Money, fame, power and a runaway marriage: can Whitney turn it around? - Cover Story

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.