“IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE”

WHEN THE WORLD IS SAD AND LONELY

LIKE IN A HEAVEN OF SOLID GROUND

WHEN THE WORLD IS COLD AND WEARY

LOVE CAN TURN IT AROUND

IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE

JUST BELIEVE IN THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE

IN THE GOOD AND THE JUST AND THE FAIR AND THE RIGHT

IN THE POWER OF LOVE

IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE

JUST BELIEVE IN THE BLESSINGS OF LIFE

IN THE PURE AND THE SANE AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT

IN THE POWER OF LOVE.

IF  YOU LIVE IN FEAR OF DANGER

YOU CAN BRING THIS TO AN END

JUST BY STARTING HELPIING A STRANGER

TURN HIM INTO A FRIEND.

REJOICE AND COMFORT ME

AND WE’LL FLOWER, JUST PLANT THE SEED

WHEN YOU GIVE THE GIFT OF LOVE YOU’LL LEARN

THAT YOU’LL GET LOVE IN RETURN.

AND IF TRUE LOVE IS WHAT YOU REALLY FEEL

YOU CAN ERASE A WORLD OF SORROW

YOU WILL FIND THE LOVE THAT YOU REALLY GIVE

CAN CREATE A GREAT TOMORROW.

THERE’S A NEED NOW FOR A HELPING HAND

FAMILY TO FAMILY, ONE TO ONE

TIME FOR ALL OF US TO UNDERSTAND

THAT THE JOB CAN BE DONE

IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE!

Michael Jackson

“I admire that kind of strength, people who take a stand and put their blood and soul into what they believe.”

Michael Jackson

Just the other day, I read a quote from Albert Schweitzer:  “The true worth of a man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the colors and textures that come alive in others.”  In the case of Michael Jackson, I both agree and disagree with that statement.  “Look and you will find it, what is unsought will go undetected.”  Sophocles.  My allegiance to Michael Jackson comes from looking, finding and detecting sheer ecstasy…a life so dynamic and unrestrained trumpeting vast swaths of contribution which harness the human experience…an elegance, unwired and attuned to the human heart.  Whether focusing on artistry or humanity, there is an irresistible entanglement of spirits.  Michael’s unique creative sensibilities, a fertile mind knowing no limitations, his physical presence, had and still have, genuine worth.  “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of  moments.”  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy  Amazingly, those of us who have been diligent in our attempts to know the man, revel in the knowledge that, in Michael Jackson’s case, both are true.  The worth of Michael Jackson IS found in the man.  Reflecting on the second part of Albert Schweitzer’s quote, even the most jaded of detractors would admit Michael Jackson’s influence remains strong today.  And, so, my agreement and disagreement with Mr. Schweitzer.

Dear Poli, a kindred spirit and tireless member of Michael’s Army of love, suggested we in the community take a moment to self-evaluate.  My imagination, always in expansion mode, felt her seed push into my mind’s soil…coaxing the gestation of an idea.  Ideas for articles are randomly captured.  Poli’s suggestion took hold.  “AND, WE’LL FLOWER, JUST PLANT THE SEED.”  The colors and textures that come alive inspired by Michael’s life and legacy, music and artistry leave an indelible mark on the collective soul.  “Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music-the world is rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people.  Forget yourself.”  Henry Miller  Could there be a better  description of Michael?  Could there be a better description for those who live their lives inspired by Michael?

“The world of reality has its limits, the world of imagination is boundless.”

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Intellectually, I get that.  Emotionally, I reject it.  When I see the limitless imaginations creating ideas that continue Michael’s messages, I see a boundlessness to them.  “Don’t listen to negativity…go for what you feel is right.”  Michael Jackson  There are always new realms of possibilities.  As Van Gogh said, “What would life be like if we had no courage to attempt anything.”  Millions are turning dreams into reality each day.  A dream can be big, a dream can be small…each has value.  Michael’s words do not fall between crevasses, instead, they take root and grow.  Gardeners know that plants come in a variety of sizes and growing patterns.  So, too, with dreams.  And, each dream has the power of love, if we only believe.

For me, Michael’s hypnotic rhythms inspire my creative spirit, my efforts to change my life, and to contribute all I can to the world’s healing.  I am comforted by the fact that Michael celebrated both small and large victories, since I am but a tiny part of the mazes and patterns of love.  Believing in the power of love, the presence of angels, new realms of possibilities all have become a part of my life since June 25, 2009.  Michael has taught me not to miss what is everywhere.

THE FISH THAT WAS THIRSTY

One night a  baby fish was sleeping under some coral when God appeared to him in a dream.  “I want you to go forth with a message to all the fish in the sea.”  God said.

“What should I tell them?”  the little fish asked.

“Just tell them you’re thirsty.”  God replied.  “And see what they do.”  Then without another word, He disappeared.

The next morning the little fish woke up  and remembered his dream.  “What a strange thing God wants me to do,”  he thought to himself.  But as soon as he saw a large tuna swimming by, the little fish piped up, “Excuse me, but I’m thirsty.”

“Then you must be a fool,” the tuna said.  And with a disdainful flick of his tail, he swam away.

The little fish did feel rather foolish, but he had his order.  The next fish he saw was a grinning shark.  Keeping a safe distance, the little fish called out, “Excuse me, sir, but I’m thirsty.”

“Then you must be crazy,”  the shark replied.  Noticing a rather hungry look in the shark’s eye, the little fish swam away quickly.

All day he met cod  and mackerels and swordfish and groupers, but every time he made his short speech, they turned their backs and would have nothing to do with him.  Feeling hopelessly confused, the little fish sought out the wisest creature in the sea, who happened to be an old blue whale with three harpoon scars on his side.

“Excuse me, but I’m thirsty!”  the little fish shouted, wondering if the old whale could even see him, he was such a tiny speck.  But the wise one stopped in his tracks.  “You’ve seen God, haven’t you?”  he said.

“How did you know?”

“Because I was thirsty once, too.”  The old whale laughed.

The little fish looked very surprised.  “Please tell me what the message from God means,”  he implored.

“It means that we are looking for him in the wrong places,”  the old whale explained.  “We look high and low for God, but somehow He’s not there.  So we blame Him and tell ourselves that He must have forgotten us.  Or else we decide that He left a long time ago, if He was ever around.”

“How strange,”  the little fish said,  “to miss what is everywhere.”

“Very strange,” the old whale agreed.  “Doesn’t it remind you of fish who say they’re thirsty?”

Michael Jackson

DANCING THE DREAM

Michael’s messages are universal.  They reside in his daily life, his massive legacy and inspiration, his faith in God.  That is why they last and need to be revisited…nurtured in our dreams and defined in our actions.  Re-evaluation from time to time, helps us rediscover our belief in the blessings of life…IF WE ONLY BELIEVE.

I love you, Michael.  I love  you, My Dear Friends.  I am grateful to be here and honored  by your visit.

Jude

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