DO I REALLY BELIEVE THAT WE CAN HEAL THE WORLD…

Posted on March 22, 2014 by jrling

“Do I really believe that we can heal this world that is riddled with war and genocide even today? And do I really think that we can heal our children, the same children who can enter their schools with guns and hatred and shoot down their classmates, like they did at Columbine? Or children who can beat a defenseless toddler to death, like the tragic story of Jamie Bulger? Of course I do or I wouldn’t be here tonight.”

Michael Jackson

Oxford Address

2000

I WISH THE WORLD COULD KNOW THE REAL MICHAEL. MICHAEL ALWAYS SAID THAT IF YOU TALKED ABOUT THE GOOD YOU DID IN THE WORLD, YOU CANCELLED THE BENEFICENCE OF THE GIFT, SO HE WAS VERY PRIVATE ABOUT HIS HUMANITARIAN WORK.

NOBODY WILL EVER KNOW HOW MUCH HE DID FOR THIS PLANET AND FOR THE CHILDREN. THE WORLD WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT IT LOST BECAUSE THEY TOOK MICHAEL FROM HIS WORK AND THAT CHEATED NOT JUST HIM OF HIS FUTURE, BUT IT CHEATED ALL OF US.

DAVID NORDAHL

I have thought a great deal about these two statements. When I get overwhelmed with the world’s needs, I remember Michael’s words, “OF COURSE I DO!” Passionately believing in all efforts to PAY MICHAEL FORWARD, I return to David Nordahl’s words. My heart understands Michael’s belief in giving expecting nothing in return. My heart aches to shout out to the world telling everything I have learned about Michael’s creative and humanitarian life. I wrestle with this knowledge. Not only do I feel a fire in my belly when it comes to erasing media-myth-making cruelty and lies…I also know with every fiber of my being, that Michael provides inspiration for millions whose lives have changed after knowing him, and who are stepping up with efforts to continue his humanitarian works. And so I say, “Please forgive me, Michael. But, to educate the world, I must share all that I have learned…all that YOU have done. I do it out of love…love for YOU and love for humanity. I pray you understand. I love you with all my heart.”

And so, Dear Friends, today I share two of the massive number of stories of Michael Jackson’s efforts to heal the world one child at a time.

“When Michael visited the orphanage St. Ecatarina before his HIS tory concert in Bucharest, we were the only reporters who were allowed to follow him. Michael was distressed. He told me: ‘There are thousands of children in orphanages in Romania. Most of them have lost their parents, but some were rejected from their families.’ Michael sat on the floor with dozens of kids around him. He was very relaxed and smiled a lot. The children between two and four years curiously observed him at first, but when Michael started to put together some Lego bricks, they quickly joined in the game. Michael did not have any fear of contact, although some of the children had AIDS. He gently picked up a baby who had been abandoned on the doorsteps of the institute only days earlier. A little girl called Maria started to put candy into his mouth, which was a very moving moment. These children had never known the warmth of a home, nobody wanted them. Their eyes were sad and fearful. For one day, Michael brought a bit of sunshine into their lives. During his visit, the whole orphanage was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, contrary to the usual sadness. He distributed gifts, flowers, toys and played with the children for hours. A staff member said to me: ‘I have never seen the children that happy. For them it was like Christmas!’ Michael donated a considerable sum to the director of the institute in the name of HEAL THE WORLD FOUNDATION, which he founded to help children. It was obvious that Michael did not do this for PR purposes but from his heart, as there were no journalists allowed; he only made an exception for BRAVO. In the evening, Michael went sightseeing in Bucharest and did a tour of the majestic palace, where he also attended a traditional show in the great hall and gave a speech about his concern for children around the world. ‘CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE! THEY ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE HAVE. MY GREATEST WISH IS THAT POLITICIANS THOUGHT MORE BEFORE SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO WAR’ Other superstars lie in their whirlpools, drink champagne and enjoy their life while Michael spent his time and energy on helping children. And whenever he did, you could tell that he did it from his heart!” Alex Gernandt, Germanyhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCDH_JMqb9M

BELA FARKAS: “WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ME?”

