CHOSEN

“When one person believes in something it’s a dream.”

“When two persons share the same dream…it’s a beginning of a new reality.”  MJ

     If you believe that each of us came into this world possessing gifts.  And…you also accept the premise that a unique path was shaped specific to us.  Given those tenets, Michael Jackson’s unparalleled gifts brought with them a legacy that is timeless.  Paths are seldom smooth…twisting, turning, undulating and intersecting, AND always, always, ALWAYS surprising.hot 

     Consider my shock, as I meandered through 2009, to come face to face with one whose path impacted a planet of people.  Suddenly, a world of learning presented itself.  My journey took a life-changing turn into a complicatedly impactful series of events spanning five decades.  But, this path wasn’t only historical, it was also in the moment, in the NOW and reaching its fingers and toes into future generations. The words gigantic, gargantuan, massive are all too small to really describe the enormity of Michael’s path.

     SPEECHLESS…the lyrics of that song applied to me.  For one who seldom is at a loss for words, I found myself without language.  They say the pen is mightier than the sword.  In my case, the pen was mightier than the spoken word.  With great struggle to define my own voice, I dove into Michael’s words as he traveled his CHOSEN path to bring love to the planet.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6VCEY2ExL8

SPEECHLESS, SPEECHLESS

THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE ME FEEL

WHEN I’M WITH YOU I AM FAR AWAY AND NOTHING IS FOR REAL

WHEN I’M WITH YOU I AM LOST FOR WORDS

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY

MY HEAD’S SPINNING LIKE A CAROUSEL, SO SILENTLY I PRAY. MJ

“I really believe that each person has a destiny from the day he’s born and certain people have a thing that they are meant to do. I’ve always joked that I didn’t ask to sing and dance, but it’s true.  When I open my mouth music comes out.  I’m honored that I have this ability.  I thank God for it every day.  I try to cultivate what He gave me.  I feel I’m compelled to do what I do.”  Moonwalkappearances

In her book, Never Can Say Goodbye The Katherine Jackson Story, Mrs. Jackson said, “I was especially proud of watching my son’s early development into stardom, because he did a lot of things that you wouldn’t expect a child his age to do.  For instance, at a mere six years old, Michael was able to pick up choreography quickly.  He was a natural.  He also surprised and impressed musical coaches with his ability to sing in harmony without any formal training. “

Hearing Michael speak of his art, his dreams, his amazing work ethic inspires me.  From an early age, he felt compelled to give every ounce of blood, sweat and God-given talent to the work.  NEVER GIVE UP!  NEVER GIVE IN!  But, along with that was another equally powerfur drive.mirror

“It’s been my dream since I was a child to somehow unite people of the world through love and music. It is important to reach people, to move them.  Sometimes one can do this with the mosaic of the music melody arrangement and lyrics, sometimes it is the intellectual content of the lyrics.  In the end, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and those you love and work hard.  I mean, work like there’s no tomorrow.  Train.  Strive.  I mean, really train and cultivate your talent to the highest degree.  Be the best at what you do.  Get to know more about your field than anybody alive.   Use the tools of your trade, if it’s books or a floor to dance on or a body of water to swim in.”  Moonwalk

When I began researching Michael Jackson, I thought about what I would want to happen if someone were writing about me, my life.  I would want and expect them to hear me and what I have to say about the events in my life. The retelling would be my voice.  That is the commitment I have made.  I absolutely knew I would not use media versions of reality.humble

On this chilly January morning, I am delighted that you are here with me.  We have been given a gift.  This journey we are on has many layers of truth…I have called them THEMES FOR LIFE.  Michael’s life offers us a philosophy for living that is inspired in every way by LOVE. 

I will close this morning with these thoughts…

“Don’t judge a person until you have talked with them one-on-one,”  MJ

The best dreams are when your eyes are wide open.” MJ

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

LOVE IS THE HUMAN FAMILY’S MOST PRECIOUS LEGACY, ITS RICHEST BEQUEST, ITS GOLDEN INHERITANCE THAT IS HANDED DOWN FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER.” Taken from 2000 Oxford Union Address Heal the Kid Initiative Michael Jacksonproud

IT’S ALL FOR LOVE.  HAVE A HAPPY DAY.

JUDE

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