Michael Jackson
I want to honor Michael Jackson and the tragic yet triumphant life he lived. I plan on writing a blog about how his music helped me during dark times in my life. But for now I want to request that we all pray for his family members and his children.
It's strange but about three months ago the Lord asked me to pray for Michael Jackson and I did almost every day for a while. So yesterday was shocking. I am sure millions were praying for him so knowing the faithfulness of God to answer prayers, I have to believe he visited Michael before he died.
I don't know anything about Michael's spiritual beliefs but I do know this. Life is precious. Death can come at anytime and we need to go hug our family members and let them know they are loved. I know I did.
I also know that ultimately we have to ask ourselves, is there a God? Is there really a One and Only God and if so, are we ready to meet him? If you don't believe in God, you better be right. It's not a chance I am willing to take. Seek God with all your heart and you will find Him. Deuteronomy 4:29 That's a promise. Either you'll find him or you won't. So, what's the harm in seeking Him just be SURE? We're talking about your life here.
But I am absolutely positive without a doubt that God exists. I know His Son Jesus Christ came to reveal the True God to us. I know God loves us and has a special purpose for each one of us. I know God's Spirit is POWERFUL and I know this because I am consumed by a power that is not my own. His Spirit can cause a person to become supernatural and do and be abundantly more than any mere human. Many of the greatest leaders, generals and reformers in our history confessed the One and True God as their source.
How else do I know God is who He says He is? The fact that I am alive, breathing, full of power and making a difference is proof enough to this ex drugged out physically diseased and mentally ill woman who was absolutely hopeless and is now alive and well is proof enough for me.
People tell me there's no God and I "fixed" myself. That's completelly ridiculous. I was dead and now am alive. Period. Only a God with supernatural power could have raised me from the dead. I was hopeless. Full of despair. All I could do was barely go to the store to buy Jack Daniels to sit in the corner and numb myself until I passed out. Most of my prayers were said while I was drunk.
Ask the other ex porn stars. Ask anyone who was hopeless and dead how they became so alive. Most will attest to knowing Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit living inside of them being their source. I find it strange that most ex porn stars believe in Jesus. There are more ex drug addicts, ex porn stars, ex porn addicts, ex hookers who believe in the God of Jesus Christ than any other god.
Anyway, I want to honor Michael Jackson's life. I want to learn lessons from him. I want to continue to be inspired by him. He has always inspired me. He helped me be free to dance like a wild child. He taught me how to moonwalk. I can still do it. lol At 14 years old I won a dance contest when I danced to Beat It. He inspired me to use my gifts with passion!
He also warns me that fame, money and stress can beat you down and kill you. That God must be my source and not temporal things. I am warned. I am listening Michael.
I'm personally going to live my life with excellence and serve my family, country and God with everything I've got. Then when I face God He will say to me:
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
Shelley
Comments
Old thread, but I want to reply anyway!
I see some comments about hope that Michael found Jesus in his last days.
Michael was certainly inspired by Christ in a lot of his songs.
Listen to "will you be there" and "you are my life" maybe. The first one clearly has got lots of christian imagery in it, especially the spoken ending really gives away the love for Christ.
I think we can have at least a little hope that he was saved.
His life isn't necessarily a great example of someone who is saved, but we know he had some very christian lyrics and thus probably a lot of sympathy for Faith and he was well involved in a lot of charity and he tried to make the world a better place.
I like to have hope that he was saved and we have some things to base that hope on.
Now we just wait and see!
In any way, Michael Jackson has been and is a huge musical inspiration to me and he was certainly a light for the world in one way or the other. RIP
I have just read some of the comments about Michael Jackson and a few comments saddens me, because we sometimes do not realize when someone if for God and for the devil sometimes. Just because someone has talent does not automatically make them a child of God. The truth is that Michael is not in heaven unless he called to Jesus to save with his last breathe there is only one place he is going that is Hell. Also, you cannot blame your childhood but so long, Michael had choices and he chose fame and fortune over Jesus and unfortunately, he reaps what he sowed.