Hungarian Magazine, “Story,” published a surprising article about Bela Farkas 20 years ago. The story prompted by a happy occasion: Bela recently became a father. The young man on the picture is Bela, the same little boy whom Michael met in a children’s hospital in Budapest in 1994. He never gave an interview before…this was his first conversation with journalists in 20 years. Bela was born with a serious anomaly: an underdeveloped heptic lobe, a life-threatening condition that required a liver transplant. Such surgeries were not performed in Hungary at the time, and were very expensive abroad. Bela’s parents abandoned him at birth, so he had no hope to get the money. When Michael visited the hospital, he asked doctors why the boy was so thin and yellow in the face and was explained Bela’s condition. Michael immediately said that he would pay for the surgery. It was a rare occasion when Michael’s charitable act received publicity and media coverage. Michael himself recounted Bela’s story in a documentary: “Michael Jackson The Private Home Movies,” eight years later. What Michael didn’t mention in the film was that he not only found a donor for the boy and paid for the surgery, but also continued paying for Bela’s treatment for the next 10 years. “I don’t even like to think about it,” says Bela. “The treatment cost $15,000 a year. Michael spent 50,000,000 forints on me…just because he happened to meet me in the hospital.” Shortly after his surgery, Bela was adopted, so he grew up with loving parents eventually. When Michael returned to Hungary, he met with Bela again. The boy then said to him, “You are like my dad. Thanks to you, I was born for the second time.” Michael laughed and answered, “Then, you are my son.” They stayed in touch until Michael’s death. Michael sent Bela cards, birthday and Christmas gifts and Bela answered with drawings and photos. When Michael passed away, Bela cried as if he had lost his dad. Bela is 24 now and in February 2014, he became a father of a healthy newborn girl. He says the doctors predicted he would not live past his 18th birthday, and here he is at 24, still doing well. He will always be very grateful to Michael. “If I could,” admits Bela, “I would ask him…of all the children in that hospital, why did you choose me?” MJJJusticeProjecthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iyb0_Jglrj0

“Of course I do!” HEALING THE WORLD, ONE CHILD AT A TIME. Here are just two stories out of the enormous efforts Michael made on behalf of children and the world. Knowing this, I feel both inspired and a little small. What can I do that could make a real difference. When my doubt begins to seep into my mind, I remember Michael’s determination. When I feel small, I remember he told us…NOTHING IS A SMALL ACT. ALL ARE IMPORTANT.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC49th-Jf0s

Dear Michael, Forgive me for sharing your private, enormous, ever present, never-ending generosity…it was out of pure love and I want the world to know and be inspired and reaffirmed in the efforts being made. YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION AND MY HOPE. I DO THIS OUT OF LOVE FOR YOU…AND, TO GIVE LOVE.

Jude

HIS tory

MYstory

YOURstory

OURstory

What do you miss most? “EVERYTHING!” Paris Jackson

Posted on March 9, 2014 by jrling

“I’VE BEEN LOOKING AROUND FOR THE LOST AND FOUND OF MY HEART.”

MICHAEL JACKSON “CHILDHOOD” 1995

Yesterday, I thought of Michael’s words, “I CLOSE MY EYES, JUST TO TRY AND SEE YOUR SMILE ONE MORE TIME, BUT IT’S BEEN SO LONG NOW ALL I DO IS CRY.” Tears happen so quickly and I get this feeling in my stomach…an ache so deep that I think it will never go away. But, yesterday, the tears tracked down my cheeks for another reason. I was hearing Michael’s angelic voice as he created a new world anthem. Salty tears licked my smiling lips. For a moment, I forgot he was gone. Michael was back, in the studio, the genius at work creating, playing, stacking layers of beautiful sound just as he has done thousands of time. “PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD” is Michael Jackson sound, Michael Jackson message, Michael Jackson genius. I have played it dozens of times, my body swaying, my arms lifted to the heavens…and, I am truly happy. There is a need inside my soul that craves Michael’s voice, his creativity, things we have yet to experience. I remembered Michael so many times asking Fans what they wanted. He was surprised when many said they wanted more behind the scenes footage. He answered with the Dangerous Short Films, offering Fans that peek behind the curtain. For me, I CANNOT GET ENOUGH. I adore being that little mouse in the corner.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJZIQGJGU4

