The Greatest Inspiration of All

This morning, I decided to share with my daughters one of the most beautiful songs ever sung to honor an amazing talent that tragically passed away yesterday. As I watched my little ones interpretive dance to “The Greatest Love of All,” I began to cry. Believe me; I was embarrassed too, and the worst part was that I couldn’t stop. While I’m sure you must think me quite silly to be torn up over the death of someone I never met, I think my emotions were stirred up by something much greater than that.

As a young girl who loved to sing, I found Whitney Houston, as did countless others, to be a true inspiration. I would even go as far as to say that musically, she was my idol. Her voice was magical to me, and her music moved me to want to be a singer just like her. Of course, no one could ever touch her talent, but a girl can dream, no? “The Greatest Love of All” became my absolute favorite song, and it was the first song I ever chose to sing in front of a large audience. I was in the sixth grade. At the time, I was being bullied by some ‘not so kind’ classmates, and in my really sad and lonely times, I found a lot of strength in the lyrics of that song. “Believe in yourself.” “Find strength within your own heart.” “Learn to love yourself. It is the greatest love of all.” Somehow, it reminded me that other people’s words and opinions didn’t really matter, as long as I could always stand by who I was and what I believed in. Trite, perhaps, but so, so true, and so powerful, especially at such an insecure and vulnerable age. I always felt like that was my song. A song to live by, and a message that got me through some uncomfortable and incredibly self-doubting moments.

So, today, as I listened to that angelic voice again, I lost myself in those rousing lyrics and I felt sadness and inspiration all at once. I looked at my girls, who were oblivious to the words of the song they were dancing to, and prayed that they too would learn to understand how important it is, and will always be, to look inside themselves to find what makes them strong and what makes them whole. No one else can give them happiness or self confidence – it’s something that lives inside of them. I thought ahead to the tough moments they may someday face too – I’m sure there are still mean girls out there who need to put others down to build themselves up, unfortunately - but with faith in their own abilities and with the fortitude to stand by their beliefs, I know they will be able to achieve anything they set their minds too.

Thank you Whitney. Your talent and contributions to the music industry will never be forgotten, and I will always remember your beautiful songs that touched my heart.

Until next time,

Chief Mom Officer

(CMO)