We have to make a choice between what is necessary and what is easy.

Michael was presented with an award for his humanitarian work for Africa, April 1, 2004, covering hospital equipment, orphanages, homes, schools, child immunizations, HIV-AIDS education and Apartheid.  In his acceptance speech Michael said:  “Your Embassy is splendid and I would like to thank all the wonderful spouses of the 51 African nations who comprise the African Spouses’ Association.  I am deeply humbled and honored to be here tonight with you.  The African Ambassadors’ Spouses’ Association was founded 26 years ago, with the mission to provide assistance to programs benefiting underprivileged children in the 51 participating countries.  They have done so much and need all of our assistance in helping them to continue to make life better for the people in their countries.  On June 4th, here in Washington, D.C., the Spouses’ Association will host their Gala, where the proceeds will go to provide aid to crippled children.  I will be supporting them in their effort 100% and encourage you all to do so.

Over the last several days, I have been meeting with members of Congress.  Yesterday, several Ambassadors joined us in our discussion concerning how we can all work together to combat the AIDS epidemic, poverty and other major issues affecting our African family.  It is very important to me to help to raise awareness and funds for our sister continent, Africa.  The statistics are staggering:  there are still children who are overflowing the orphanages, there are so many who are starving and dying of diseases…diseases that we just take aspirin for.  As I have said all week, many of life’s pleasures that we take advantage of…running water, electricity, paved roads, working toilets, beds and food…are mere dreams for many in Africa.  This cannot continue.

We must use whatever resources we have to work together to help combat all of these problems.  Several members of Congress have pledged their support in our efforts…by continuing to raise awareness of the American people, and to continue their fight for proper funding for programs affecting Africa.  This is a good thing and we must support them.

Again, thank you, African Ambassadors’ Spouses’ Association for what you are doing.  I am humbled and honored by this award.  And, let me say, you have a friend in Michael Jackson.”  Michael was honored with the GOLDEN ELEPHANT AWARD.  (April 30, 2004…Michael appears in court in Santa Maria to hear the 10 charges of child molestation brought against him.)

Choosing between what is necessary and what is easy…It is obvious to anyone who has taken time to know Michael Jackson…choosing easy was not an option.  While in the midst of his beloved Neverland being raped by an army of sheriffs, while in the midst of an horrific and blood-thirsty media waiting gleefully for Michael to freefall to a splash, while in the midst of a horrific prosecutor obsessed with destruction, while in the midst of wondering if his OWN children would be taken from him, while in the midst of a world-wide media cottage industry created for the ultimate take-down piece…did Michael Jackson use his wealth to hide in some far away place?  On the contrary, Michael Jackson chose to put himself out there in the cause he had devoted his entire professional and private life to…helping the children of the world.  Stopping was never the plan, even if he was crucified for it.  And, crucifixion was the intention.

“I was sick over the notoriety of the attacks.  I don’t know if television news played it too many times, but we went from fear to hate to anger to vengeance.  And I think the media had a lot to do with that.”  Michael Jackson TV Guide Interview November 2001

Michael’s answer to the 9/11 attacks was to write and produce an all-star recording “WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE,” in an effort to help the families of 9/11 victims.  Upon hearing of the attacks, he and his cast and friends, who had spent the night in New York City, after performing two sell-out concerts at Madison Square Garden…MICHAEL JACKSON’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERTS…Michael made arrangements to help his Fans get safely out of the city.  He created benefit concerts in Washington, D.C.  Choosing between what is necessary and what is easy.  Michael never chose easy.

WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL HAVE  TO DIE BEFORE WE WILL TAKE A STAND

HOW MANY CHILDREN WILL HAVE TO CRY BEFORE WE DO WHAT WE CAN

IF SENDING YOUR LOVE IS ALL YOU CAN GIVE

TO HELP ONE LIVE

HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE TURN OUR HEADS

AND PRETEND WE CANNOT SEE

HEALING THE WOUNDS OF OUR BROKEN EARTH

WE ARE ONE GLOBAL FAMILY

JUST SENDING OUR PRAYERS

IS SOMETHING YOU FEEL

HELPING ONE HEAL

WHAT HAVE I GOT THAT I CAN GIVE

TO LOVE AND TO TEACH YOU

TO HOLD AND TO NEED YOU

WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE

SAY THE WORDS, I’LL LAY ‘EM DOWN FOR YOU

JUST CALL MY NAME, I AM YOUR FRIEND

SEE, THEN WHY DO THEY KEEP TEACHING US

SUCH HATE AND CRUELTY

WE SHOULD GIVE OVER AND OVER AGAIN

WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE

TO LOVE AND TO TEACH YOU

TO HOLD AND TO NEED YOU

 WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE

Michael Jackson simply refused to accept the status quo.  He looked at the world’s problems with compassion, placing solutions in the hands of people, seeing only potential ultimately leading to success.  “Use love as your weapon against any evil.”  Answers lay within man’s capacity to reach out to one another.  If we believe that life isn’t measured by breaths taken, but by moments that take our breath away…Michael Jackson lived life breathless.  There was a joy in each of those breaths, an optimism that spread like wildfire across the planet.  And, that fire continues to burn with a glow radiating in all directions.  Flames of red, yellow, blue and white-hot give new life to project after project.

When I grow tired, when this weathered body slumps in its fragility, I turn to a talent that provides me an understanding of everything.  If I begin to think of easy instead of necessary, a picture of a wounded man standing up for children in the midst of great physical and emotional pain, takes my breath…and, reminds me to ask, “WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE”.

“It is the creative potential itself in human beings that is the image of God.”   Mary Daly is describing Michael Jackson, whose creativity has caused a worldwide revolution of love in millions of breathless people.  I am honored to be one. Thank you, Dear Friends, for this journey together.

Jude

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