I was very sad and shocked to hear that Michael Jackson had died! My feelings on the news when I heard it, were very mixed! I suppose because I had been “taught” that anyone in the secular realm should not be celebrated, therefore why should I be feeling sad?! But, I could not help but be saddened by the short lived yet extremely influencial life of MJ! We grew up with him! His music, singing and dancing touched the world and changed the industry forever! Also, we put on a huge production in our churches, called Heartbreak Hotel, that features MJ as the staring role! My son plays the part of MJ and dances just like him…so I supposed that makes him (MJ) just a little closer to me! Either way, he was an artistic genious that touched millions of lives and he will be missed! Our hearts and prayers go out to his children and family! In the words of Michael Jackson…The man in the mirror needs to change his ways…gonna make that CHANGE! Please don’t wait until it’s too late…
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7. July 2009 at 05:49
It’s true, Pastor. He truly had an impact on our lives. Just like Elvis and The Beatles did to our parent’s generation. (And to ours to some degree.) He was truly blessed with an amazing talent. I can still remember when Thriller came out. The music industry was suffering. Still trying to redeem itself from the disco era. Most kids were more interested in Pac-Man and Donkey Kong at the time. (Actually it was Centepede for me!) MJ’s music got kids out of the arcades and back into the record stores. MTV was still new and Michael led us into the video era. Who can forget the sidewalk that lit up!?
When you try to define what our generation is about, Generation X (1965-1975) MJ plays a big role. I had a friend who thought he was too cool cuz he went out and bought the red leather jacket with 50+ zippers on it. (LOL!)
We may not know where MJ placed his faith until that final day, but I, too, pray that he had an opportunity to come to Jesus. And that his family will find strength and comfort in the Lord.
Michael, thanks for the music, the videos, the moonwalk, the ‘Wee He Hee’, ‘Shammaww’ and everything that went with it….
7. July 2009 at 16:24
I remember when Ed Sullivan 1st introduced the Jackson 5. It was a Sunday, the day our whole family got together aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. We adjusted the tv antenne and watched in awe as Michael Jackson moonwalked across the stage. Everyone wanted to dance like MJ young and old.
Yes, the Man in the Mirror HAS to make a change. I made that change for once in my life little close to 9 yrs ago. I made a decision to return to God and to a place where, for the first time, I REALLY came to know, feel, and believe in God’s influence in my life. The place, New Ark Christian Center was SO different for me. The spirit of the Lord so evident, that I didn’t know how to accept this form of worship so I returned to “life as I knew it”. In my heart there was a “knowing” that eventually I’d return to that place,renamed FBIM. Allowing God to do a work in me, I began to “change my ways”.
MJ is not to be idoled, rather, respected for his incredible talent & philanthopic heart. I will miss MJ and pray that broken hearts be healed all over the world.
So again today I ask myself: Who do you see in the mirror? When will YOU change the thing you’ve wanted to change?
8. July 2009 at 05:23
I was saddened too when I learned of MJ’s death. He was a huge part of my childhood. The songs during that era, the 8 track of Off the Wall, by far one of his best, bring me joyful memories.
One unique fact that I didn’t realize until his death, was that he inspired my Jheri curl. Remember those? The labor intensive “pungent” chemical that produced that ever so greasy curly frock, was quite awesome. Wore it well from 6th to 8th grade. It got expensive. Too much activator and moisturizer that I couldn’t afford the upkeep; fighting for the last drop with my older gheri bro was becoming an exercise in futility. If your plastic cap had a hole in it look out, hair would go from ‘def’ to ‘dessert’. Looking back it was pretty gross, but who can forget Ola Ray in that Thriller video. She had to be the envy of the entire female population, strolling down the road with her killer date (shiny heads glistening in unison). I think she was a hair model before she got that role. LOL
I have to thank MJ for the precious memories that touched all my emotions!