Common Good Radio

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Whitney Houston sings again posted on September 2, 2009

Lot’s of press and hoopla-la over the new Whitney Houston CD, I Look To You.
This is not a review of the project - just a look at what press can do to spin ideas around in our heads as we reject or support media’s offering.

I wonder what you think of the singer’s voice?  I have enjoyed her music since the mid-80’s and was sad that her life seemed to hurt her.  There is press on her upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey where she talks about drug addiction, divorce, motherhood etc., and I wonder if that matters to you in the enjoyment of her music?

I do not know her personally and have never met her family.  I do know many folks who have struggled and suffered with divorce in their families.  I do not understand what it is like to be in possession of millions of dollars and the weight of what that is, get a big, public divorce and find ways to cope, raise a child and live a life in this context.  Ms. Houston says her faith and the love and support of her family brings her to her music and fans, once again.  I wonder how much we need to know about her life, in order to enjoy her gift of song interpretation?  The lines become blurry - because the partial stories of folks who trade privacy for public celebrity and use that to sell product, become commonplace in our media culture.

And so I witness how tied we are to the artists who bring us the music that helps express our love, fear, concern, sorrow, faith and joy.  I can have compassionate appreciation for any person who brings excellence in art, especially music - but how much do you want to know on the surface of the backstory?  Can they just bring the art or do we crave this other stuff about the private life of an artist?  And, what does that stuff you learn about an artist, mean to you?

In our Faith Parenting podcast this week, Rev. Dr. Roland Martinson talks about his mother and how important she was in shaping his view of the world and the faith he was called to live into.  Is this a reality of your parenting?  In the press on Ms. Houston’s release, her daughter and mother play a role in this new CD release that this love of God and family saved her life. 
Are you loving today in a way that will save a life, someday?
blessings for the common good,
Pastor Robin

+ Add your comment below “Whitney Houston sings again” was posted by Pastor Robin

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