Beams of Light Ministries

Oh Whitney...Why?

So now we have it. The Coroner's report.

When I heard that Whitney died from an accidental drowning - that she was still alive when she went under the water, I couldn't believe it. I went further - read more. And that's when the other details hit hard. Cocaine was indeed found in her system.

In fact, she likely took the cocaine, had a heart attack, and passed out - then slid down into a watery grave. Oh Whitney. Why?

Did she not know that she had damaged her heart with chronic substance abuse? The autopsy showed 60% narrowing of Whitney's arteries - a direct result of her cocaine use. Which of course, led to that untimely cardiac event.

Will the lesson of her life be enough to stop others from chronic substance abuse or will we have to endure more stars falling from grace - trading their lives in for the thrill of living that lifestyle.

And so here I am faced with the reality. Superstars pay a super price when they are not fully grounded in Christ; Just like the rest of us. But their fall is always louder because they are more publicly known. Everybody is constantly in their business both good and bad.

Was Whitney the first person to die from cocaine use? No. Remember Len Bias? Is she the last? Unfortunately, I don't think so.

I am disappointed. I wanted better for her even though she never knew my name. I wanted her to turn around and place her full confidence and security in the Savior that she so often spoke about. What about Him wasn't enough? He's everything! Why the cocaine, Whitney? Why?

I guess I just don't understand. But one thing this has reminded me of is to not put my hope in man (Psalm 146:3, Isaiah 2:22) but instead to allow it to rest in its proper place - with God.

Well, that's that. Christians, let's stay grounded.

Compassion for Whitney's Family

I liked Whitney Houston. I remember her songs from my childhood. I remember the conversations when she debuted about how she came from good stock – a dynamic trio of singers – her mom, her aunt and her godmom. I remember it like it was yesterday. Her star was bright. She was always so poised in those earlier years – living above the fray. And, if she did anything unseemly, nothing emerged to tarnish her image. Then she met and married Bobby Brown. He was notorious for being a “bad boy”.

The two couldn’t seem more opposite but we only have the exterior to judge. The marriage was, well, a bit untraditional and in my estimation, strange. But, what do I really know? Only what I’ve seen; only edited clips of conversations and scenes. The vast majority of us have no idea about how Whitney really was personally. And no matter how many interviews we watched, we don’t know her true self. We don’t know what it’s like to speak with her on the phone or have her in our home for dinner. We’ve not been a guest at her home and shared private moments. We only know about the image we have in our minds. So at the news of her death, I struggle with how many people have become subject matter experts on Whitney Houston.

I know there is an audience wanting to hear every sordid detail of her life and times; thus the media is ready to deliver whatever they can, however they can. I was watching one famed journalist adamantly proclaim that she knew the cause of death. But how could she really know when there is only speculation. Nothing has been confirmed. At the time of her declaration, toxicology analysis was still underway. And the very thing this famed journalist declared was the cause of death is increasingly looking like it was not. Details matter.

The only person who is a subject matter expert on Whitney is gone. So instead of elevating ourselves to such a state, would it not be better simply to hush the speculation and simply pray for the family? If we, as a nation of music lovers, were shocked by Whitney’s sudden death, how do we think her family feels? The same family that loves her more than we could ever know. The same family that has been with her through the good times and the bad times. Yes, the same family that watched the little girl with excellent vocals in the gospel choir, rise to world-wide stardom. Their family member, who was called “the voice”, long before there was a TV show of the same name is gone.

It’s time that we show a bit more compassion towards the family. A mother has lost her daughter and a daughter has lost her mother. If you pray to God, lift a prayer for the family and for all who grieve. And if you don’t pray, show a bit of respect and grace by not talking about things you are not privy to know firsthand.

Rest in Peace Whitney. Below is a video from Whitney on the Oprah show . We had such hope for her then. Let's keep that hope alive now for her daughter and for the healing that has to take place.

Casting Crowns - Come to the Well CD

I was quick to let you know about Anthony Evans Jr.’s new CD; even announcing that I’d be giving it to some folks for Christmas. I did. And, that was good – I think they liked it. But what I haven’t told you about, which in my opinion, is a different style of music and also a little better is Casting Crowns’ newest CD – Come to the Well. It was released in October 2011 but I'm just getting on board a few weeks ago - and it's been on repeat in my car...I'm just saying...

Can I just tell you how much I’ve been enjoying this CD? I like how the lyrics tell a story of sorts. I can identify with some of these lyrics. And I just feel good all over when I can do that. You know how it is – a song you can relate to instantly becomes “your song.”

Now, some folks may pick this CD up because it has the title track for the movie Courageous. That’s a great song. Love it. But, I like some others better – like “Already There” and “City on the Hill” and “Spirit Wind” – which kinda sounds a little folksy but I love it just the same. I absolutely get entangled in “So Far to Find You” and I can really jam (and relate to) “My Own Worst Enemy”.