BLOG: Prioritize … Today

In watching the various broadcasts of remembrance of Whitney Houston, I was struck by the different ways various news outlets chose to title their broadcasts. The folks at CNN elected to title it the “Life and Death of Whitney Houston” and Fox News went with the secular “Funeral of Whitney Houston”, but when you switched over to BET the heading was “Memorial for Whitney Houston”. The one that struck me most deeply was TV One’s designation of the event as “The Homegoing of Whitney Houston”.

That last one captured what I know was taking place Saturday between the hours of 12 noon and 4:00 PM. Having been raised in the Baptist Church, I know what it means to attend a Homegoing Service for a loved one who has passed on. Saturday was a celebration of the life of a woman who, while troubled at times, was ultimately a child of the church.

Raised much the same way I was, with Sunday School Classes, Bible Study and Outreach Ministry activities, Whitney Houston was sent Home by her church family. It was sad to say good-bye to such a majorly talented woman, but we should all feel privileged to have been permitted to witness this private and loving celebration of her life. Houston’s family did not have to let us – the public - inside this event, but it was indeed generous and I for one am appreciative.

The songs, words, and moments of reflection were open to us all by so many cable networks. A true testament of what is important when all is said and done. Whitney was famous, but before she was that she was someone’s daughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend.

Her extended family remembered her Saturday and reminded us all that the choices we make in life have lasting impact long after we are gone. My memories of Whitney were refreshed Saturday and I am glad that whether viewers watched coverage of her Funeral, Life and Death, Memorial or Homegoing Service – we were all given an opportunity to say good-bye to Whitney Houston on Saturday. Thank you – Cissy Houston for your willingness to share your daughter with us for one final curtain call.