In my present mood, I decided to look around in the lost and found of hearts, feeling so strongly what Paris said…WE MISS EVERYTHING. Memories are often both sweet and painful. They are a history of events and lives and paint pictures from the past. Today’s paint brush will reveal many colors, shapes and textures. When we step away, we will begin to see Michael…but, although dense with stokes, the picture will never be complete. There will always be more love to paint and our yearning will go on.

A LINE HAS BEEN DRAWN FOR DIGNITY.

There is a reason we’ve been trying so hard to tell the truth. At times, some have seemed defensive, even frenzied. It is because of this fierce sense of urgency and the constant barrage of injustice that comes at Michael Jackson…his work, his image, his legacy.

HUMANDIGNITY

Washington, D.C. March, 2004

Sheila Jackson Lee Representative US Congress

African Ambassadors Discussion HIV Aids

“Watching Michael Jackson hold on to the issue he cared so deeply about was a miraculous experience. He was the Good Samaritan. Michael never stopped giving.”

THREE THINGS CANNOT BE LONG HIDDEN…THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TRUTH

“I’d say he was the best cook ever. Everyone’s surprised to hear it. He was just a normal Dad, except, I would say he was the BEST DAD. He made the best French toast in the world.” Paris Jackson Oprah Interview 2010

“For we have all been someone’s child and we know that despite the very best plans and efforts, mistakes will always occur. That’s just being human. And when I think about this, how I hope that my children will not judge me unkindly and will forgive me, forgive my shortcomings, I am forced to think of my own father and despite my earlier denial, I am forced to admit that he must have loved. me. He did love me and I know that. There were little things that showed that…I was a kid and I had a real sweet tooth. We all did. My father…he did try…but, my favorite food to satisfy my sweet tooth was glazed donuts. My father knew that, so every few weeks, I would come downstairs in the morning and there on the kitchen counter was a bag of glazed donuts. No note, no explanation…just the donuts. It was like Santa Claus. Sometimes, I would think about staying up late at night so I could see him leave them there, but just like with Santa Claus, I didn’t want to ruin the magic for fear he would never do it again. My father had to leave them secretly at night so no one would catch him with his guard down. He was scared of human emotion. He didn’t understand it or know how to deal with it. BUT, HE DID KNOW GLAZED DONUTS.” Taken from Michael Jackson’s Oxford Address 2000

“Michael started a wonderful tradition during the recording of BAD. Every Friday evening about 5:00 p.m., Michael’s cooks from the ranch, Catherine Ballard and Laura Raynor, would come to the studio and cook an absolutely delicious evening meal for the entire studio crew. Eventually, it became ‘Family Night.’ Family members and friends of the crew, along with their assorted pets, were included in this happy event. Michael’s cooks were absolutely top-notch culinary experts. Quincy nicknamed them ‘THE SLAM DUNK SISTERS’ because every dinner they did for us was a winner! We had incredible delicious homemade tomato soup every dinner every Friday evening! Ten-course turkey dinner one Friday! Ten-course meatloaf dinner next Friday! It was incredible. That tradition that Michael started made us feel like a real family.” Bruce Swedien IN THE STUDIO WITH MICHAEL JACKSON 2009

“Michael had a generous nature about him. And even at a young age, he had an entrepreneurial spirit, too. Every time he received his weekly allowance, Michael spent it on candy. He set up a little candy shop around the back of our house, so he could give his treats away to the neighborhood kids.” Katherine Jackson NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE The Katherine Jackson Story 2010

