2 Peter 1:3

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by his glory and goodness.”

My friends would wonder why I bother to spend time on the late British singing artist, Amy Winehouse. (1) I knew not of her, nor her music, before her tragic death at the age of 27 (1983-2011). Let this be my tribute to her with the love of Jesus.

Amy’s brief life was alien to me before her passing. It was sad to see the tabloids unrelentingly spotlighted more, on her makeup, her tattoo, and her ” rowdy behavior,” till the “Amy Winehouse Biography” by Cyril Cordor,(2 )came out. And I like what says:“…fans and critics alike embraced her rugged charm, brash sense of humor, and distinctively soulful and jazzy vocals, Her....”

With personal endorsements and Archival shots, the Oscar-award-winning documentary ‘Amy (2015)’ (3)by Asif Kapadia, is perfect, to chronicle the “meteoric rise and terrible fall of the Grammy-winning British, Singer-Songwriter, Amy Winehouse.’I personally, like the onscreen lyrics, which are in line with most of Amy’s performance, in the film.

Apart from her unique voice, I got to know more about her and her striking talent, in writing her lyrics, at such a young age. I have never developed an appreciation for Soul or Jazz music, but I have to echo what the critics were saying that Amy was an old Soul songwriter, but trapped in a young body. Personally, her lyrics are very PG-13.

If what says that ‘every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights…(James 1:17 NIV) then it was God who gives Amy the ability to write her first song at 14 and followed by her great success in the area of her music and her wealth.

She said that her songs were her stories, then albums from “Love Is A Losing Game,” “You Know I’m No Good,” and “Tears Dry On Their Own,” were all interfacing the outcry of her emotional hunger and dryness. Her songs of ‘Rehab,’ and ‘Addicted’ revealed her addictiveness.

Christian John Wikane John, an NYC-based journalist, and music essayist also the Contributing Editor for “The PopMatters,’ had a comprehensive write-up with the title ‘Amy Winehouse – “Back to Black,”‘ (4) to expound on Amy’s music and more, and the full article is just a click away.

With her on/off relationship with her ex-husband, she wrote ‘We only said goodbye with words, I died a hundred times – you go back to her – And I go back to ….’ as lyrics for her hit song, ‘Back to Black., ” I died a hundred times…” she subconsciously was either playing with mortality or knew that she was going to die before her time.

It was grief-stricken to see the footage of when she was booed off the stage, as she was tipsy and too drunk to perform at her last concert. According to the autopsy, alcohol poisoning was the cause of her death, but we may have to ask was that what plagued her life?

Amy had mirrored a young woman who was deeply addicted to love with love, for the wrong guy. And in the meantime, when she was exposed to drugs or alcohol, then her life was a downward spiral with no way of turning back. Some people would deem that Amy shouldn’t say ‘NO’ to Rehab. People near her, and probably even herself would reckon that’s the end of it.

Therefore, it is highly possible that Amy was fully aware of her powerless state and what she wanted was not as simple as to rid of the substance, but a Spiritual Rehab. Amy needed help. Had anyone near her pointed her to Jesus? And Jesus would wipe out her tears;

Had anyone ever told her or ensured her that the Daddy God would never leave her nor forsake her, but love her for eternity? And had anyone told her that her love affair with Jesus is going to be a beautiful thing, not a losing game?

Veteran singer Tony Bennett, in an interview with theGuardian, (5) said: “Of all the contemporary artists I know, she has the most natural jazz voice, but I’m worried about her and I’m praying for her.” “She ‘d help everybody by sobering up and cleanings up her spirituality.”

It was tragic that Amy died at such young age. And 7 years ago, her hit album ‘Back to Black’ had over 200 million views on the VEVO channel, on YouTube. And few of her albums have been charted ever since her passing, and some of them have been re-charted again recently.

