Most of us knew of Whitney Houston as a world-class entertainer, but we should remember that she was also a daughter, a mother, a friend and a family member to so many others. She was also a role model to millions for much of her life, and very likely a believer in Jesus Christ.

Whitney Houston’s Early Death: What Can We Learn?

There’s much speculation in the media and on the street as to the cause of her death, but what ever it was, it was still a tragedy. Her death should be a reminder to us all of the frailties of the human condition. Even the mighty are not exempt. In John 8:7, Jesus commanded us “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Since we’re all sinners, we’d do well to heed His warning and refuse to join in the speculation.

Sadly, Whitney Houston is hardly unique among celebrities in coming to an early end. Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith, James Dean, River Phoenix, Marilyn Monroe and countless other celebrities lived for far less than what anyone would consider to be a normal lifespan. What is the common thread—is it drugs and alcohol—or is it something else, something that perhaps causes the dependence on them? What is it that not even fame and fortune seem to be able to overcome?

Stars—even superstars—seem particularly vulnerable no matter how privileged their lives may seem to the rest of us. That fact should humble us all and cause us to count our blessings for being “ordinary”.