WHITNEY…….

Whitney Houston…..this extraordinary woman with the playful smile, adorning eyes and that golden voice…..what an exceptional gift that God gave to her to share with the world and we are better because of Whitney’s gift.  As many of us sat watching the home going of Whitney, we were reminded of the value of family, friendship, social networks, surrogate mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers and what it mean to have fans that love you, but only watch from a distance as the family ask for quiet time.  They wanted to remember and reflect on the wonderful spirit that they shared with the world, but also remember the child that was exposed to the dangerous and complex world of entertainment.  Their willingness to share the gift with the world exceeded their own fears and in the end Whitney came home to that small circle of family and friends where the burst of love and joy exposed Whitney’s faith in a loving God and resilience was shown in stories and song.

All of us, no matter how young or old, need a web of family, friendship, community, church, nature, time and spirit.  In our society, it is easy to lose sight of the web.  Yet, even in the dark, we can find the faithful remnants and begin to weave again.  Friendship is based on trust and chemistry.  And why it happens or why it rises and falls, and rises again, is a mystery like a fine piece of music.  A friend accepts you for who you are, but expects you to be all you can be.  Friendship can fight off depression and despair.  And it’s time to reflect and remember the little things about life, family and what we know to be true about ourselves so that we may change for the better.

Returning home after the home going celebration of Whitney Houston, we can reflect on life’s many twists and turns, fears and anxieties and maybe say about ourselves…..”Didn’t we almost have it all”…but in the end it’s the voice of Whitney that gives life hope and meaning.  In the final analysis, it if the life we live that is our gift to God.