by: Miriam Westen
As the world mourns the passing of Whitney Houston it is important to look beyond her sins and to consider her Faith. Houston was frought with drug and alcohol addictions and made some wrong choices in life. However, those who knew her report that her Christian foundation never left her. In a glamerous world of fame and fortune keeping faith in God is difficult. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, on August 9, 1963.
Her father was John Russell Houston, Jr. and mother a gospel singer named Cissy (born: Emily Drinkard). Her heritage was African American, Native American and Dutch. Houston
It was at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., that Whitney Houston learned about God.
Houston came to music fame in 1985 - Houston sold over 170 million records worldwide. She had seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard hits and she won six Grammy Awards.
In 1996 she made a movie entitle "The Preacher's Wife" with Denzel Washington. This was a religious film with songs including "I Love the Lord" and "He's All Over Me." She also starred in the movie, "The Bodyguard," with Kevin Costner. He recalled that both of them grew up in the Baptist faith. "Church was our bond," Costner said.
In her last public perfomance in February, just two days before her death, Houston sang "Jesus Loves Me" at a night club in Los Angeles. She died in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.
Her funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church, here Houston, soloed in the junior choir by age 11. The funeral service lasted three-and-a-half-hour service. Houston's casket was covered many flowers and rested in front of the altar. Pastor Marvin Winans delivered the eulogy. For the funeral her mother wrote the message, "God said 'It's time, Nippy. Your work is done.'" It was signed, "Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter. Love, Mommie."
She married singer Bobbi Brown on July 18, 1992. On March 4, 1993 their only child was born. Later they separated. Houston leaves behind her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18 (pictured).
Celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee, and Houston's former husband, Bobby Brown, attended the Church service.
At the time of her death on February 11, Houston was in the Los Angeles area for the 54th annual Grammy Awards. She was discovered dead in her hotel suite. A cause of death has not been determined.
Houston will be laid to rest Sunday at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, just south of Newark.
St. Francis once said, "There but for the grace of God go I".
It has become clear that a lifestyle of fame, fortune and prestige does not ensure a sound marriage or spiritual life. Stars are not Angels and are subject to many temptations.
Celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee, and Houston's former husband, Bobby Brown, attended the Church service.
At the time of her death on February 11, Houston was in the Los Angeles area for the 54th annual Grammy Awards. She was discovered dead in her hotel suite. A cause of death has not been determined.
Houston will be laid to rest Sunday at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, just south of Newark.
St. Francis once said, "There but for the grace of God go I".
It has become clear that a lifestyle of fame, fortune and prestige does not ensure a sound marriage or spiritual life. Stars are not Angels and are subject to many temptations.
It is important to remember the example of St. Mary Magdelene who
publicly repented of her many sins. She became a great Saint in the Church.
Houston has performed good deeds for society and therefore she and her family are in need of our
prayers for the repose of her soul. (with files from CNN and CBN)
(Images sources: google.com, blogger.com)
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