JUDGE NOT!

In the wake of hearing of Whitney Houston’s death, it makes me reflect on what a significant impact Whitney had on my life growing up as a young lady. I grew up listening to MJ who himself was a great music icon; if not the greatest. However strangely enough, for some reason, it seems the announcement of Whitney’s death impacted me more.  Maybe it’s because I felt like I lost a family member. Whitney, or as I called her affectingly, “Whit”, made me feel there was a connection between she and I in her music. She sang with so much passion and fervor, I could feel it. I remember growing up pretending my back porch was a stage and the trees were my audience as I sang, “The Greatest Love of All”; which is one of my favorite songs by Whitney. I am nowhere comparable to Whitney Houston, but I sure tried my hardest to sing like her. I loved and admired her. Whitney Houston, a musical legend; I will truly miss her. 

As I read some of the posting on the social networks, I am a little perturbed, to say the least, by some of the comments made. There are many who are showing love and celebrate Whitney’s life. However, there are some who are very judgmental and are saying a lot of negative things. Some are just full of hatred and contempt. Regardless of the life Whitney lived, we DO NOT have any right to judge a person’s life. Unless we have walked one mile in that person’s shoes, we should keep our mouths closed! The bible says in Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV): 

Do not judge or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 

God is the only one that is omniscient and ultimately knows every detail of our lives. What we see on TV, hear on radio, or even hear from someone else is not 100% truth. We should be more concern about being better stewards of our own lives instead of throwing stones at someone else’s. For when our time arrives, we too will have to give an account for the life we lived. Therefore, leave judging the world up to God who has all details to judge rightly and justly. Instead let us use our mouths to express the love God has given us freely. 

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 

I loved Whitney. I thought she was a beautiful poised woman who could ‘saannng’ anyone under the table. I celebrate her life and her contribution not only to me, but also to countless others whom she touched with her presence and her eloquent voice. God only knows, but my belief is that she fulfilled the plan God had for her life.  

Whitney, my hope is that you are resting in the arms of the Father and that you are singing, “I Love the Lord” to the Lord Himself. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10