The problem today is many people are going to Hell that is in Hollywood not because God wants them to, because people do not want to deny themselves and follow Christ. We must realize as well that the Satan is making music as well and most music that comes out mainstream is not glorifying God. I know in the past before I was saved, when I used to listen to Michael’s music it did not make think of God at all or of anything remotely holy. They think is that we think that just because something sounds good that it is good but that is not the case. Also, with the Elvis he did not believe in Jesus as well, by his own statement as well and he is in Hell as we speak. The thing is Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and if do not believe in him and live holy (follow his commandments) because he is holy, there is only one place you will be.
Well Take Care everyone and please still pray for these stars family though so they may be saved.
I don't know if you are aware but Jackson grew up in a very strict religous home. I think a lot of what happened was it was all a rebellion to the strictness that he grew up with and in many ways never did have a chance to grow up.
Jackson is a tragedy anyway you look at it. Not only grew up in a strict home, but placed in a position where he tried hard for his fathers approval, but never had a chance to grow up.
I do hope and pray that somehow Jackson did reach out to Jesus.
Sarah
God does have a plan for everyone and everyone is called to be a part of ministry somewhere. All jobs in ministry are important as it is designed by God to be a servant and save lives. God gave us so much, but how much do we give Him in return?
Here's a little something that just came out today in the LA times:
It’s no secret that Michael Jackson went to his grave in search of sleep.
The pop icon's death was linked to his use of the powerful anesthetic propofol and sedatives, according to the autopsy report.
Less scrutinized, however, are the circumstances that led up to Jackson's chronic sleeplessness. Turns out that toward the end of his life, Jackson burned the midnight oil in large part because he said he was channeling God and didn’t want to affront his creator or miss out on divine inspiration by clocking off too early.
“He’d say, ‘When the phones stop ringing at night, that’s when I can have really, really great thoughts. I’m not being interrupted. I can just be one with God. And then the ideas would come to me,’” recalled Travis Payne, associate director/choreographer of “This Is It,” the sold-out series of 50 comeback concerts at London’s O2 Arena that Jackson was preparing for at the time of his death June 25. “In his mind, if he went to sleep, he would miss those ideas.”
To be sure, nearly $400 million in debt without having toured for a dozen years at the time of his comeback, there were also financial and personal pressures associated with “This Is It” (a movie made up of rehearsal footage for that tour, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” reaches theaters Wednesday for a limited two-week engagement).
As well, to hear it from the show’s director Kenny Ortega (“High School Musical,” “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Tour”), Jackson had put his all into every detail in the production -- including the levitating orb that would float from the performer’s hand and immolate over the audience, the bulldozer that would drive on-stage during “Earth Song” and the image of Africa’s Victoria Falls that Jackson wanted projected on a 90-foot high-definition video screen during another segment of the concerts.
A notorious insomniac since 1997, Jackson’s difficulty falling asleep took on crisis proportions in the final weeks leading up to the concerts – a period when it was not uncommon for the performer to wrap rehearsal as late as 1 a.m. and then call his collaborators such as Ortega or the concerts’ associate director-choreographer Travis Payne between 3:30 and 5 a.m. to brainstorm ideas for the stage show.
Such phone conversations were usually prefaced by an innocent – if rhetorical -- greeting: “You up?”
If the King of Pop was awake at that hour, his inner circle knew it was usually for one reason.
“He used the word 'channeling,' ” said Ortega. “He would say when the information was coming, when the idea was coming, it was a blessing. And he couldn't turn his back on a blessing. These were important ideas that were nurturing his work.”
Ortega continued: “I would say to him, ‘Can’t you make a little pact with your higher power to have this put on a shelf for you until a later date? We need you healthy. We need you nourished.’ He’d laugh at me and say no. ‘When they come, you have to be ready for them and you have to take advantage of them when they’re there. Or they won’t be yours.’”
Something tells me that the demon played a part in misguiding him for a while (ie. drug addiction, fame, and finances) however, I believe with this being said in the LA Times that he did pray to Our Heavenly Father and believed in Jesus. May he rest in peace and forever live on in his musical legacy.
In Christ Always,
Tammie
Pink Cross Moderator/ Team Speaking Advocate
I know I'm a bit late in posting here since I'm new to the forums. Michael Jackson's death was very hard for me to take also. I do believe 100 percent though without a doubt that he was Born Again and that we will see him one day in heaven. I don't just say that because I liked him as entertainer or for his kindness. It was interesting that even though Jermaine Jackson spoke often about allah, he said that the family was different. During the TV ceremony it really amazed me just how much the word of Jesus was mentioned. I believe that this was because Michael loved the Lord and it was in honor of him no matter what the rest of the family felt.
