One of many posts on the net of Whitney Houston’s death–There’s more to life than talent.

Between facebook and twitter, there’s been lots of postings of Houston singing the anthem at Super Bowl XXV.  There’s posts of Houston singing Dolly Parton’s song, and this last one is the reason for my post.

Whitney had extremely beautiful voice, which gave her so much potential for success in all areas of her life.  But Houston lacked a solid foundation for her life.  She got involved with a low-life, became a drug addict and alcoholic, and contributed nothing to society, except being an example of how you don’t want to live your life.

Houston’s life was so empty she tried everything she could to fill the void.  I’m sure as the weeks go by, she’ll be lifted up as one of the greatest in the music industry and an example to us all, much like Amy Winehouse, who also led a wasted life.

Hollywood and the music industry have a really weird idea of what success is.  True success can be found in people like: Dolly Parton, Marie Osmond, John Schneider, Julie Andrews, etc. 

Sticking with just those, what makes them so successful in the true meaning of success?

Dolly Parton took her music success to create Dollywood. Dollywood provides families with fun entertainment, provides jobs, and brings money into the community helping others profit from her venture.

Marie Osmond (plus her family) and John Schneider started the Children’s Miracle Network.  That says it all, especially to those who have benefited from this extraordinary program. 

Julie Andrews!  A magnificent legacy with Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music.  I’d love to know how many little kids have jumped out of trees, and off anything they could find with an umbrella and broken an arm or leg.  LOL (Thankfully, I never broke anything – except my pride.)

Her books have thrilled children all over the world, and she works to encourage children to love books. 

That’s true success.  They’ve done and do big things, and not for themselves.

It’s something to think about as people hold up those like Houston and Winehouse to be something more than they were.  They both could have been so much more.

There’s more to life than talent.