Tribute to Whitney Houston (1963-2012)

http://www.whitneyhouston.com

The world was shocked this past Saturday evening with the news of the sudden death of Whitney Houston. She was a superstar and singer, second to no one.  Her gift and talent was exceptional and undeniable. So much of her music, "The Greatest Love of All", "I Will Always Love You", "I'm Every Woman", "Count On Me", her rendition of  "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1991 NFL Super Bowl two weeks into Desert Storm  and more recently, "I Look To You", were songs that touched you in a place that could only be expressed with your head "bopping to the beat", closed eyes and a smile. And how can I not mentioned her gospel songs on the soundtrack for the movie, "The Preacher's Wife"? Her version of Richard Smallwood's "I Love The Lord" is a classic.  She definitely set the standard for vocalists belonging to Generation X and beyond and lovingly many of them call her their mentor.

Over the last several years, we have all watched media reports, shows and interviews showing Whitney struggling in her personal life. However, in a recent recent message on Twitter/Facebook accompanying a posting of one of her songs (I post inspirational songs on Twitter at @womenatliberty and Women History Makers-DC, MD & VA on Saturday mornings every week), I was led to pray that God would keep Whitney. I included words of that nature in the posting. Like many of you, I wanted her to survive, to come back, overcome, and grow old gracefully. Sadly, we will never know an aged Whitney Houston.

So now as we celebrate her life and the gift that she possessed, we pray for the comfort of her daughter, mother, brother, family and friends. Also, I hope that her untimely death causes us to think about the people around us.  There are people who need and deserve our help.  Reach out in love and sincerity.  People know when you really care. You can't really help someone unless you care. If nothing else, pray earnestly for them and the people that are around them. Unfortunately, we will encounter people that mean us no good.  We must pray for discernment and courage to send those people on their way!

Her last impromptu performance with Kelly Price of "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" was so poignant for me. This simple, but powerful song that she had learned as a child in church, was a tremendous and lasting message to leave with the world as she exited the stage of life. And although the world loved Whitney for what she did and how she did it, her Maker loved her for who she was.  The real Whitney. Yes, Jesus did love Whitney.  


Whitney Houston's Last Performance, with Kelly Price--2/9/12:



"Yes, Jesus Loves Me"--Extended Version, performed "Live" by Whitney Houston:

2012 Black History Month...Celebrating and Honoring Our Past

African American History Is American History | Celebrating Black History Month!

'The 2012 theme "Black Women in American Culture and History" honors African American women and the myriad of roles they played in the shaping of our United States. The theme, chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History urges all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contribution to the nation.' For more information on Black History and special events, see http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/index.html

Stay tuned to:  Liberty Ink "Quotables" for inspiring quotes and special features.  

Leadership Tuesdays...Networking and "Nurturing Your Butterflies'

Happy New Year!! This is WOMEN AT LIBERTY and Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA's first post in 2012 and we're excited. Every Tuesday, we provide a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders.


Today, we are presenting Anita Brown-Graham, Director of the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. In a brief video interview, she talks about the importance of networking and the difference between how men and women network with Judith Dobrzynski at the Salzburg Global Seminar.

Next Kathleen Flanagan, CEO of ABT Associates, is interviewed in The New York Times' column, Corner Office, by Adam Bryant.  She tells us if you "Want To Lead? Learn To Nurture Your Butterflies". It's a great article with a lot of nuggets of wisdom.

Please check out both stories and give us your feedback:  http://womenatliberty.com/leadershiptuesdaysjan2012.html

Seasons Greetings 2012...Liberty Ink Productions

On this the inaugural year of Motivational Moments, Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA and WOMEN AT LIBERTY, thanks are extended to you for supporting our mission to develop women leaders and help women live better lives.
 
Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Nona, Liberty Ink Productions

 Join the community and stay connected!



Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA Facebook Page. Check it out for daily inspiration, information on relationships, career, empowerment, fashion,  events and more!


@womenatliberty Twitter Page



International Adoptions

Today is the last day of National Adoption Month and we are closing the month talking about international adoptions. Although celebrities like Madonna, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's international adoptions have gotten a lot of attention, the story of Bryson and Emily Vogeltanz is no less compelling.  The Vogeltanzs said that their faith was the catalyst in them choosing to adopt a daughter from Ethiopia. 

You can view their story by clicking here.  To see the other wonderful stories featured during National Adoption Month, see below or go to the WOMEN AT LIBERTY website.  

Coach Natalie Randolph, Woman History Making High School Football Coach

Woman History Maker-DC, MD, & VA this week: Natalie Randolph, Coolidge High School football coach who inspired her team to win in academics as well as football. She made history and national news in 2010 by being named the football coach of Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C. After a challenging first season, this year she led her team to the Championship Turkey Bowl with an 8-2 record. Not only that, her football team has improved their average grade point average from 2.75 to 3.0! Even though the Coolidge Colts did not win this year's Turkey Bowl, Coach Randolph has built a foundation for continued success. Check her out in action, WOMEN AT LIBERTY.


For news articles on Coach Randolph, her Coolidge High School football team, and the Turkey Bowl, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/coolidge-falls-short-in-turkey-bowl/2011/11/24/gIQAD0NNtN_story.html

Stories of Adoption...National Adoption Month 2011

November is National Adoption Month. Through out the month, we have been sharing special adoption stories via the Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA Facebook page and WOMEN AT LIBERTY website. This past March during Women's History Month, when the Women History Makers-DC, MD, & VA program was debuted, a special guest blog entitled, "Women Helping In Creating New Families", written by Dr. Sonya Ramsey, talked about two women-owned adoption agencies making a difference in their communities. Today we are happy to present adoption stories from Another Choice For Black Children of North Carolina, founded by Ruth Amerson and Adoptions Together, founded Janice Goldwater. These women are women history makers and we celebrate and applaud them for their work.

I promise you are going to love the stories of Tommy Lee and Sharon Hayes-Brown (featured on the Discovery Health Channel) and also the foster child we will call DeShaun. To view and read the stories, click here.