Michael was tormented by the public. He truly had a kindness and innocence about him that is rare to see in today's world. All I'm going to say about the child abuse charges that were brought against him is that after reading much information about it and putting aside what the media frenzy had to say, I have zero doubt that Michael Jackson NEVER did a single thing to harm any child.
These posts really touched my heart, I'm thankful to see that others feel the same way about MJ and not only see the true kindness of what he truly was but most of all that he was saved.
I completly agree with Tammie that he struggled with demons that tried to mislead him, but no doubt that he found Jesus.
God Bless,
Micah
No matter what you struggle with in life or
what spiritual blackness tries to come against us
remember this verse.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
Thank you, Micah;
That was very encouraging. I do hope that he was saved.
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
That's a hopeful message. We should hold on to that hope even though we rationally may think it's unlikely
Thank YOU Jguillory86. Someone that boldy and loudly speaks the truth for Christ.
God Bless
The very truth that ALL people need Jesus, and that NONE of us are guaranteed a free ticket to Heaven without knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior is something that so many people do not know, and the church is most definitely to blame in some extent. What extent are we as Christians to blame? In the extent that we didn't go to when we heard God tell us to minister the Gospel to those that are lost. God REQUIRES us to live HOLY lives, consecrated and sanctified unto Him, apart from the ways of this world. There is NO OTHER WAY around this! If we SAY we love Jesus with our mouths, but we still choose to act as the world acts, and do as the world does, then HOW can we expect the world to see Jesus in us, and to want what we have? The world isn't going to want what God's People have until we start LIVING what we have, and we start choosing to live lives that are holy and sanctified unto God. As Christians, we have NO reason to EVER place anyone above our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We should ALREADY know that the world is going to do what they're going to do in regards to responding in their idolatrous ways when their favorite celebrity dies. The world called Michael Jackson the "king of pop", as if that's really a title that denotes real royalty. To me, being called the "king of pop" is just as dumb as being called "good" by the world's standards. We are called to a HIGHER accountability, a HIGHER level of living than the world understands, and we as Christians cannot expect the world to understand, because the ONLY way they're going to understand is if they accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Wow, Yesterdays memorial was drawing me in so much I couldn't leave the darn house. I remember the days when I didn't have a drumset and I set up numerous cardboard boxes in order to try and learn the beat to THRILLER. Yeah, I actually stole the album from my sister. It was good. I honestly think that it's wrong for anyone to judge Michael for what he was accused of and that he faced his maker already. I'm quite sure that he was an innocent man. As the Pastor stated at the end of the memorial, The Jacksons all believe in Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.
We will always remember the great things that you did for the children and that you were always under the gun by the media. You taught me the moon walk in 8th grade. All my friends took up break dancin' and listened to Beat It.
Gee, Where's Wierd Al at now?
Ryan Millay "EX-MALE Pornstar" (AKA)Trent Roe Dedicated to "Killing Porn 1 Soul At A Time"
I especially enjoyed hearing Barry Gordy's and Brooke Shield's stories along with the musicial performances of Lionel Richie singing, "Jesus Is Love"and the ending when the performers from his This Is It tour did "We Are The World". It really made you feel for a moment..there was a global sense of unity. How beautiful. -Tam<3
his daughter's speech almost made my sister cry
Money can't buy happiness but it sure can be used as a down payment for misery. That longing for happiness can only be quenched by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything else pales in comparison to that kind of love. Success without happiness is very hollow and can definitely leave a person searching for the answer to the riddle of emptiness. Fame can and has extinguished many a flame prematurely. I pray that Michael Jackson had one last chance to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
A song that inspired me to change when I was going sober from alcohol, drugs, and left porn was Man in the Mirror. If you listen to the lyrics, you can see how much he was seeking God and wanted to change himself. Anyone living in the spotlight with substance abuse whether drugs, alcohol, emotional torment or porn can make them repent from what we really want to be... a better person:
"If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change"
-Michael Jackson, Man In The Mirror
And this all goes back to Matthew 7:4 and Luke 6:41-
"Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?"