“Though Michael had been raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, he told me once that he never liked the part about no Christmas and no birthdays, so he just decided one day to throw those two rules away along with a few others. He had someone get all of my family’s birthdays on a calendar and let him know when they were coming so he could plan a party, his favorite thing. He’d set up a white tent by the theater with lunch and cake and all kinds of presents. He would send Kato, all dressed up in a chauffer’s black suit and white gloves, to the house, in a beautiful deep blue, well-polished old Bentley, to pick up one of the kids and their friends. Then, it was off to Neverland for a birthday party. Bianca had a birthday all set up and on their daily walk down to the house, the elephants trashed the whole thing. The tents were knocked down and they ate the cake. She remembers it all being great fun. I remember Mason getting two birthdays in one year. Michael just called one afternoon and said they were ready for Mason. ‘What for, Michael?’ He replied, ‘For his birthday, of course!’ I said, ‘But it isn’t his birthday. You gave him a birthday party back in April.’ He responded in typical fashion without a pause, ‘Who cares, we’re gonna have another one. I BELIEVE IN UN-BIRTHDAYS, YOU KNOW!'” William B. Van Valin II PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS IN NEVERLAND WITH MICHAEL JACKSON 2013

“At our window, we viewed everything from a cold, gray world, looking into a shop where everything was alive, vibrant and sparkling with color, where children played in the street with their new toys, rode new bikes or pulled new sleds in the snow. We could only imagine what it was to know the joy we saw on their faces. Michael and I played our own game at that window: pick a snowflake under the streetlight, track its descent and see which one was the first to stick. We observed the flakes tumble, separated in the air, united on the ground, dissolved into one. That night we must have watched and counted dozens of them before we fell quiet. Michael looked sad…and I can see myself now, looking down at him from an 8-year-old height, feeling the same sadness. Then he started to sing, ‘Jingle Bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh.’ It was my first memory of hearing his voice, an angelic sound. He sang softly so that Mother wouldn’t hear. I joined in and we started making harmony. We sang verses from ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Little Drummer Boy.’ Two boys carol-singing on the doorstep of our exclusion, songs we’d heard in school, not knowing that singing would be our profession.” Jermaine Jackson

Looking around for the lost and found of our hearts. Stories about life and childhood, some happy, some not. All a part of who we are. I find comfort in REMEMBERING THE TIMES. The portrait of Michael Jackson becomes clearer…richer…with these sneak peeks. I recall my own childhood…

THE CLEANING UP…A PHOTOGRAPH

The picture shows a little girl standing on a stool, holding a dish towel big enough to touch the kitchen floor…her mother’s hands in soapy water in the kitchen sink, both laughing, while singing songs. Or, sometimes it would be reciting poetry. For some, clean-up after meals is dreaded drudgery…not so in this photograph. Instead, these cherished times of mother and daughter were times to giggle and learn and enjoy. This may even have been home schooling, for the little girl was me and clean-up times were when I learned all my nursery rhymes and Christmas carols and even, The Star Spangled Banner. Home schooling, maybe. Clean- up, absolutely. Mother and daughter love…WITHOUT A DOUBT.

The lost and found of hearts. Celebrating our lives. Storytelling. Love. When touched by Michael Jackson, we become a part of his spirit for caring and loving, forgiving and holding onto each other. I am profoundly grateful.

