What we all have in common with Michael Jackson

I was always sublimely entertained by Michael Jackson. I'm compelled to agree with Berry Gordy's assertion that Michael is simply the the greatest entertainer that ever lived. I've spent more money on classical, jazz, and blues rather than pop but I must admit that Michael is the most amazing performer I've ever seen. There are many things about Michael that defy understanding and some allegations made about him are perplexing. Hopefully, the worst rumors will eventually prove to be false. Regardless of anyone's opinion of Michael there is at least one thing we all have in common with him. At Michael's memorial an emotional rendition of Michael's Song "Gone Too Soon" was sung by Usher. Anyone who's heard this song and lost a loved one knows the depth of the lyrics. How saddening that this song written by Michael for Princes Diana's memorial became such a fitting memorial to him. How difficult it must have been for Usher to sing. "We love you, Michael." He began his performance while composing himself saying "You meant so much to us, especially me." It was so incredibly touching to those who love Michael. Usher's performance was simple, profound, deep and welled up with sincere sorrow over the loss of a beloved friend. He stepped slowly down from the stage to touch Michael's casket as he sang the most fitting words "Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight. Here one day. Gone one night". Usher finally broke down before struggling to sing the ending line, "Gone Too Soon." Usher's breakdown at the end of the performance was the picture of the brokenness we all know at the loss of a loved one. My father died last February at the age of 81 and to me he was also gone too soon. My father didn't have the accomplishments of Michael but, like Michael he had many imperfections just as we all do. One thing is certain, my father was gone too soon and eventually we will all be gone too soon. Michael's brothers carried his casket into the memorial as Andrea Crouch's choir sang "Soon and very Soon." Even Jesus, the King of King's for whom that song was written was moved by the loss of a friend. While standing outside of the tomb of his friend Lazarus the gospel writer reports that Jesus wept. Jesus didn't weep because he missed Lazarus. Jesus knew that in just a few moments He would give the command and Lazarus was going to come forth. In the case of Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb it wasn't because Lazarus was gone too soon. Jesus grieved over the reality that all of humanity was burdened with the curse of an eventual death. Jesus did not ascribe to the view that death is just a part of life. Jesus properly viewed death as the end of life and that his purpose for entering into this world was to conquer death. Jesus went through death and it couldn't hold him down. Jesus claimed many things about himself. One of his claims was that he was the resurrection and the life. On another occasion Jesus told his disciples that because he lived that they would live also. Jesus is all about life. He is the creator and sustainer of life.

Those who knew Michael best say that he loved his family and friends and that he was down-to-earth and kind. It sounds to me as though he had a life worth living. As far as the serious issues he was accused of, I'm hoping that all of that was false. Those of us who watched him from a distance must admit that Michael was generous and compassionate. He gave much of his time, talent and wealth to help the poor. Michael had many true friends. Among them were gospel artist Andrea Crouch and his sister Sandra. They worked with Michael on many occasions so it is probable that Michael was well aware of the claims that Jesus made about himself. There were many allusions to Jesus in Michael's memorial service. Lionel Richie sang "Jesus is Love". Jesus claimed that he alone was capable of giving everlasting life. It is my sincere hope that Michael accepted the gift of everlasting life that Jesus offers everyone. What we all have in common with Michael Jackson is that everlasting life is possible but like him we must accept it from Jesus.



Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon