A signature song of pop diva Whitney Houston, a song which every aspiring diva mimics in all corners of the world, is timeless as it is ageless, a common thread that binds all those who believe in the power of love.
Whitney Houston’s unique voice touched all those hearts who long for true love, and associates this song with such longing to love and be loved. But she herself did not find the “greatest love of all” which is to learn to “love yourself”.
For Christians, the human body is like a temple, and thus, it should be treated with respect and care because inherent in its physical being is the spiritual being.
Thus, if one abuses one’s own body, it is as if one is repudiating his own spirituality.
In spite of all the awards and accolades, Whitney went to the dark side, using hard drugs to escape from her own demons, very much like the path Michael Jackson took.
It is said that their on-stage persona was very difficult to balance with their own inner self. Really hard to comprehend considering the wealth and depth of their musical influence.
It is sad but true that “love” is not just an emotion but as Madonna opined: “Love comes with a conscious choice to compromise and sacrifice, and if you are not ready to do that, then stay away from love!”
There are many kinds of love: for a spouse, a child, a friend, a vocation, a profession, and so on, but first, you have to make compromises and sacrifices to yourself before you can give love to others.
That is the lesson from Whitney Houston: she did not live the lyrics of her own songs, which speak of personal strengths and faith in overcoming all forms of adversity.
The recent earthquakes jolted many into the realization, as to what is the most important meaning of life. It taught us who are important in our lives, and that in order to live a full and purposeful life, we need to heed the greatest commandments: “Love God above all, and love your neighbor as you love yourself!”
It is basic that you cannot give what you do not have, and loving yourself is a precondition before you can love another person.
So, be kind to yourself today.
