Fallen Stars

As I sat and watched this legendary icon, this ball of fire, this multi-faceted talent, named Melba Moore, I was in awe. Now it’s true that while I’ve often had a soft spot for Jersey bred folk, my admiration, doesn’t begin there. It began, when I saw a woman with nothing more than passion, sing and dream her way to success. Despite the high and lows of the unforgiving entertainment industry, the drug and alcohol abuse, the loss of custody from her daughter, the divorces, the love affairs, the bankruptcy, the deception and oh yes, the loss of self. Regardless of it all, Ms. Moore, still stands. And for me, this was yet, another reminder, that no matter how big or small “we think” we are, or whatever achievements we reach, the greatest victories come from our falls. In them lie, our greatest lessons and blessings. And while her path may have been full of thorns, the crowns she received throughout her career can never be erased. And just like her story, our stories, are just that good. Our actions, our deeds and the impact we have in our own lives and in the lives of others are marks and imprints of our successes, failures and courage to move on even throughout our adversities. As the critics, and the people that knew her best over the years reflected on her life, there was a tendency to compare her to some of the greatest singers and talents of our time. To them, I say, she’s in a league of her own. There will never be another Whitney, Patti, Ella or Beyonce and why would we want one? Each of them was created uniquely and wonderfully, hand crafted and chosen to “dew” what they “dew.” And they are beautiful images of God, just like you and me.