Can Whitney Turn It Around?

She was America's sweetheart, the talented, barely-out-of-her-teens woman-child with the incredibly luscious voice. Whitney Houston's 1985 debut sold more than 22 million records, and for the next decade she captured and held the ears and hearts of America and the world. Helping her become one of the most successful artists in pop music history were the fact that she had beauty, was photogenic and appeared poised and sophisticated in public.

To date she has sold more than 170 million records and earned an armload of Grammys and other awards. In addition, Houston has starred in several blockbuster movies, including Waiting to Exhale and The Bodyguard. Thanks to Whitney's incredible vocals, The Bodyguard soundtrack is the most successful movie score of all time.

Despite the fame, accolades and awards, Whitney has experienced some turbulent times. In recent years, her personal problems have made more headlines and lead television news stories than her career moves. During her 10-year marriage to singer Bobby Brown, her husband's legal problems, their marital problems and unusual public behavior have become commonplace. On a national television program, both she and Brown admitted drug use. In December, police in Georgia responded to a disturbance call at the couple's Atlanta-area home. Houston had called 911 -- and that resulted in the latest of at least a dozen incidents for which Brown has appeared in court.

Everyone, it seems, has some advice for Houston. We hear it on our jobs, talk shows, the radio, over breakfast and dinner, on the bus, in the clubs and even at church. EBONY has asked people from diverse backgrounds what they would like to say to Whitney Houston. We offer feedback from a relationship counselor, religious leaders, music industry veterans and ardent fans, all who offer love and advice and encouragement to the diva as they respond to the question: Can Whitney Turn It Around?


Bishop EDDIE L. LONG;
Pastor, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta

I'VE met both Whitney and Bobby. They are very gifted, very talented, very family-oriented, and they love the Lord. I know that for a fact. Both of them have great charisma. I know there is a great amount that they can contribute and still have left to give. There is still so much life there. So, if there is a problem, I think the best approach is, No. 1, to face it, to say, "Let's fix this, let's move forward."

Then, No. 2, they should take a moment and focus everything they have -- all their attention, all of their efforts -- and find some very competent people to help them walk through this process. I think the best thing right now -- emotionally and spiritually -- is to be able to slow down for a moment and withdraw.

Sometimes our problems are magnified -- especially for those who are in public life -- so many people who are offering various opinions. Just take a break, just stop.

A lot of people still love and respect them. I do. And I think there are more people out there who really want to see both of them stay on top. I believe they can do it. They can probably come back out and recreate themselves without everyone constantly asking the same old questions and looking at their situation with tainted views. I really think that we all should just be in prayer for them, lift them up and not be so quick to judge and put down. We must recognize again that there is a great price that people in public life pay because all of their business can be put out on the street, and a lot of times, a lot of the stuff that is put out is not really what's going on. So we must not prejudge and condemn. We should be prayerful and encouraging.

With our support, spiritual help, and in quiet reflection with God, Whitney can find the strength and determination to move forward.


VESTA WILLIAMS;
Recording Artist, Los Angeles

CAN Whitney turn it around? Absolutely! Through CHRIST all things are possible! I'm not talking about something I've heard; I'm speaking from personal experience. The Lord has brought me a mighty long way, and I know that no matter what Whitney is going through, the Lord will make a way for her somehow.

When I think of Whitney, I always smile because all my interactions with her have been positive. The last time I saw her she greeted me with a warm hug and brilliant smile, and then broke into a rendition of a theme song for a television sitcom that I recorded, telling me that she knew it was me, my voice! That's the Whitney I know: An uplifting, bright spirit who would take time to remind another artist that she is listening to and enjoying her work, not the difficult, aloof, problem-ridden diva-with-attitude that the media portrays.

None of us has walked in Whitney's shoes, and only she knows what is real and what is fabricated. But let's not get twisted. Whitney is a child of God, and there are no limitations associated with God. I see the strength and tenacity in her, and I expect some powerful changes to occur in her life. I believe that the process of turning it around is already in progress. I sincerely hope that Whitney knows how many millions of us are praying for her and sending positive energy.

