The Tragedy of Whitney Houston: Not Even Her Saved Friends Could Save Her
Monday, June 25, 2012 at 10:38AM 
By EEW News Editors
BeBe Winans is releasing a book titled, “The Whitney I Knew,” about his longtime friend, the late Whitney Houston. Clearly, iconic singer Houston hung out with lots of gospel artists and “saved folks” who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But sadly, though surrounded by people of faith, no one could save her.
When news hit that the I Will Always Love You singer died in the bathtub of her luxurious fourth-floor Beverly Hilton hotel room in February, just a few hours before a scheduled appearance at record executive Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party in the downstairs ballroom, millions around the world felt shocked and saddened.
As personal stories leaked out about the gifted, yet troubled vocalist’s life, it became abundantly clear that Ms. Houston had a strong circle of support from those in the faith-based community.
But their faith, nor hers, was able to set her free from the grip of drug addiction, which is sad to consider.
Pastor Kim Burrell, who was Whitney Houston’s spiritual advisor, was with the woman Oprah called “The Voice” whenever she needed a companion. “Whenever she called I was there,” Burrell said, even flying out to Germany during Houston’s last European tour.
CeCe Winans, BeBe’s sister, a strong woman of faith, was close to Houston as well. In fact, just 5 days before her demise CeCe recalls, "I called to check on her, saying, 'Hey sis, how you doing,' and she said she was great. She told me about 'Sparkle,' and thanked me for the new Bible I had just sent her, because the other one she had was worn out," Winans told the Detroit News.
“I said, 'Are you doing what it says or is it just worn out, which is it?' And she would laugh. She thanked me, and I told her I was praying for her and told her to take care of herself, and unfortunately that was my last conversation with her.”
While no one has the power to save anyone--only the power of the blood of Jesus Christ can do that--it is a great tragedy that Whitney Houston's faith-filled associations could not help conquer the demons in her soul. Philippians 2:12b certainly applies here: "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
BeBe Winans' book will be released July 31.
Reader Comments (1)
I watched BeBe Winans last night on TBN and although he explained his reasons behind writing the book (he said because he talked about the("funny, crazy Whitney") at her funeral and people were saying that they didn't know "that Whitney"...I was still surprised by the book. He made his media-rounds just as Kim Burrell did (not as many), but I would have expected HER to write the book. Maybe she planned to, and he beat her to the punch..or maybe she will still write one! I don't know. I think it's great that they were all such great friends (and I believe it was genuine), but why not just keep those memories in your heart and not profit from it. Hopefully some of the proceeds will go to a charity in her name.