I'm sure in his final moment, Jesus was with him. Because sometimes we need to be blinded by the darkness to see the light that's REALLY shining in front of us.
What wonderful music and lyrics. He'll always be just Another Part of Me. ;)
In Christ,
Tam<3
Tammie -- I so agree. Awesome song....awesome message!!! Most of Michael's life was spent searching. I know that for a while, he was a practicing Jehovah's witness. I pray that the accounts are true that Michael met with Andre Crouch.
If so, I am quite confident that Michael is a saved child of God, in heaven. That means that Michael is hanging out with the apostle Paul, Peter, and all of the other saints. What a cool thought!!!!
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
That just made me cry (just a little) out of joy! I believe the Lord brought him here and at that time Michael Jackson departed, it was just his time to return to where he came from.. back into the arms of the Lord. I know God fullfills all promises and gives us gifts when He delivers us into the world...and Michael Jackson was one of them. To show us like you said Beloved Branch... that with fame, money, and everything... life is STILL precious.
What wonderful news! :)
In Christ Always,
Tammie<3
Hey, everyone;
I just wanted to add something to the prayer list. Besides praying for the family and children of Michael, I have also felt burdened to pray that God uses Michael's death to really convict other young musicians who may have looked up to Michael, and that He would use this to show them that life is short, and that all the money, fame, fortune, and talent in the world doesn't matter in the end, and that all of this will eventually dissipate in light of eternity.
Pray that God uses Michael's death to really wake them up to the fact that none of this is permanent, and get them thinking about their own mortality, and that they would take this as a wake-up call to get right with Christ, if they aren't right already.
I can imagine that it is so easy to get swept away by the allure of fame and fortune, and that one can easily lose sight of eternity and what's really important in life. Pray that God uses Michael's death as a wake-up call. There are a couple of musicians in particular that I have been praying for.
I know that there are a lot of young musicians who looked up to Michael. I also know that many musicians were raised in religious homes.
Pray that Michael's death gets them thinking about God, eternity, and the fact that fame and fortune, no matter how huge, is so fleeting.
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
I'm deeply blessed at the thought of Michael having accepted the Lord before his death. Lord, may it be so! I can't help but think he thought of eternity in those loneliest moments of his life. I mean, how ironic it must have been to him to have so many millions of fans and yet, have to live in seclusion after "business hours" or to have so much fortune and not be able to buy true happiness. And, I'm sure his kids caused him to think of such things as well. Only God truly can know at this point but it is very encouraging on this end to read that he was presented with the Lord's gospel and accepted it for himself, as witnessed by Andre' Crouch and his wife.
Michael Jackson was the "King of Pop" but the Lord is "The King of Woo"! He woos losers and sinners. We can all attest to that. What a Saviour!
Andrae Crouch has stated publicly that they did NOT lead Michael in a prayer of salvation. They did pray with Michael, but NOT the sinner's prayer. Andrae posted comments on his FB, and here is a link to an article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20090702/gospel-artists-say-they-di...
Let's continue to pray for his children, family and all who are involved.
GodzPrincess
Pink Cross Forum Admin
Thanks for that link, princess. I agree -- we need to keep that family, and especially his children, in our prayers. They just lost their only parent, and it's obvious by Paris' speech that they loved their father very, very much.
I am quite hopeful that Michael died in peace. I've heard other Christians say that, for the past few months, they had felt led to pray for Michael. I don't believe that God puts these burdens on peoples' hearts in vain.
I do know that meeting with Andre Crouch had an impact on Michael, and that it really encouraged his heart. I have a feeling that he was thinking about God quite a bit over the past few weeks of his life, and who knows what might have transpired between the time he met with Andre and his passing? Perhaps he accepted the Lord during that time.
The fact that several people have told me that they felt led to pray for Michael over the past few weeks gives me a lot of hope that he did accept Jesus.
Praise the Lord!!!!
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
I didn't think MJ's death would affect me as much as it has. I have "Billie Jean" on my mp3 player, and I thought I'd be able to play it in the last few days, but I've been hesitant, because I'm afraid I might cry excessively. Anyway, I am SOOO happy to see how much love Michael Jackson is getting on this site. It's safe to say that his music has affected ALL of us (I downloaded "Beat It" yesterday and plan to download "Thriller" today). I hope and pray that he died saved and that his family will find strength and hope during this time of bereavement. What a musical legacy he has left behind!
