my thoughts.

February 19, 2012 12:52 PM

Whitney remembered...

I had this afternoon to myself, and I did some puttering around the house. I have been watching a lot of the commentary on CNN and HLN on Whitney Houston the last few days. Today was her funeral; she went home to the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, the church where she grew up and got her start. Whether a fan or not, the funeral was precious and endearing, as many gave tribute to her in words and song. Two stood out for their raw honesty and emotion; Tyler Perry, and Kevin Costner. If you didn't see the broadcast, I'm encouraging you to search out Costner's few minutes on his friendship with Whitney during the making of his movie, The Bodyguard. I imagine it will be on YouTube.
I'm not a big cryer, but I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. And at the end, when her pall bearers carried the casket, her recorded voice was heard singing I Will Always Love You. Amazing person and talent gone too soon. Anyone who watched this definitely had "been to church". And they said that would have been just what she would have wanted.