Jude

HIS story

MYSTORY

YOURstory

OURstory

NOURISH

Posted on February 11, 2013 by jrling

NOURISH THIS CHILD

Foreward by Michael Jackson Pigtails and Frogs Legs

Family Cookbook from Neiman Marcus1993

“To a child, food is something special. It isn’t just a delicious taste or the vitamins that build a healthy body. Food is love and caring, security and hope…all the things that a good family can provide. Remember when you were little and your mother made a pie for you? When she cut a slice and put it on your plate, she was giving you a bit of herself, in the form of her love. She made you feel safe and wanted. She made your hunger go away, and when you were full and satisfied, everything seemed all right. Because that satisfied feeling was in the pie, you were nourished from a deep level. Food is something we all need physically, but so is the love, the deeper nourishment, that turns us into who we are. Think about how necessary it is to nourish a child with a bit of yourself when you use this book. It is full of delicious things. Every recipe has an extra ingredient of caring, because the people who wrote them were thinking of the children. They were especially thinking of those who aren’t able to take nourishment for granted because they are poor, sick or disabled. These are the children who need food to heal. The theme of ‘Heal the World,’ which has been close to my heart, is the central theme of this book, also. Here are recipes for the spirit. Please make them with that in mind. Your child is a growing spirit that can be knit strong with love. When you break an egg and measure a cup of flour, you are magically mixing the gift of life. The food’s proteins and minerals will turn into bones and muscles, but your feeling as you cook will turn directly into a soul. It makes me happy to think that the needs of children’s spirits are at last becoming important in this world. Children have no power to end wars directly or to mend age-old differences. All they can do is be themselves, to shine with gratitude and joy when love is turned their way. Yet isn’t that ultimately the greatest power? In the eyes of a child you become the source of joy, which lifts you into the special category of caregiver and life-provider. You may think that your apple pie has only sugar and spice in it. A child is wiser…with the first bite, he knows that this special dish is the essence of your love. Enjoy!” Michael Jackson Heal the World Foundation

“FRIENDS, THE FOUNDATION OF ALL HUMAN KNOWLEDGE, THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS MUST BE THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US IS AN OBJECT OF LOVE. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, BEFORE YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE RED HAIR OR BROWN…BEFORE YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE BLACK OR WHITE…BEFORE YOU KNOW WHAT RELIGION YOU ARE A PART OF…YOU HAVE TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED.” Taken from Oxford Address Heal the Kid Michael Jackson 2001

As a very small child, my memories of visiting Grandma’s house always placed her cucina center stage. The house was tiny and sat on a parcel of land made up entirely of gardens and orchards. A small shed on the back of the property was home to a cow, some chlckens and, every once in awhile, a cat or dog having a thinking time. Running along side the house were cold frames where young plants, started in the house, were hardened off for planting in the earth. This small property produced food for La Cucina e Nonna that lasted the entire year. The kitchen itself was small by today’s standards. There were windows on two walls that provided ledges for the many olive oil tins turned planters for tomato and pepper seeds. How precious were the seeds which Grandma had carefully hidden in her pockets while making the voyage from the old country…a nineteen-year-old new bride. Dominating the kitchen space was a blue and white porcelain-finished wood range with six burners, two bottom ovens and two warming ovens atop. A small sink and a couple of cupboards, a refrigerator and several chairs occupied the other wall spaces. In the center of the room was a white porcelain table that could be opened up to seat many. That table was used for taking meals, making bread, rolling pasta dough and cleaning all the wild berries and mushrooms gathered from the woods nearby. Because the kitchen was small, the adjacent bedrooms were used for food storage. The bedroom immediately off the kitchen was called the BOYS’ BEDROOM. It had wooden rafters above the bed which were used to cure homemade sausages. In the daytime, the beds held wooden boards covered with drying pastas. And the smells…freshly baked loaves of bread cooling on every available kitchen surface. As far as the eye could see, I remember seeing pastas drying and breads cooling. However swiftly moving are memories, my memory of La Cucina e Nonna always glistens in sunshine. It had to have been in darkness at night and wrapped in cloudy days, but, I only remember sunshine and the aromas of the best foods I have ever tasted. From La Cucina e Nonna I received the passion for food and adunata…gathering. I wrote that years before my journey with Michael Jackson’s legacy…before I read and transcribed Michael’s words…before I really thought about the love I felt in Grandma’s kitchen…and, before I gave a great deal of thought to the idea of how the love given helped to create who I am. And, something else comes to my mind. When Paris Jackson was interviewed she talked about her father’s cooking. She particularly recalled her father’s waffles being THE BEST IN THE WORLD. Michael believed meal time was family time and gave it a high priority. There is security and hope in that. I am strengthened and I smile. I thank God that Michael’s children have beautiful memories and nourishing experiences that help to make them who they are…growing spirits. To me, it is one thing to believe in something, it’s quite another to put those beliefs into daily practice…walking the talk. Michael’s journey inspires me each and every day for I am constantly reminded of his gift for being able to live out what he valued on a world stage. That bravery gives me hope.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX66ZZSRerc