Ernie Williamson
I too have been affected by Michael Jackson's death, more than I thought I would be. I "grew up" with him and it is always sad when one dies in these conditions. I've read all the articles and even though I hope beyond hope that he acknowledged his need for a Saviour for his sins- there is no evidence of repentance, an "about face", in his life as one who "hit rock bottom" on several occasions. After all, if he had- wouldn't we have heard about it or seen evidence of it?
Once again I am reminded that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun and God is not kidding. None of us can get to heaven by our own merits. If we could, Jesus Christ would be the biggest fool that ever lived and is a liar.
Since He is not- that means when Jesus said, "No man- not even Michael Jackson- can come to the Father but by Me." He also said, "Without repentance, (an "about face"), there can be no forgiveness of sins."
Serious words from a serious Saviour. It is simply not enough to believe in God or in Jesus because even the devil believes in God and Jesus and he certainly is not born again, repentant or heaven-bound. Salvation comes through believing God- DOING as He says. That is the physical manifestation of our salvation.
I haven't found any article where that was the case in Michael's life. Surely he would have told someone- a housekeeper or friend- because how can one who has been delivered from "rock bottom" keep that to one's self?
I know of people who have told the mailman or a stranger and their lives weren't near as disasterous as Michael's.
I'd like to think, like many, that Michael made it into Jesus' mansion, Foreverland. At this point, and from this angle, I can't see where that could be the case. I sure hope I'm dead wrong because our God Loved Michael Jackson equally as every other human on this planet but He can't make or force us to Love Him.
None of us know with 100% assurance if Michael Jackson repented or not.
I do know that many people were praying for him, which is very good news.
I'm with you, AMK -- I hope and pray that he did. Even so, we can be confident that God will judge Michael Jackson fairly and in righteousness. The rest is in the hands of God.
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
Would there be any sort of this type of support for someone who died that wasn't as famous as Michael Jackson? How about if the person was homeless, or a drug addict, or an alcoholic, or all of the above? I'm glad that you all are so empathetic about Michael Jackson's death, but he wasn't an angel. He was a VERY misguided and strange man, and the reason why is because his dad was VERY abusive towards him and his brothers when they were younger. Michael Jackson was a VERY sensitive child, which is usually the case with people that have an intense creative gift, and of course the devil messed with Michael Jackson BIG TIME through his own dad. I remember listening to Michael Jackson's music as well, but I'm not going to deify him. It's the same thing as when Elvis died, and people wouldn't stop talking about it for YEARS. We all need to remember that the talent and spirit that Michael Jackson had came from God, and that God is the One who deserves the glory for creating Michael Jackon in His image.
Shelley;
I believe that it was no coincidence that God had you praying for Michael Jackson. Here is a link that you all may be interested in:
http://www.paulanealmooney.com/michael-jackson-a-saved-christian-in-heaven-i-pray-this-mary-mary-andrae-crouch-terri-mcfaddin-solomon-report-is-true-about-michael-jackson-jesus-and-prayer-3-weeks-before-his-death/838/
Apparently, it has been reported that singer Andre Crouch met with Michael Jackson a few weeks before his death, gave Michael the gospel message, and prayed with him. This is encouraging news for all of us.
For many people, Michael's death is a tragedy....but I encourage you all to think otherwise. Everyone's soul is precious to God, and I firmly believe that God certain people at certain times because He sees into the future, and He does so for their eternal benefit. Perhaps God took Michael because He had finally come to faith, and to keep him from falling away. I'm not saying that I know the mind of Christ, but if Michael had come to Christ 3 weeks before his death, then it was God's timing. The circumstances bnehind his death were rather strange.
I was never a huge fan of Jackson's music, but there was no denying his talent. Smooth Criminal was probably my favorite. That video was amazing!!! Human Nature was also such a beautiful track.
Michael Jackson's later years were spent for the most part in seclusion, and amidst a bunch of really nasty and negative allegations. I really don't know what was behind those allegations, but right now, I'm not even thinking about those. I'm thinking about an enormously talented guy who seem to have a beautiful heart, but a lot of emotional scars and a sad family history. Yes, he was strange, but I also think that's the way most highly creative people are.....both loved, and misunderstood, for their talent. I think Michael Jackson was one of those guys.