I know that prayer changes things, because I'm not the girl I used to be, and I'm sure that my friends and family all have sore knees and lower back pain from praying for me during my self-destructive years. GOD answered all of our prayers and saved me. And that is why I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the Lord can turn it around for WHITNEY.


JOYCE HAMILTON BERRY, Ph.D.;
Psychologist who specializes in relationship issues, Washington, D.C., and Columbia, Md.

FROM media reports, it appears that Whitney Houston has problems with substance abuse and spousal abuse. This indicates a need for treatment that could result in her gaining insight and control over her life.

In relation to the spousal abuse, her summoning the police was a healthy and courageous move. Healthy, because spousal abuse is a legal matter and her call was an indication of a desire to control the behavior. Courageous, because it meant exposing her marital problems to the public. Later withdrawing the charges was an unhealthy move, but characteristic behavior of victims of spousal abuse. Victims of spousal abuse frequently withdraw charges because of fear of reprisal from their mates, perceptions of personal inadequacy, guilt or embarrassment. One would hardly expect Whitney to have any of these fears because she is a talented, accomplished and self-supporting vocalist and actor, but apparently she is not aware of her personal assets and strengths.

The substance abuse also indicates that there are underlying psychological problems that it would be wise for her to address. Substance abuse is usually symptomatic of a mood disorder and the drugs are a form of self-medication to alleviate the pain and distress.

Whitney, people do no more to you than you allow them to do! And if you allow someone to disrespect and devalue you, the behavior will continue and will escalate. Based on media reports, it appears that you have allowed Bobby to disrespect you, your daughter and your marriage, and until you establish and maintain limits, his behavior will continue. Psychotherapy would assist you in understanding your behavior, why you abuse drugs, why you tolerate physical abuse and disrespect, and how you can turn things around. When you respect yourself, in other words, when you love yourself, you do not allow another person to mistreat or disrespect you. You cannot change Bobby, but you can change yourself, and maybe those changes would influence Bobby to change his behavior.

Whitney, you were a fairy godmother on television, but in real life there is no fairy godmother to rescue you! You must be your own fairy godmother and thereby protect yourself and provide a positive role model for your daughter and for your fans.


MICHAEL ERIC DYSON;
Avalon Foundation Professor in the Humanities, University of Pennsylvania, and author of The Michael Eric Dyson Reader and the best-selling Why I Love Black Women

LET it be clear from start to finish: I love Whitney Houston. I love the fact that behind that veneer of all-American girl-next-door is the raging fire of a home-girl. I love the fact that she's steeped in the gospel but familiar with the gutter. She's now primed to tell an even more powerful story about the saving love of God.

Whitney's musical pedigree is beyond question. She is a singer of breathtaking gifts who has redefined American music. As Anita Baker once said, "Whitney is our Barbra Streisand." That's why we can't give up on her, or throw her to media wolves or let her stew in vicious gossip. After all, the harsh realities she's facing are punishment enough. But that doesn't mean we overlook her trials, deny her troubles or remain mum about her tribulations. She's admitted to having drug problems. And her marital blues are painfully transparent. What to do? Three things (I am, after all, a Baptist preacher!).

First, go to serious rehab. Even though stress can lead you to cocaine, there are physical properties of the drug that keep you enslaved. It's not simply a moral problem; it's often a chemical and physiological one as well. A rehab center can remove you from the environment that taxes and seduces you. Plus, it can cut you off from your supply.

Second, get some psychological therapy. A lot of Black folk, especially Christians, say, "All I need is Jesus!" Well, you surely need Jesus -- who, if you pray to him, will often send you to therapy! Not going to therapy because you're a Christian is like being nearsighted and not wearing glasses because you're a believer. See my point? But if you use the sense God gave you -- and the resources, too, like therapy -- then you'll do yourself and Jesus a favor.