CHILDREN SHOW ME IN THEIR PLAYFUL SMILES THE DIVINE IN EVERYONE. THIS SIMPLE GOODNESS SHINES STRAIGHT FROM THEIR HEARTS. THIS HAS SO MUCH TO TEACH. IF A CHILD WANTS CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM, HE JUST ASKS FOR IT. ADULTS GET TANGLED UP IN COMPLICATIONS OVER WHETHER TO EAT THE ICE CREAM OR NOT. A CHILD SIMPLY ENJOYS.” MICHAEL JACKSON DANCING THE DREAM

Go out and have some ice cream today and enjoy nourishing the child in you. Remember…IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE. Jude HIStory MYstory OURstory

CHILDREN’S UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS

Posted on February 9, 2013 by jrling

“TODAY, WE STAND JOINED TOGETHER ALL AROUND THE WORLD IN A COMMON PURPOSE…TO MAKE THE PLANET INTO A HAVEN OF JOY AND UNDERSTANDING AND GOODNESS. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO SUFFER, ESPECIALLY OUR CHILDREN. THIS TIME WE MUST SUCCEED. THIS IS FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.” SUPER BOWL XXVII 1993 MICHAEL JACKSON

There are times in my life when I see the world around me and feel a sense of hopelessness. I am reminded of the political campaigns and the millions of dollars spent on them. Watching television ads that focussed on negatives, viewing conventions where money spent exceeded anything I could really imagine, I asked myself why. I would guess with a reasonable measure of certainty that most Americans knew full well who was going to receive their vote. I wonder why we spend so much money on things that matter little and so little money on the really important things. I thought about the starving children in the world. I dreamed that one of the candidates would have the bravery to stand up and say that instead of wasting money on a campaign, their dollars would go to help heal the world. Pollyanna? Oh, I so wish not.

The question becomes, what will I do. I have had the profound good fortune of following Michael Jackson’s humanitarian life. His committment and generosity, his energies and strength have been my inspiration. That inspiration has helped me find new ways to try to make a difference. That inspiration has moved millions of people to follow their hearts. I am humbled by their efforts. I am humbled by all that I have learned.

“Our children are the most beautiful, most sweet, most treasured of our creations. And yet, every minute at least 28 children die. Today our children are at risk of being killed by diseases and by the violence of war, guns, abuse and neglect. Children have few rights and no one to speak for them. They have no voice in our world. God and nature has blessed me with a voice. Now I want to use it to help children speak for themselves. I have founded the Heal the World Foundation to be the voice of the voiceless: the children.” Michael Jackson June 23, 1992

HEAL THE WORLD FOUNDATION HAS THREE MAIN GOALS:

1. TO MAKE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN THE WORLD’S HIGHEST PRIORITY.

2. TO BE THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS BY FOCUSING WORLD-WIDE ATTENTION ON THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF ALL CHILDREN AND BY PROVIDING CHILDREN WITH A FORUM TO EXPRESS THEIR UNIQUE VISION FOR HEALING THE WORLD.

3. TO HELP CREATE A WORLD WHERE CHILDREN WILL LIVE WITHOUT VIOLENCE, WHERE CHILDREN WILL BE FREE OF DISEASE AND HAVE HEALTHY LIVES, AND WHERE EACH GENERATON WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW INTO FULLY PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF THE WORLD COMMUNITY.

