Dancing

"I wanna dance with somebody (who loves me)." ~ Whitney Houston

Sadly, the world lost one of its most amazing and powerful voices yesterday. I don't know if Whitney Houston wrote the words of her smash hit from 1987 (she didn't, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam did) but for me, the song has always meant a little bit more about life than just a dance. I think about my life and how many places I've been in my own mind, think about how much better my dance has been having people around me who love me. I may not owe the progression of my life to Whitney, but it does seem feasible to say she planted a seed in me, and countless others along her tumultuous journey.

Whitney's music touched me in so many ways that thoughts of my childhood--definite offspring of the 80's--would not be complete without remembering dancing around to an upbeat Houston tune or even sitting wrapped in the cocoon of a sullen mood with an air-mic, pretending that amazing voice was actually coming from my lips instead of my bulky black boombox.

In 1998, my life had taken a great many twists and turns (appropriately like the Nile). I was the mother of a two year-old boy and I had come to know the Lord. The movie, Prince of Egypt was released, and though I enjoyed the flick, the most touching part of the movie for me was the credits . . . during which a version of "When You Believe", a duet by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, struck chords in my heart that I had never felt. I distinctly remember rewinding and playing, rewinding and playing, just so I could hear the magic (and watch the goosebumps light up the flesh on my arms). For me, though it wasn't a solo, this will always be the most memorable Whitney song. Listen to it here with lyrics. ♥

I wish I could say Houston's passing was unexpected and unpredictable but her obviously tortured soul had had its fill of life here on Earth. Having been through the loss of my mother at a very early age, I can only send my deepest condolences to Bobbie Kristina. There are very few words that will make you feel like anyone understands where you are in your own mind right now but the only thing I can leave you with is this: Remember who your mother was. Remember that she was real. Remember that you have a bridge that will reunite you with her. And remember that no matter what the enemy tells you, God's will is for you to have joy and peace, not pain and sorrow. Don't ever let this life separate you from a better one that awaits you when this is all said and done.

Peace and prayers be with you always.

Yes Whitney, perhaps now you are dancing in Heaven, with the One who loves you the most.