Finally, you and Bobby -- who I love as well -- are surely co-dependent. So, take a year off and sit with a couples counselor who can give you both the skills to learn a healthier identity as a duo, not to feed each other's self-destructive behavior, or that you may be better separated than together -- for a season or for good. The key is to have an open mind and humble heart. And visit with an older couple who've weathered storms and can now share wisdom.

Whatever you do, I'm praying for you and rooting for your success.


THE REV. JAMES MEEKS;
Pastor, Salem Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois State Senator

OUR accomplishments in life do not exempt us from having personal problems. All of us are human and all of us are flawed. We all have problems. Some of our personal problems, unfortunately, spill out into our professional lives.

Therefore, what an individual in Whitney Houston's situation must do is very simple. First, find somebody she loves and trusts and in whom she can confide. Problems are too difficult to go it alone. The second thing is that because she grew up in the church, she has to find somebody who can help her reconnect with her spiritual roots. Somebody who can help lead her back to God and a clear understanding of His love for her. God always welcomes us back. God loves her regardless of how her fans or the media feel or what personal problems may be in her life. It is the love of God that causes you to be able to accept your mistakes and love yourself. You have to love yourself enough to start improving and working on yourself so that you can be your best self. Whitney should take that love that God has for her and turn it into love for herself. Love for self helps us improve any faults or any errors that we have.

If we start a letter-writing campaign and Whitney received 10,000 letters from people around the country saying "I'm praying for you and your relationship with God will be strengthened," that spiritual support alone might be the thing that would help her to seek the only one that I believe can help her. I think the best thing people can do for Whitney is to encourage her to seek spiritual advice to strengthen her spiritual life.


KIRK WHALUM;
Warner Bros. recording artist Nashville, Tenn.

IF Whitney can't turn it around, then you and I and a whole bunch of folks are in trouble! I worked with Whitney for more than 10 years, and I love her dearly. Absolutely, Whitney can and will turn it around. But that's not the question. Here are the questions. Number 1: Is there anyone out there praying for Whitney to turn it around? Rather than quote Dr. Phil here, a more popular choice, I'll quote the prophet Jeremiah: "For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity." Number 2: Is Whitney (am I, are you?) willing to put everything on the altar -- pride, fame, fortune, relationships -- in order to be whole again?


PAMELA WASHINGTON;
Work-from-home mother of two Asheville, N.C.

WHITNEY Houston has a God-given, gifted voice. She has entertained and blessed us with her phenomenal talent. As a Christian mother close to her age (who believes in the power of prayer), I can't help but feel a need to reach out to her and pray for her and her family. It is so easy to look at someone with her talent and beauty and question why she would throw such blessings to the wind. One may also speculate what he or she would do in Whitney's situation. Yet, unless you've walked a mile in her shoes, you can't know her struggles. Having worked in the music industry, I personally know of the tenacity and fortitude it takes to succeed in the music industry and to overcome the stresses that come with it. Whitney's success is a testimony to her strength, and hopefully she will use that same strength to work her way through her personal problems. Whitney, this in no way will be an easy journey, and you will need to surround yourself with people who love you and who will tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. Whitney, please understand that now that you are a mother, it's not all about you. Your daughter is watching you and learning how to handle life . . . based on how you as a mother handle yourself. Your daughter, more than your fans, family or your weaknesses, should be your motivation.


VICTOR WILBURN, Ph.D.;
Assistant Professor, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Akron

I am one of the millions of people who have grown to appreciate and love the artistic talents of Whitney Houston. Many people have grown to care about the person behind her art. I personally have become increasingly aware and concerned about the publicly noted challenges of drugs and domestic abuse that Whitney has experienced. However, I believe she can turn it around.

Whitney must look to her inner self and build on her tradition of success. Deeply rooted in the challenges of our life experiences are themes to success and recipes to self-actualization. I offer words of encouragement because I believe in you, Sister Whitney, and success stories like yours should never end or be undermined by the challenges of drugs and violence. The solution lies within yourself. Let no one tell you otherwise.