"The Voice" Silenced-Whitney Houston Dead at 48

 “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” - John 16:22


     Whitney Houston, "The Voice", passed away Saturday February 11, 2012  in a Beverly Hills Hotel despite efforts to be revived by emergency services. The Voice that soothed aching souls in the 80's and 90's with her amazing love songs;"All the Man I Need", "The Greatest Love of All", and of course her timeless rendition, "I Will Always Love You," has left this earth. There has been, nor I fear will there ever be, a talent so captivating as to enrapture us all with a single note.

     Throughout the late 90's and early 2000's, Ms. Houston was plagued with admitted drug abuse issues. Her infamous Diane Sawyer 20/20 interview, with her then husband Bobby Brown, showed a less than graceful diva entangled with drugs and excess. Yet we all pulled for her recovery, and return to star status with hope and compassion.

     Last night I thought I would find verses to help fans deal with the loss of such and icon. No matter the circumstances of her death, she was a child of God. We should not wallow in the emptiness of what may have become of her under different circumstances. Rather, we should continue to enjoy the voice and unmistakable talent she donated to the world every time she opened her mouth to sing.


1.)I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God. - Psalm 38:8-9,15
2.)So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.
3.)Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. - Psalm 143:4, 6-8
4.)The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18
5.)Jesus said, “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” - John 16:22

6.)I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. - Jeremiah 31:13






     My prayers and condolences are extended to; her family, friends, and of course, the millions of fans around the world. God Bless

     

Don Cornelius Dead From Apparent Suicide: Sources Cite Depression as Cause

 

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4: 6,7 KJV)


      I was shocked and saddened to hear about the apparent suicide of  Don Cornelius, creator of "Soul Train". As with most people across the country, my Saturday mornings were spent in front of the television watching the iconic show. Soul train was not just another show  about black people dancing to the latest music; rather it was a forum for African American entertainment. Moreover, artists who  were not considered mainstream for American Bandstand, could exhibit their unique skills for a neglected audience.
     According to the Chicago Sun Times many acquaintances of Mr. Cornelius cite depression, and possible bipolar disorder, as the cause of  his apparent suicide. Former friends state he was depressed due to, "constant pain and financial worries." Yet other friends state he often dealt with depression recently due to lack of respect from the music industry. "He felt badly snubbed by music executives who did not attend a  recent publicity party," stated another source.

Depression a Weapon of the Enemy
     Depression is a fiery dart the enemy uses to keep us away from God's true calling for our lives. Webster's Dictionary defines depression as, "Severe despondency and dejection(lowliness of spirit), accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy." I'd like to add depression causes us to wallow in feelings of; helplessness, shame, and unworthiness. Fortunately Christians have protection against depression in God's word.
Scriptures for Hope, Peace, and Patience


Hope

• Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.(Psalms 55:2)
• May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit(Romans 15:13)
• Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.(1Peter 5:7)

Peace

• Nevertheless God, that comforts, those that are depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus; (7) And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.(2 Corinthians 7:6,7)
• Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:6,7)
• Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.(Mark 4:37-39)

Patience

• But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.(Isiah 4:31)
• Everything is possible for him who believes.(Mark 9:23)
• Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.(1Peter 4:12)

Put on the Whole Armor of God


     God forewarns us in his word that we will have problems in this life. Our Christian walk will not always be shouts of "Hallelujah". We will go through storms and trials regardless of our attempts to walk on the straight and narrow. Thankfully our heavenly father has given us the whole armor in his word. Our best ally against the enemies strongholds is God's word.





10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;(Ephesians 6:10-18)

God Bless