Amy was killing herself softly with songs she wrote. And I wonder how would her songs have any impact on those who are listening to her songs? How many out of that 200 million viewers need to hear about Jesus? Finally, no Amy would come out for curtain calls. As God put a complete stop on her deep addictive lo…longings for love in all the wrong places, probably with all the wrong guys.

Deuteronomy 31:6b ESV
…….for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. HE will not leave you or forsake you.”

Stay Tuned

Kay

25/02/2017

 I used to be a movie lover that was always being laughed at for couldn’t differentiate fantasies from realities. In the 80’s, I had lived in Los Angeles, for more than 6-year, actually, for my advanced education, and I was also deeply immersed in the US sub-culture of Hollywood, apart from my hectic schedule on campus.

Honestly, now, I am not about to say that I am not a movie goer anymore. But my priority has changed since I have become a Christian. I would still put movies as my hobbies if I were asked. I always make a point to watch movies on big screens, especially for those were nominated for the Oscar.

I like to watch the Red Carpet event, on Oscar night, for high fashions. Mostly, I want to see, how many major award winners those who are in line with predictions. In the meantime, I have a friend who is a Catholic, lives in Canada would send me do/don’t movie checklist for Christians. So it would be no fun to be a guilt-ridden movie-goer.

It is really disheartening to see the excessive of sexual scenes, violence and with so much vain use of Lord’s name. My friend, Polly shared my view and told me that she knew people are explicitly praying for Hollywood. As a result, I have been intently looking for traces of Jesus in whatever I watch. It brings warmth to my heart to hear entertainers openly acknowledge Jesus.

Take the movie ‘Jackie,’ for example, is not a documentary film on the former US first lady. Many people would probably want to see if the movie might tip-off whom, actually behind the Assassination. But the film hasn’t revealed more secrets than the world has already known.

All the critics of the film would be just Google away. And I have to say that I was mesmerised by Natalie Portman’s incredible performance; as Jackie, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Portman won her another Oscar after she received her award in the film of ‘Black Swan,’ 2010.

Personally to me, ‘Jackie’ is a God-glorifying film. And I have to say commending the production team would actually give in, and allow Jackie’s (Portman) “spiritually illuminating” dialogue with an old priest to be included in the movie. Without knowing how factual of Jackie’s spirituality, in life, but that’s a bold move in Hollywood production.

“ If God is love, why doesn’t HE stop all the horrors that we visit each other?” or “Was God in the bullets that killed Jack?” These questions are the classic, default way of thinking that bedevil both of the people with deep religious faith and pre-seekers.

I was moved by the answer that was given by an old priest (John Hurt, who died in Jan. 2017) to Jackie (Portman), in the film. He reassures her that “even in moments of unimaginable tragedy, God is still there…” And even more helpful. ’The  priest then challenges Jackie (Portman) to see that” the works of God have been revealed in her.”

I was serious as challenged in the cinema by the dialogues from a film as well listening to any truth that was brought out from the pulpit. Personally, the most thoughtful touch was the ending of the film that Jackie shared of her infatuation, over the enchanting music of the Camelot, to counter balance her grief of the tragic Assassination of her husband.

If the dialogues in the movie actually occurred in Jackie’s life, then I would think that was how my Daddy God prepared Jackie to face another tragic blow when her only son died on the plane he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near the Coast of Martha’s Vineyard, in 1999.

If not, it certainly brought the sense of victory and peace to those who have been praying for Hollywood. Unlike Mel Gilson’ s, ‘The Passion of Christ,’ the production team used the platform, which Jackie held, as the former US first lady, to be instrumental for HIS glory. Do you know there is another God-glorifying, Mel Gilson film, will be in the cinema soon?

Romans 8:39

“No power in the sky above or in the earth below–indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

p.s.

In the end, it was not Portman, but Emma Stone, of ‘LA LA Land’ took the Best Actress of the Oscar for 2017, and it gave me a good reason to go to the cinema for the film. And Emma Stone is perfect for her role. I love the movie, as what the critics were saying that “It brought tears to your eyes and a new song in your heart.”I thought that it was a movie for women, but it was on my brother-in-law’s high recommended list.