“I am very happy to be here in Japan again. I am very lucky to see all the children and the young at heart as well. The innocence of children represents to me the source of infinitive creativity and I feel this is where all my creative source comes from. This is not an intellectual kind of intelligence but an intelligence that is full of wonder, magic, mystery and adventure. In this intelligence there is love, there is trust, there is joy and there is beauty. It’s the kind of intelligence that will heal the world. That is why I am here and that is why we are here. Thank you very much. I love you.” Michael Jackson Japan American Consulate December 10, 1992

“Cancer is the number one killer of children and it is only when we join together on evenings like this, that we can summon the courage and determination to stop it from ever robbing another child of the precious gift of life, or a parent of the joy of watching their child grow.” taken from an acceptance speech G&P Foundation Award November 30, 2000

My experience in the classroom has taught me many things, among them, that children have an unlimited capacity to create. The Heal the World Foundation’s World’s Children’s Congress seminars and workshops are an amazing example of children coming together from all over the world to give their views on world problems. To add to the creativity and magic, conferences took place at Neverland Valley Ranch. Children had days to enjoy the wonderment and to have a voice in the world. Play and creativity…in a place that was described by Mike Tyson this way,”Michael invited me to Neverland when Ashanti was going to perform. The place was awesome. It was the happiest place I’ve ever been. When you walked through the gates onto the property it was as if you’d inhaled laughing gas. Everyone was happy. Even the animals seemed to be smiling…a real carefree place.” I smile when I think of Neverland and I will write about it in another blog, but, only Michael could create a world of magic to bring out the child in us all.

The Heal the World Foundation included Heal LA after the rioting in the early 90’s. In 2001, Michael traveled to Oxford, England to give an address at the Oxford Union. His address introduced The Heal the Kid Initiative. When I discovered this address, I decided to transcribe it. It took days to do. After that, I typed it into my computer. Those efforts and the hours taken for the task helped me to FEEL what Michael was saying. The address is pages long, but, I wanted to share with you the following:

With over 20,000 people requesting tickets to attend the launch of Michael’s Heal the Kids charity at the Oxford Union, the few hundred who managed to gain entry to the 178-year-old debating society were thrilled as they listened to Michael speak for over 35 minutes as he called for a Children’s Universal Bill of Rights. Specifically, Michael’s bill included:

THE RIGHT TO BE LOVED, WITHOUT HAVING TO EARN IT.

THE RIGHT TO BE PROTECTED, WITHOUT HAVING TO DESERVE IT.

THE RIGHT TO FEEL VALUABLE, EVEN IF YOU CAME INTO THE WORLD WITH NOTHING.

THE RIGHT TO BE LISTENED TO WITHOUT HAVING TO BE INTERESTING.

THE RIGHT TO BE READ A BEDTIME STORY WITHOUT HAVING TO COMPETE WITH THE EVENING NEWS OR EASTENDERS.

THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION WITHOUT HAVING TO DODGE BULLETS AT SCHOOLS.

THE RIGHT TO BE THOUGHT OF AS ADORABLE (EVEN IF YOU HAVE A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE.)

And in concluding he stated, “From this day forward, may a new song be heard. Let that song be the sound of children laughing. Let that new song be the sound of children playing. Let that new song be the sound of children singing. And let that new song be the sound of parents listening. Together, let us create a symphony of hearts, marvelling at the miracle of our children and basking in the beauty of love. Let us heal the world and blight its pain. And may we all make beautiful music together. God bless you and I love you.” Michael Jackson A Visual Documentary 1958-2009 Adrian Grant

April 20,2001 Michael announced that he would travel to Sudan to campaign for an end to child slavery. He would use his charity Heal the Kids to try to help the victims. “I want this slavery to end, now and forever. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. The existence of child slavery shakes me to my very core. Children need a childhood. They need to play and run and have fun. They can’t be forced to work. Childhood is the greatest gift of life that must be preserved. I think this is something we can’t turn a blind eye to.” Michael Jackson New York Post Interview 2001

If we were to define Michael’s legacy, I think we would all agree that his massive catalog, his historic performances and world tours, his anthems and social justice lyrics, his creative, cutting edge short films, his iconic dance and wearable art would all be on the list. His humanitarian efforts continue to reach hearts and souls around this planet. Honoring that legacy is a global family including these countries: USA, GREECE, ROMANIA, ITALY, GERMANY, HONG KONG, NIGERIA, JAPAN, AUSTRIA, FRANCE, SPAIN, TRINIDAD, TOBAGO, ARGENTINA, IRAN, ARMENIA, ENGLAND, BRAZIL, TAIWAN, CANADA, SWEDEN, PUERTO RICO, SWITZERLAND, MEXICO, PORTUGAL, SCOTLAND, DENMARK, NETHERLANDS, RUSSIA, BULGARIA.

