Lessons Of The Life of Michael Jackson

On June 25th, 2009, was a day that shocked many. It was the day Michael Jackson left this earth. It was the day that regardless of international capital, wherever you were, you heard about his passing. See, millions of us grew up on Michael Jackson, and his family. We would sing to their music. Be glued to our rabbit ear TV sets, sometimes with aluminum foil, because of our poverty. We would attempt to purchase those early Motown albums. We would tell people to turn their radio louder when the music or their songs came on. (Was I the only one?) See, Michael was born to sing and dance. He was the center of what was known as the Jackson five, the family from, Gary Indiana. Many people described the group as the African - American Beatles. He continued to grow as a singer, saavy as a business person, and famous as an icon. With new projects, he set new heights and raised standards to new levels. His songs were No.1 hits 13 times. He won 13 Grammys. The Thriller, album, is the top selling in world history, with 50 million sold. Michael was . . .

1.) A very hard worker and tireless perfomer. He pushed himself. Many say, to the extreme. Yet, he kept on.

2.) Very creative musically. He did many things that were unheard of or was not expected. Take that song, Billy Jean groove move. The Moonwalk. In that little space, of what? 3 minutes. He mesmerized 50 million fans in one night. Or take that Thriller Video clip. You know, that monster one. It set a precedant on the music video circuit. And played many times on MTV, which catered at that time, mainly to White America. So because of his creativity he opened doors of new opportunity in his career. And for those of his culture and race, as was so appropriately stated at his funeral.

3.) Broke many barriers worldwide. He became famous throughout the world. And became an international star.

4.) Left behind many good memories. He left many fond memories for people like me. Who along with our childhood, had sound track of music to go with it. I think my favorites were "I'll Be There; Rockin Robin, and Never Can Say Goodbye". No, No, No, No, No. . Wow! I loved those songs.

But yet, there seemed to be an emptiness about him. There was something missing. And could you blame him? So what are some of the things that affected his life? Well, from reading, studying and observing, his life, I'll just mention 4 things:

1. He was pushed into adulthood in an age of childhood. At a young age he saw many things a regular kid should not of seen. Instead of playing on a Big Wheel, he was in the recording studio. Instead of playing hide and go seek with neighborhood kids, he was on some stage in maybe a raunchy bar in some unfamiliar state. So he missed a great part of his child, due to a percieved dream. When he bought and established himself at Neverland, that was one of his motives, (Which I happened to visit or just pass by, on one of my past vacations)to see to it that he caught up on his past. The loss of the fun of having a childhood. Hence the question: When kids grow up too fast, where do they go from there? They go somewhere. Pain goes somewhere.

2. His group was managed by an extreme and overbearing dad. His father, by Michael's own account was very strict and abusive. According to reports, when they didn't get the songs or rythms right, they would get beaten.

3. He endured many times the pain of rejection. In spite of his huge popularity, Michael was often rejected. He was called "Big Nose", by his brothers and father.

4. He didn't develop a mentor friend. Limelite has its pros and cons. It has many results and consequences. Some say the higher you go, the less people understand you. The smaller the core of true friends around you. I could say, it can be as that in leadership. He would walk his neighborhood at night, looking for a person he could simply talk to. Many times he would be in his room and cry. He even mentioned, if he would move out of his family's enclave in Encino, Ca. He would die just from the loneliness. What a life, Heh? He stated that the only place he really felt at home was on the stage!

So why did I write about Michael on this blog, you ask? Well, he was a person who achieved status or fame, probably me and you will never reach. I'm not going to go into his reported allegations. That's not for me judge. That's why we have a legal system. Yet, he, as a musical entertainer, touched a cord with the world populace. He impacted many lives. He literally changed history and trends concerning the music industry. Many artists today, have stated that they are indebted and in music world, because Michael set the pace, and opened the door. Yes, he left many memories, on a scale someone would only dream about.

The Lessons of the Life of Michael Jackson? . . .