I would find time soon, to talk about another Movie, ” Churchill ”

Kay Loke

15/07/2017 modified

Stay Tuned

 

 

 

 

 

27/05/2017

 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

 ‘So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’

I was intrigued to find out that ‘Jesus Met A Woman At the Well’ is the title of an old gospel song, (1) which relates the story of Jesus met with a Samaritan woman, which occurred in the Gospel of John at 4:4-26. And how this story has mirrored ‘Addicted To Love.?

If we would write a play on this most famous Bible story and the cast of the leading roles are Jesus and the Samaritan woman. And the setting is the Jacob’s well; the scene is that Jesus alone with the woman having dialogue, while HIS disciple went to town to get food.

The long and deep-rooted dislike between the Samaritans and the Jews was the scene that’s ‘unseen.’ The screen started rolling as Jesus, being the son of man, traveled from Judea to Galilee, interlaced with what says in John 4:4 NIV that ‘now HE had to go through Samaria.’ Therefore, Jesus made a detour and went to the ‘well’ and asked for water.

The nameless Samaritan woman also went to the well. She was not only an ethnicity out cast in the eyes of the Jews, but also was a social out cast to her own people. What’s ‘unseen’ is that she was divorced 5-time; had a bumpy love life and was with her 6^th man at the time.

No matter it was by chances, or by choices, or due to all of her former husbands dealt treacherously against her, she indeed was divorced 5-time. And after gone through 5-marriage, she still had faith to be with her 6^th man, then her addictive personality to love was evident.

It says in Malachi 2:16a, ‘“I hate divorce!” says the LORD, the God of Israel.”’(1) Also having God’s curse for women, in mind that says in the book of Genesis @3:16b, it has always been a trying deed and feeling shameful a cruelty especially for the divorced women.

Gen 3:16 b

“ In pain, you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband and he shall rule over you,”- New American Standard 1977

Why Jesus wanted to be alone, at the well to meet with this scandalous divorcee? The scripture tells us that Jesus did what the One who sent HIM to do (2) that’s to do what God wills him to do.  But as the son of man, didn’t HE have concern for HIS reputation or temptation? Was that drawing water what is all about?

As the dialogue between them had evolved, evidently, it’s all about the water. And it’s to compare and contrast between the natural water that quenches the physical human thirst, and the Living Water that is for the thirsting soul.

Being all-knowing, Jesus knew all about this nameless woman but didn’t reproof her current state of life. Jesus didn’t hold a double standard, as the Son of God to the woman. HE has always been a God of compassion, HE knew that the woman needed a savior.

Exodus 34:5b-6 NIV

……”And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,”

Being all-powerful, as the giver of the Living Water, Jesus reached out to her and taught her the Divine things on high. HE further emphasizes that the Living Water is the Spirit, which would spring from within, and would no more feel thirsty again. The woman immediately said that “give it to me.”

Immediately, with a new spirit, she becomes an Evangelist to spared the good news to her people. No past sins could hinder her of acceptance of the Lord of God, Jesus. Today, the old Jacob’s well is still in the city of Nablus, in the West Bank, hypothetically the play would be a low-cost production, but it actually cost our dear Lord of God everything to send His one and only Son to come down to die for us.

And don’t we all, as women need that drop of living water to live a curse-free life? With no condemnations, and then scripture comes to me as below:

Isaiah 12:3 NIV

With Joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation

 

 1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SYxW8uCVkU

2.John 4:34 – “my food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to finish his work”

Stay Tuned

 

 

 

 

 

15/07/2017

In the midst of expounding on the late Amy Winehouse, I found what Paul Lester wrote in his contribution to theGuardian with the title of “Whitney and Amy: worlds-apart artists who wound up in the same place.’ (1)

I was a puzzled why Paul used the phrase of ‘wound up’ as the title of his article, but I have appreciated how Paul Lester insightfully compare and contrast Amy and Whitney in line of their personalities, up brings and their talents in music.

