Thursday, September 17, 2009

WHITNEY HOUSTON REALLY LOVES JESUS, AS SHE TOLD OPRAH AND ME...

Watching Whitney on Oprah this week...was a testament to her faith and trust in Our Lord. You see, Whitney really does love Jesus, with her whole being. I did not learn this only from watching her on Oprah...but from meeting Whitney in person and talking about Jesus for 20 minutes.

In 2001, we happened to both be on a Disney Cruise...and on one early afternoon, after winning "Disney Bingo", I collected my prizes and was sitting in the lounge sipping on a Bahama Mama, courtesy of Disney. As I gazed out the window and daydreamed, not realizing, suddenly behind me...where a hundred or so people once stood...was no one. I heard a voice say, "Excuse me, is that a Newport cigarette? Could I please have one"? I slowly turned around in my swivel chair and standing next to me was the beautiful Whitney Houston and husband Bobby Brown. At that moment...I was in shock and quickly looked around the room. It was empty, except for Whitney, Bobby, two security guards and myself.

I said, "Are you two, who I think you are, you know what I mean"? She smiled and said, "Yes". I knew it was her, one of my favorite recording artists in the world...and looking down at her finger, was the same huge, beautiful engagement ring seen on her CD. Around her neck hung low, was an amazing cross...

Seeing that beautiful cross on Whitney, easily allowed me to bring up Jesus and let her know...what a special person she was and that her voice was a gift from the LORD. I said , "He uses you to reach others" and I had a concrete example.

In the year 2000, I was the President of a small Westchester, NY radio station and produced a program entitled "Seeking God Together". I needed a theme song for the show and I prayed about it. Both the Host, Patricia Ditrio and I, came up with the same song. It was entitled, "I Believe In You And Me" and we played it as an introduction to the program. I thought this is the perfect time to ask Whitney...did she mind me using her song? It also illustrated how God uses Whitney's voice and song to reach others in HIS work. Feeling happy and in shock talking with Whitney, I could not remember the name of the song. So I sang it...yes, that is correct...I sang to Whitney Houston. I said, "Do you recognize the song"? She laughed and said, "Bobby, isn't Kathleen so funny, of course I recognize the song, it's mine and I sang it".

We all laughed. But for 20 minutes, we talked about how Jesus is both our best friend and Saviour. She had incredible faith. She loved Jesus and was completely devoted to HIM. In between our talk, I managed to get three kisses and hugs...because later on...I might have thought, "Gosh, I never got a hug or kiss".

Regardless of what Whitney was going through at the time, her love of Jesus was evident and her commitment to HIM. I knew that Jesus would carry her through anything. Whitney was so down to earth, loving and sweet. She is one of God's angels... in her heart and voice. I kept Whitney in my prayers always...because she loved Jesus so much...and she was one of the nicest people that I had ever met...so humble and unassuming.

I am proud of you Whitney and I love you!
Warmest regards to you my friend...
Love,
Kathleen Frangeskos

16 comments:

Mikes Sumondong said...

Wow! I'm sure that was a great experience you had there. I'm blessed to know she knows Jesus. Only few celebrities do.

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Hi Mikes,
Yes, Whitney definitely knows Jesus and loves HIM dearly!
She and I have a lot in common...in that regards.

Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely

Tracy said...

It'a awesome when celebrities have faith and show it by their lifestyle. Their influence can be great for the kingdom

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Hi Tracy,
Thanks for commenting...
it is wonderful when people in the public eye...use their platform for God's goodness...
Whitney was brave enough to share with us her struggles and also how her faith in God...got her through it all.

I hope you visit again soon.
Sincerely

Agent Getaway said...

I love Whitney! I use to blast her vinyl record and pretend I was her as a kid! =) And you are right, her faith in God comes through her being.

I did meet bobby brown in a hotel in LA maybe for years ago. He was drunk, carrying more alcohol accompanied by other women. They were trying to convince us to join their party in their room...No thanks! I just kept thinking, where's Whitney?

Look at her now! She's amazing!

altonwoods said...

So Cool! One of my favorite songs of hers is off of The Preachers Wife soundtrack "I love the Lord" She has a gospel chorus behind her...As for Oprah,she's come out as saying that she doesn't believe that Jesus is the only path to salvation and is involved with (IMHO)some very shady stuff! bless you sister! Jeff

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Dear Millie,
Whitney is amazing to have battled all that she has...and be here, healthy and happy.

Her love of God comes right through her...followed by her trust and faith. She is a beautiful witness to God.

Thanks for sharing.
Best regards

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for stopping by and reading my Post regarding Whitney and her faith...

Whitney is totally devoted to Jesus...as I experienced first hand. I will try and add that track to my blog..."I Love The Lord", just for you.

Regarding Oprah and her personal religious views...I am not knowledgeable...therefore I cannot comment.

Please visit again soon.
All the best to you.

Bay Martin said...

Hi Sis, my apology for returning to you only now. I appreciate the shout you left on my profile.

A BIG, BIG, BIG AMEN to all your entries. They are so heartwarming. Who can withstand the power of prayers and faith in God.

Whitney is one of my fav divas, and I pray that she stays clean now in Jesus Name!

Lori Laws said...

Thanks for your sweet comment about my book. I hope you write one soon! You met Whitney Houston. You both talked about our Savior. How awesome is that? Great post. I didn't know she was so devoted to God. What a nice surprise! She has a great platform to show the love and saving grace of our Lord. I always loved Whitney and it's great to know she's my sister in Christ.

Keep on spreading Jesus' love! Blessings to you!

S. Ethridge said...

After hearing of Whitney passing on from this life, I started searching to see if she believed in and trusted in Jesus. I was so happy to see this. Thank you for having that conversation with her. Good to know that she really does love Jesus!!!

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Dear S. Ethridge,
Thank you for writing....yes, Whitney was very devoted to Jesus! HE was her best friend. She loves HIM dearly. I have peace in my heart knowing that she will be with Jesus in Heaven. HE will comfort her and give her peace and love.
I pray now for her daughter, Bobbi Kristina and her family.
I hope you visit again soon.
Warmest regards,
Kathleen

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this. Also happy to hear she loved The Lord Jesus Christ.
I saw that her last performance was "Jesus loves me", just last night Feb. 10th so I hope she is with the Lord.
I will also look for her Gospel Album.
I read that her mom Cissy brought her up in the church & she was in the choir.
I am not one to judge other, been troughs lots of mistakes, but have no doubt about the love of Jesus & him being the savior.
GOD Bless
Michael

J A. Medina said...

Wishing Whitney Houston's family peace, and comfort at a sad time like this. At least she will not have to deal with the worries of this world. Thank God for grace, he allows us to make mistakes in our lives and takes us back through simple repentance. I'm sure she'll be in heaven.

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

Dear Anonymous,
Yes, Whitney was very devoted to Jesus and close to HIM. HE is her rock and will continue to care for her now in Heaven.
She was a beautiful person...
Thanks for sharing,
Kathleen

Kathleen Frangeskos said...

To J.A. Medina,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and yes, I too am praying for her family during this difficult time.
Losing a Mother is heartbreaking and I pray little Bobbi Kristina will feel her Mother's love from Heaven.
May God give HIS love and strength to the whole Houston family now and forever...
Love,
Kathleen