I honestly think he just never grew up. I am still saddened at his death. I pray that he was at peace when he died, because most of his life was chaos.
Beloved Branch
Moderator
Pink Cross Forums
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Ps. 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies
I'm always sad when I hear of famous people dying who seemed to "have it all". I'm also saddened to know that they died without believing that Jesus is The Savior. Michael seemed like a tormented person by the way he wanted to change his God-given appearance and having to live such a lonely, obscure life in his private hours. One can only hope that he heard the good news of Jesus in his final days and responded to it. Fame and fortune is great but without Jesus it is nothing and nothing can stop death from calling. His death is just another reminder of our need to consider eternity. Jesus is not willing that ANY should perish without Him and that includes Michael. I believe a person has to trip over God to wind up in hell, so to speak, because He has made Himself available and can be found by those who want to find Him. Maybe Michael did in his final hours, maybe he didn't. I sure hope he did because I'm sad that anyone would die without believing that Jesus is The Messiah, Savior, Lord.
I pray that Michael Jackson did too. I'm going to the ranch Friday for the public viewing to pay respects to him and to pray he found Jesus in his last on hour on Earth. He will be missed. Not only for his music, but the contribution of love he gave to those homeless and in need, all over the world.
In Christ Always,
Tammie<3
I want to pay respect to MJ he was inspring in may ways
and his life was also sad at the same time!
I remember buying HEal THe World on Single and giving it to my mum when I was about 12 and my Grandma had just died so we listned to that Song and just sat there crying about my Grandmas death. I wish that I had kept that CD Single!! kicking myself now for throwing it out!
but his music got me through some dark times
MJ has inspired so many people!
his music was even used in the sex industry I know some of his songs are popular in strip clubs!
But MJ we will always miss you RIP!
AND I dont know how true this is I dont know how much of a reliable source it is but all I can say is its interesting but I wouldnt believe everything you read on the internet
and theres always going to be rumours flying around so we will never really know about what MJ stood for but you may be interested in this blog:
http://ilovemarymary.blogspot.com/2009/06/good-news-rip-michael-jackson....
Underoath
Moderator
Pink Cross Team Member
I want to add to my comment to say that I really don't think there is going to be another talent like Michael Jackson. Even though I didn't particularly like alot of his songs, I always admired his obvious talents and passion. No one will ever be able to dance like him. Now that his father is showing his true colors about his interest in Michael only for his money, I now can truly believe the abuses he spoke of years ago about the pressure he lived under at an early age. That would make anyone become eccentric and strange. I just hope that Michael considered Jesus in his last days and I hope he heard the gospel during those lonely years and responded to the God's soft convictions to his spirit.
I was on my way to my hair appointment down the street from the UCLA medical center when I saw the ambulance. Of course we see them rush by on the street everyday but, it wasn't until I arrived at my appointment @2:45 that I heard one of the stylist's clients say the news from her phone and then put the 2 together. I texted my sister, mother, cousins, and friends the news.
Michael Jackson was a very big influence in my family's life as I was growing up. My Father was a vinyl junkie and had every album. I remember listening to the "Off The Wall" album when I was 4 until my Dad brought home "Thriller". In 1985, I was 6 years old and remember every kid in school had a jacket, loafers, and a glove. We all practiced moonwalking on the playground during recess. I also remember "Hands Across America". My Father went with friends to be a part of it as my sister and I did at school as we all stood up and joined hands for those starving in Africa while singing "We Are The World" (I still have the 7 inch pressing of those 2 songs).
For Christmas, my uncle Gary gave my 2 cousins and my sister and I Michael Jackson dolls and color forms (I have the pictures of me smiling holding my doll hehe). Then I remember hearing ambulances then when he was making the Pepsi commercial a block from my house @MGM studios (now Sony Studio lot) and seeing on the news that they rushed him to Brotman Hospital because his hair caught fire during the production.
As I grew up, my sister and I went to a performing arts day camp from kindergarten until 8th grade called Four Winds. It was predominantly black but we didn't care because my sister and I were raised not to see color but to see people for who they are. We had a counselor that was also an actress on the side that taught classes from singing to dancing. She knew everyone from the TV show "Different Strokes" (they sometimes made audience cameos at our plays and were very nice) and taught us how to dance using the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson's music. My sister and I loved learning the dance steps to "I Want You Back" that we made sure Mom signed us up for every one of her classes to be the best dancers, actors, and singers.