Unlike Whitney, Amy didn’t have the ‘mainstream showbiz linkage,’ but Amy wrote her own songs and lyrics to tell her stories. So Amy’s popularity was a true validation of her as the gifted Singer/Song writer.

Whereas Whitney was a Christian, with deep trace of gospel in her voice. As for Amy who had a Jewish up bring. With their ‘world-apart differences, they were both sadly wound up ‘stumbling wrecks dependent on ‘bad boys and drugs.

 15-02-2012 edit

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

 ‘To everything there is a season; A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plants, and a time to pluck what is planted;

I have never been a real fan of either artist. It was few months earlier that Amy died. And now Whitney was found dead, drowning in the hotel room. Immediately, Whitney’s candid dialogue with Oprah Winfrey(2 )in the exclusive interview (2009) came to my recollection.

My heart went to her for her emotional afflictions that she had to go through, as a public figure. I was puzzled, at first, as she helplessly devoted to her husband. And it made a lot of sense when she said that she was addicted to her love for him, and he was like drug to her.

But her testimony of ‘‘come through moment’ at the interview was up lifting and edifying. She openly professed that it was the Spirit of God that had sustained her through out, and she had humbly claimed nothing on her own efforts and strength for it.

I was then, facilitating a Monday night women’s Bible study at the church. So I shared what I heard from the interview with ladies in the class, and invited them to pray for her, only whenever they felt led to pray, and we were all in agreement that Whitney Houston needed prayer supports.

Then she died, and few days later, I watched the Anderson Cooper Live, on CNN, with few Medical Doctors on the panel; the discussion was centered on the terms of ‘Drug Death’ or ‘Pill death’ that quoted by the MDs to reveal the horrific drug abuse situation in Hollywood.

It revealed that most of the entertainers would rely on prescription drugs to ease up their pressure in their line of works or to handle their instant success that led to. It all started off with addiction, then it led to death on drug over doses.

The panel cited all the drug-related deaths such as Michael Jackson (June, 2009), Amy Winehouse (July 2011), Whitney Houston (February 2012) and definitely Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe were also mentioned.

As my daily scriptures reading from Philippians 4:10-20, I learned that even Apostle Paul had to learn to be contented by asking his dear Lord to give him the ‘spiritual muscle to endure lean times and to avoid the pitfalls of abundance’ – OurDailyBread 15/02/2012 

As the media would keen to focus on what Whitney died of? I wished to know, definitely on why she died pre-maturely? She was gifted with a unique voice in singing, she was good to look at from all angles, and she always professed her love for Jesus.

Is it because her spiritual muscle was not strong enough to save her at the end? It brought warmth to my heart to know that a private funeral service was schedule to hold in her home church where she used to sing for God, there, when she was only 11.

I am sure that it would be a God glorifying funeral service, and a good sent off for Whitney. I was led to pray with the following scripture, as God would minister to her family, especially her daughter and her fans, all over the world.

Evidently, in Whitney’s case, for whatever our dear Lord of God, Jesus, gave and HE was taken it back. We shall rejoice that Whitney has finally found her rest and her true Love that’s in the bosom of her Daddy God, and Whitney could sing her heart all out to Jesus that ‘I Would Always Love You!(3)

Romans 8:38-39

(38) For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, (39) nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 p.s.

Bobbie Kristina Brown, Whitney Houston’s daughter tragically died at 22, on July 26, 2015, was she also wound up in the same place like what her mother was at?

 Stay Tuned

 Kay

 

1. (Paul Lester for the Guardian – Last modified on Tuesday 14 February 2017 25 GMT)

2.  Oprah.com/whitney houston interview

3.  https://en.wikipedia.org/…/Grammy_Award_for_Record_of.