"....although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed to have been touched by her beautiful spirit, and to have the legacy of her music to cherish and share forever." -LL Cool J
Most have already learned of the tragic end to gifted singer Whitney Houston, this past Saturday, when she was discovered alone and deceased in her hotel bathtub. As we recall her struggle to overcome addictions, we were "shocked but not surprised" as the saying goes. (Photo: WhitneyHouston.com)
With Gospel singer, Cissy Houston as her mother, Whitney's background was one steeped in Church and a relationship with the Lord, and hopefully that is what she fell back on in her final moments of life.
Indeed, her final song sung in public turned out to be a chorus of, "Jesus Loves Me," which she sang with Kelly Price, when she called Houston up on stage with her. (Albeit, Houston was not in the best voice and appeared to be "under the influence" of something)
Unknowingly her swan song—it was a fitting one. Because, no doubt the Savior's love for His troubled songbird never ceased.
The impact of Whitney's passing was felt by her friends and fans at Sunday's Grammy Awards, which were opened by a moving prayer led by host, LL Cool J:
"Heavenly father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us. Today our thoughts are with her mother, her daughter and all of her loved ones. And although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed to have been touched by her beautiful spirit, and to have the legacy of her music to cherish and share forever. Amen."
Toward the last hour of the Grammy Awards, Jennifer Hudson—herself a Christian artist with a beautiful voice—delivered a stirring and powerful version of Whitney's signature song from the movie, The Bodyguard; "I Will Always Love You." (CLICK HERE TO WATCH)
Whitney's short life of 48 years remains a reminder of the beautiful gifts and talents given by the Lord, juxtaposed to the destruction and deception that accompany addictions to drugs and alcohol.
We join those who pray for comfort for Whitney's family, and especially her only daughter, Bobbi-Kristina; that her direction would be one focused on God and His purposes for her life.
And perhaps one day we'll hear Whitney's beautiful voice again, as we stand singing before the Lord.
