“HOPE IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WORD, BUT IT OFTEN SEEMS VERY FRAGILE”

DANCING THE DREAM

Michael Jackson

“Confidence and hope are different things.  Confidence is the inner conviction that we are equal to whatever task is before us.  It is the certainty that we are bright enough, strong enough, powerful enough to meet the challenge and best it.  Hope, on the other hand, is what sustains us when we have little or no confidence left.  At the end of a bad stretch, hope-hope that the will of God will finally prevail-is all that is left to sustain us.  When it becomes clear that the things on which we have depended aren’t really dependable, hope must replace confidence, or nothing can replace confidence at all.  Hope knows that whatever happens, God lives.  Hope expects that however bad it looks, this moment will ultimately yield something good.  Hope says begin again.  Winners may have confidence, but real heroes-those who have seen bad times and lived to rise above them-live in hope.”  Joan Chittister, IN MY OWN WORDS

“You have to have that tragedy, that pain to pull from.  That’s what makes a clown great.  You can see he’s hurting behind the masquerade.  He’s something else externally.  I can play off those moments, too.  I’ve been through the fire many times.”   Michael Jackson

I must admit that my family has recently walked through the fires of a bad stretch.  Numbed in the moment, we each pulled together the strength to carry on.  Angels educated in all manner of medicine sustained us as we spent days reeling, and, ultimately gaining health.  The man I have been married to for over four decades manages to find confidence in medical angels and summons such hope throughout battles that I am constantly in awe of him.  He is able to see past the now and into the future.  He is and has been a real hero who rises above bad times while living in great hope.

“TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE IN THE WORLD.  TOGETHER WE CAN HELP TO STOP RACISM.  TOGETHER WE CAN HELP TO STOP PREJUDICE.  WE CAN HELP THE WORLD LIVE WITHOUT FEAR.  IT’S OUR ONLY HOPE, WITHOUT HOPE WE ARE LOST.”  Michael Jackson Exeter June 14, 2002

I have a memory of sitting and talking with my mother about sensitivity, more specifically, MY sensitivity.  We are a product of our childhood and a part of that for me is that my passion comes from my mom and my peacemaking from my dad.  Sensitivity, well, I came into the world that way.  During the conversation  with my mom I remember her saying, “I wish we would have raised you tougher!”  My immediate response was, “But you didn’t.  THIS IS WHO I AM.”  I know my mom was feeling that life would be easier for me if I were less sensitive.  I must admit I can get physically ill when encountering injustices.  And, the anger I feel gives me that inner conviction to speak out in an attempt to try and make a difference…or, at the very least, to educate those  that are unaware.

But, when it comes to hope…I reach out for help.  I have chosen this journey with Michael Jackson for a multitude of reasons:  His artistry, his musical genius, his beauty, his magic, his sensuality, his aura, his mesmerizing dance and performance.  Of course, I could go on and on and on.  Other artists may evoke a list such as this, although, I see no equal…but, the story doesn’t end there.  There is no doubt Michael Jackson was a WINNER of unparalleled magnitude.  Beyond that, Michael was chosen…to be a messenger… brought to show the world how to love. He was chosen to speak out for justice.  He was chosen to be the voice for the voiceless…the children and the environment.  He took his messages to the world community and inspired masses of people to feel the confidence for change.  His words inspired good works…they still do.  He is a hero because he suffered many, many bad times and rose above each and every one.  HE LIVED IN HOPE OF A BETTER WORLD.

Whenever I feel my confidence falter, I turn to the music…I turn to the message…I CALL THE MAN.  Revisiting reveals greater truths.  “RELAX YOUR MIND…LAY BACK AND GROOVE WITH MINE.”  Seeing and hearing again teaches me more. Suddenly, that fragile hope melts into my fearful heart and I breathe a sigh of relief.

You gave me strength when I wasn’t strong

You gave me hope when all hope was lost

You opened my eyes when I couldn’t see

Love was always here waiting for me.

Michael Jackson  YOU ARE MY LIFEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouPX6ZzDHpI

The search for God is a project of a lifetime…and, for me, Michael helps me in my quest.  He lived the life I aspire to…he offers hope when I see none.  He stood up every time he was knocked down.  He points the way for me to be a better person.  His verses go on and I want to do all I can to be a part of the music.  Although fragile, hope  is our lifeline revealing something good.

I love you all!

Jude

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