“WHAT INTERESTS ME MOST ABOUT LIFE IS LEARNING, FINDING OUT NEW THINGS, EXPLORING NEW WORLDS.”
Michael Jackson Ebony Interview 1988
When asked what he knew for sure…”OH, BOY, I’M STILL LEARNING. I MEAN, LIFE IS AN EDUCATION FOR ME. I CAN’T SAY THAT I KNOW ANYTHING FOR SURE. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT.” Michael Jackson Oprah Interview 1992
DEAR FRIENDS, It will come as no surprise to you that each day finds me with thoughts of Michael Jackson. I awaken smiling as I think of his life here on earth and its multilayered significance. It is a life that holds me with its vastness. It is a life that has relevance increasing in its affect around the globe. Those who didn’t understand it when Michael danced the planet, are taking the time to become educated toward a clearer understanding now. There is no doubt that Michael’s artistry lives on and stretches his toes and fingers into contemporary art, for we know that Michael was on the cutting edge always, breaking new ground, imagining the impossible. Many paint Michael’s life as tragic. I am not one of those. I have been privileged to see and learn about a LIFE WELL-LIVED. Michael spoke of most of his dreams coming true in an Australian interview in 1987. Artistically, his achievements are unparalleled. Personally, he created Neverland in the world…a place where nothing is impossible. He didn’t believe in the impossible. He set unattainable goals for the planet and then made them attainable. His ability to bring masses of people together for the world’s healing follows him years after his passing. He often said he was a joyful, happy person. He knew how to play and he was a gifted giggler. Tragedy visits every human being. It certainly was a frequent caller in Michael’s life. Its power never overtook the passion for living and loving that was so deep in his soul. To be sure, he was human
and walked through fire screaming out, “WHY?” Michael’s talents brought hundreds of millions of people to him. His tragedies keep people close. The aftermath of accusations and media-myth persistence keeps people even closer.
My goal for the articles I have written has been and is to PAY MICHAEL FORWARD. As with Michael’s life, creatively and personally, this goal is multilayered. It envelopes speaking out and defending. It includes celebrating the artistry. It wraps itself around the humanitarian. Sometimes, it SCREAMS FOR JUSTICE. My days are filled with little yellow sticky pads as I jot down ideas. In the middle of the night, I rush to write thoughts that, if left on my pillow, will not be remembered. Curled up in my favorite chair, headphones on, I spend hours listening to the genius which unfolds from every song in Michael’s vast catalog. If it’s pure magic and excitement I crave, I watch live performances. When I need nourishment for the page, I watch short film storytelling. And, when searching for life’s real meanings, I turn to the words Michael speaks.
The RIPPLE AFFECT has swept me up in this amazing cyberspace world. If you would have told me five years ago I’d be a regular computer patron, I would have laughed out loud. ME? ARE YOU KIDDING?? If you would have spoken of the possibilities that social networking offer in developing relationships with people, I never would have believed it. Fast forward to 2014. I am a BELIEVER IN CAPITAL LETTERS. I have so often asked this question in my articles, “CAN YOU LOVE SOMEONE YOU HAVE NEVER MET?” Without hesitation, my answer is a resounding, “YES!” If that is true about my love for Michael, it has also become true for my ONLINE FRIENDS. We have never met in person, but we have met in our hearts. The connection grows stronger every day.
Michael’s life draws people because he was a rare individual who actually walked his talk. He lived it every day of his 50 years. And, he lives it still. My admiration for that fact is overwhelming. Personally, I have talked the talk. I believe that education is an answer to erasing media-myth making. I believe in the Chinese Proverb that if I have benefited from knowledge that has changed my life, I am morally obligated to share it with the world. I believe that what I have learned needs to be shared because IT IS NECESSARY FOR A BETTER WORLD. You don’t have to be a FAN to gain from Michael’s wisdom. Of course, I also believe, that once you spend time with Michael, you simply cannot help yourself…YOU FALL IN LOVE. That’s just the way it is.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVkZfIXaG0
How do I apply all of this, to begin for myself, to WALK THE TALK. Michael stretches me, takes me out of my comfort zone, and inspires me to be a braver person. Writing articles for a blog was the first step. Accepting an invitation to write for “WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON?” was another big step for me. And now, accepting Heaven Leigh’s invitation to Co-host her wonderful Blogradio Show for a Valentine’s Special stretches me even more. I have been inspired by Heaven Leigh and her amazing talents, and, I am honored to be asked to join her. For me, it is another step in walking the talk.
My Dear Friends, thank you for the love you have shown…love for Michael, love for children, love for the planet, and love for the articles of mine you have read. You have opened for me a wider world and I am a better person for it. Michael has changed me profoundly. I will never be the same person again. We have all been changed. How fortunate we are. I love you.
Jude
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