1. That there is a need for Love - God's love. Though many times, as an adult, because of Michael's rapidly changing face. I would cringe, and say, "Wow! What is that guy doing? (I'm being honest) Why is he of a lighter skin color? Or What's up with that nose?" or, "Man! This guy really looks abnormal." Though many times Michael repudiated judgments and criticisms of others. Yet, can a normal person look at what had become of him and say, "Hey, He's cool," or "That Dude is Normal." So it works both ways. But one thing people such as I or you (Not all), could terribly miss, is the pain and hurt of a person. That by judging the outward, we are missing the whole point of love. To love the person. To love their soul. To love the person God made. Not what their carnal desires have made of themselves. But to love the person, and look beyond the facade, make up, mascara or mask. I could say many of us are very guilty. I know I am. (God forgive me) Yet, will we continue on this path? Heh? Even the UK Press, that ruthless and arrogant machine, were used to calling him Wacko Jacko! There is a need for us to exemplify God's love on a greater scale.

2. There is a need for exampleship. For Paternal exampleship. That means dads or male figures. No I am not a male chauvenist either. Look! If Christian men. If men of God do not get it together. Then what will become of society, our families, our churches? Don't give me that stuff, that, "Well, Women are strong. They can handle the job!" Yes they can to a certain extent. But they are not men. God did not make them as that. We got to hand it to women who are the breadwinners or the only parent in their households. Yet, our boys and girls need their daddy, along with their mothers, and mommies. This is why the devil fights men so hard. So much. Because the man, plays a great vital role in the life of a family. There is no disputing that. So yes, its true! It takes the man. In Michael's case. His dad was there but was absent. So who do you think he turned to? Yep! That's right his momma. And is it any wonder, that he took a negative path to being an androgyne? (Not male or female) I was even reading that in a family huddle. If it wasn't about the music, the dad, or Joe, as his sons would affectionately or disrespectively call him, would leave the room. What about about you dad? What about you, pastor? What about you male authority company worker? If it isn't about ministry, or business, are you there? Dad, you have to be spiritually coherent. I said spiritually. Many men, think because they bring home the bacon, they have done their job in life. No! Its only part of it. What we need is for men to be men! To be men of God! To be spiritual leaders in their homes! To lead their families to the greener pastures in the word of God and prayer. To the abundance of the presence of the Lord. Once again, if you are a mother, God is with you. You keep on being that woman of God. We hold you in high esteem. But, you back up that man of God in your household. Pray for him. encourage him. Be a good wife. Ok?

3. There is a need for interaction and encouragement. Interaction and encouragement simply means being a friend. It talks of communication. It means being positive. Its as St. Francis of Assisi said, "Lord, Teach me not to be understood, but to understand." Look around, and you will find many Michael's in your own community. Interact and encourage your family today.

4. That to make a spiritual impact, it takes hard work. I do not think Michael was a saved person. He was in the past a professed JW. Yet, the guy was a hard worker. A smart guy. And if he was singing and dancing for things that, we as Christians look away from. Should we not then, as believers work as hard and even more, due to our love and faith in God? Should not we work, because our work is spiritual and impacts the eternal destiny of generations? What Up Wit Dat? We live in a time where Christians do not realize their God given spiritual gifts. (God, help me as a pastor, to train our people in God's word!) In a time where Christians are not willing to put their skills or talents into the hands of God. In a time where some think serving God, and doing the work of the ministry, is doing God a favor! Look, if the Body of Christ worldwide as a whole, would only be faithful to the Lord, His word, and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit. We would literally cause the change that the Acts talks about where the disciples turned the world upside down with the gospel. And yet, without all the modern technology such as our Blackberrys, cell phones, transportation systems or evangelistic literature. To make a spiritual impact, it takes hard work. Hard work for the Lord.

Today, in the closing of this week's blog. I'm not a happy camper. Man, I feel real bad for Michael. He probably didn't expect to die on that fateful day. And I'm sure God put people in his path to witness to him. May God bless his family, and his parents regardless. May God comfort them in their time of need.

Thanks for the memories Michael.

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