I remember being 9 years old and having to practice the Thriller dance moves since I chose to choreograph for Halloween the whole exact dance and doing make up, picking the right costumes from old stuff I could find in my parent's closet to win a talent show the camp had every summer. When I was 11 years old, we started performing plays and I remember playing a munchkin and the wicked witch in the musicial "The Wiz". My sis and I even remember watching the cartoon "The Jackson 5" as they reaired the show when we were kids.
I remember when the album "Bad" came out and every kid wore the L.A Gear Michael Jackson shoes with all the buckles and laces, including me. "Moonwalker" not only became a favorite movie but also video game on Sega Genesis.
Later on when I was in High School after passing my freshman year, my Mother always made me take summer school to advance in school and to keep me out of trouble. I had to take Science and hated it until I noticed a familiar face from the movie "Moonwalker" from a boy who sat next to me in class. It was Brandon Quintin Adams, the boy who played a young 'Baby Bad' boy Michael Jackson in Moonwalker. As we became friends, I had to ask him about Michael's child sexual abuse accusations and if he ever came off that way to him. His exact words were, "Never! Michael was WAY cool and a very generous and kind person. He would never do that. Those parents just wanted money."
Even after his death, the kid Jordan Chandler just recently admitted to the news that he lied about Michael sexually abusing him because his Father didn't approve of their friendship.
Michael's music inspired me to always look at myself before I could think of judging, to give when you have nothing, and to love everyone as an equal. Michael was a humble and genuinely loving person. I read somewhere in the L.A. Times from one of the comments from a man who was once homeless and lived temporarily at the Los Angeles Mission, Michael Jackson came publicly unannounced to come visit them at night to talk to them and inspire them. When he was awarded for anything, he always thanked God for his work because without Him, none of it was possible.
Reading his biography, Michael grew up as a Jehovah's Witness and converted to being a Muslim a year before his death. You can hear him talk about God in the song, "I'll Be There" when he was with the Jackson 5:
"You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, I'll be there
I'll reach out my hand to you, I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there"
This song inspired me to believe in God when I was young and when I was saved, it came back into my life as a song that still inspires my love for Him. I began to cry in my car when I heard it on the radio later that evening the day Michael passed.
I don't want to remember him for his faults, but for what he gave to the world as a "genuinely loving, giving, and great selfless person." He inspired every musician from all walks of life, race, and music. As I posted on my facebook when I heard the news, "Legends never die, so may he live forever in our hearts."
Thank you Michael for everything. Your legacy and generous efforts will continue to inspire the world... to be a better place.
Heavenly Father, please take care of him as you do for me and thank you for giving him the gift of life, love, and music. Because with you, nothing is impossible!
In Christ Always,
Tammie<3
" In 1985, I was 6 years old and remember every kid in school had a jacket, loafers, and a glove. We all practiced moonwalking on the playground during recess"
I can see it now teachers talking about get back to class LOL stop with all that moon walking LOL . You had me laughing at that one.
After reading theese posts, I am ashameed that I was not that long ago telling all of thos bad jokes about Michael Jackson, but now I am ashamed of that. I had a viscious rumour spread about me in highschool that I am still quite hesitant to mention. It could have been believable at that time, considering my own issues then, and a school filled with immature high schoolers. It is still a rumour that had caused me to have second thoughts about going to any of my high school reunions, but thankfully, no one seems to remember anything... I think I would have to say that anyone who has ever been influenced and changed through Michael Jackson's music, or have actually known him personally would not believe such things, only those who don't and wish to make money off of his jokes. This is a cruel world, but thankfully we at least have Jesus.
Allen
We all miss michael. Now we need to pray for the mays family billy mays the oxy-clean guy died this morning
Yes let's pray for all the entertainers who have died recently. Between mainstream entertainment and the porn industry, about 8 people have died in the last two months. It's astounding. Lord, please save all of these precious people and translate them into your Kingdom!
Farrah Fawcett the epitome of 70's beauty has lost her long battle with anal cancer. Please pray for the surviving family members.