GLOBAL PROJECTS INSPIRED BY MICHAEL ARE: MJJCOMMUNITY, MJJUNDERGROUND, MJJJUSTICE PROJECT, MJ FANS OF NYC, MJ4JUSTICE JUSTICE 4 MICHAEL JACKSON, TRIBUTO MJ, MJTRUTH NOW, MJNATION, SOMJ, CANADIAN MJ FAN CLUB, MJ THE JAM CAFE, MICHAEL JACKSON VINDICATION, STOP GLOBAL AIRWAVE ABUSE, ONE ROSE 4 MICHAEL, WHITE GLOVE GROUP, MAJORLOVEPRAYERVIGIL, THE ACADEMIA PROJECT,BUTTERFLIES FOR MICHAEL, SUNFLOWERS FOR MICHAEL. EVERLAND CHILDREN’S PROJECT, HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN, MICHAEL JACKSON LEGACY, WORLD CHILD CANCER USA to name a few.

“There is nothing the can’t be done if we raise our voice as one. ” MJ

Brenda Jenkyns and Kathy Garren have used their amazing creativity in writing and art to do two beautiful children’s books: FOREVER LOVED and EVER AFTER. Each book is written and illustrated with such love. I was brought to tears. Heaven Leigh is currently working on a book done by children called HEAL YOUR WORLD FOR CHILDREN using children’s artwork and wisdom.

And then, the most precious gift given, Paris, Prince and Blanket Jackson, Michael’s finest legacy. Following in their father’s footsteps, Michael’s three children have begun their humanitarian efforts to honor their father, continue his work and go for their own dreams. Among their efforts are: February, 2012 LA Housing Corp. donations of time and money for homes for the homeless, August, 2011 Children’s Hospital LA donations of time and money. Each of the three children, along with their Grandmother, Katherine, regularly volunteer to help feed needy children in LA. Paris has the lead in the Disney film LUNDON’S BRIDGE AND THE THREE KEYS. The film tells a story of humanity and the environment. Fifty percent of the profits for the film will be donated to schools in need. Prince traveled to Germany in 2012 to contribute to the Bambi Foundation. Michael received the Bambi Humanitarian Award in Berlin in 2003. Accepting their father’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, Prince offered these words:

“OUR FATHER WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PLANET AND HUMANITY. THROUGH ALL HIS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION HE HAS HELPED MANY CHARITIES AND DONATED TO ALL OF THEM. THROUGH HIS SONGS, HIS MESSAGE WAS SIMPLE, LOVE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SPREAD HIS MESSAGE AND HELP THE WORLD. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU, DAD.”

“DADDY WAS GOING TO PERFORM THIS YEAR, BUT HE CAN’T. THANK YOU! WE LOVE YOU, DADDY.” Paris Jackson

“LOVE IS THE JUICE AND ENERGY THAT MOTIVATE MY MUSIC, MY DANCING, EVERYTHING. AS LONG AS LOVE IS IN MY HEART IT’S EVERYWHERE. Michael Jackson DANCING THE DREAM

Reliving this journey with you makes it all the more real. You are a gift to me. You allow me to feel the love all over again. I offer that love back. Enjoy your day and remember: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE.

JUDE

HIStory

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Michael Jackson Chosen Voices

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DO I REALLY BELIEVE THAT WE CAN HEAL THE WORLD…

What do you miss most? “EVERYTHING!” Paris Jackson

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CHILDREN’S UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS