Like most people, I was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Whitney Houston. It was one of those times that you wished it were just an internet hoax (bad as that is) instead of the real deal. It was in a word, tragic.
Her voice, as was her stage presence, was pure. Soulful. Elegant. We couldn't help but feel enchanted as her soaring voice lifted us to the heavens. And lift us she did -- every time she sang, or hummed a note. Whitney didn't just "sing" a song, Whitney "sang" the song.
The beauty of greatness, is that it transcends race, class, language and geography. Greatness is a force, that once unleashed, will not be denied. When a person is able to share his/her God-given gifts, it enriches us all and makes the world that much better. Like Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson before her, the simple fact that Whitney was able to accomplish her feats of greatness on a world stage, makes her numerous accomplishments even more remarkable.
One of the reasons that I wrote: "Reaching for Greatness: A Parents' Guide to Programs and Resources to Help Their Children Succeed!" is to encourage us as parents, to always be on the lookout for opportunities to bring forth our children's potential gifts. Whitney was blessed that her extraordinary gift was noticed, nurtured and shared so that we, as listeners, were able to partake in the "greatness" that was her voice. Can you imagine the type of lullabies that she sang to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina?
Gifts and talents, like snowflakes, come in all types of configurations. Some gifts manifest themselves early. Others, take time.
Whether that talent is in singing, making us laugh until we cry, developing computer programs or whatever, all gifts need to be recognized and nurtured. Parents, and other positive role models, must stay vigilant in finding opportunities for all children to "shine brightly." Too many folks (Newt Gingrich anyone) often take a "dim view" as to what certain classes of people should expect to achieve in their lifetime. As singer, James Mtume remarked on "The Open Line," a NY radio show, "Whitney accomplished enough for five lifetimes." After all, how many people get to live long enough to be considered a legend -- while they're still alive?
Irrespective of her challenges, Whitney's remarkable achievements will continue to live on and inspire a new generation of singers. She was, and will always be, "The Voice." A timeless treasure to behold.
The beauty of greatness achieved.
Her voice, as was her stage presence, was pure. Soulful. Elegant. We couldn't help but feel enchanted as her soaring voice lifted us to the heavens. And lift us she did -- every time she sang, or hummed a note. Whitney didn't just "sing" a song, Whitney "sang" the song.
The beauty of greatness, is that it transcends race, class, language and geography. Greatness is a force, that once unleashed, will not be denied. When a person is able to share his/her God-given gifts, it enriches us all and makes the world that much better. Like Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson before her, the simple fact that Whitney was able to accomplish her feats of greatness on a world stage, makes her numerous accomplishments even more remarkable.
One of the reasons that I wrote: "Reaching for Greatness: A Parents' Guide to Programs and Resources to Help Their Children Succeed!" is to encourage us as parents, to always be on the lookout for opportunities to bring forth our children's potential gifts. Whitney was blessed that her extraordinary gift was noticed, nurtured and shared so that we, as listeners, were able to partake in the "greatness" that was her voice. Can you imagine the type of lullabies that she sang to her daughter, Bobbi Kristina?
Gifts and talents, like snowflakes, come in all types of configurations. Some gifts manifest themselves early. Others, take time.
Whether that talent is in singing, making us laugh until we cry, developing computer programs or whatever, all gifts need to be recognized and nurtured. Parents, and other positive role models, must stay vigilant in finding opportunities for all children to "shine brightly." Too many folks (Newt Gingrich anyone) often take a "dim view" as to what certain classes of people should expect to achieve in their lifetime. As singer, James Mtume remarked on "The Open Line," a NY radio show, "Whitney accomplished enough for five lifetimes." After all, how many people get to live long enough to be considered a legend -- while they're still alive?
Irrespective of her challenges, Whitney's remarkable achievements will continue to live on and inspire a new generation of singers. She was, and will always be, "The Voice." A timeless treasure to behold.
The beauty of greatness achieved.
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