As you know, today we lost another of the last true superstars, the incomparable, Whitney Houston. I'm not surprised by the outpouring of love and prayers expressed however I am saddened by the malice and sarcasm some choose to take via their social media platforms. While I was not a 'stan' of Whitney's, I was and am a fan who truly appreciates the legacy of her gift. 200+ million records sold. 200. Million. Can you even count that high? Right.
I first met Whitney at the Bel Air Hotel many years ago. I was there for the release party of her third solo album, "I'm Your Baby Tonight." Those few moments where I got to interact with her personally will forever be treasured. In an instant, this woman charmed and gave me an appreciation for her immense talent. In subsequent meetings, she was equally as charming....like the time she dropped off her step son Landon off at his mom's (my neighbor Malikah, who was then married to Carl Payne of "Martin") in front of my apartment building. I remember looking out my window going 'THAT'S WHITNEY F'ING HOUSTON"...and immediately running downstairs to 'check my mail'. She was so nice and humble. She was just an everyday fierce black woman doing an everyday thing...except that 'whip' was anything but ordinary. LOL It was great to see this normal woman under normal circumstances. During my tenure in Hollywood, I had other opportunities to interact with her as well.
Sadly we often don't appreciate someone until they are no longer here. Holding on to angst, fear, hurt etc. only stalls our own healing. Much has been reported about Whitney's life and the pressures of superstardom, most of it sensationalized. Instead of praying for and with her, all too often many of us choose to highlight the negative, in a misguided effort to alleviate our own personal pain. Celebrities are people too. Though few of us will ever never know what went on in her heart, Whitney the vocal genius, gave us a legacy that will NEVER be forgotten. I will continue to hold her mother, daughter, family, friends and fans up in light love and prayer.
This early exit is yet another wake up call for all of us to start loving ourselves more....yes ourselves...because we must start there before we can love another. Entertainers are supposed to entertain. Unfortunately in this age of information overload, we expect so much more. We no longer let them have a private life. We no longer allow them to experience any form of normalcy. We wait anxiously for the slightest imperfection so we can be the first to Tweet a clever punchline.
The trajectory of mankind, especially in our culture, is tragically on a path of negativity for which it cannot sustain. Regardless of how you feel about Whitney Houston, or anyone else for that matter, take a moment to get naked with yourself...hug yourself...love yourself. The path to healing starts within...by acknowledging the need! Are you living your purpose? Do you truly have sustainable joy? Not that external stuff you 'present' to the world, but deep within the depths of your soul? If you don't, you're hurting...and you don't have to. Strife is not why we are here. Live authentically. If you can't lift someone (including yourself) up without putting another down, then please keep your negativity stifled until you can communicate constructively. Open yourself to some much needed healing. Be mindful of the energy you put forth into the universe. Humor and sarcasm all have their place, but know where to draw the line. Acrimony. Jealousy. Hatred. Envy. No bueno.
We are so much better than this! Whitney Houston...thank you for inspiring millions by sharing your VOICE...may your legacy continue to encourage positivity! We love you. We miss you. We bless you. We thank God for you!
One last parting thought:
"THE SHADE YOU THROW TODAY WILL BE THE SHIT YOU EAT TOMORROW. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY."- Lonnell Williams
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