Celebrating Michael Jackson

[Andrew Quinley]

Unless you've been living in a nuclear bunker for the past week, you've probably heard of Michael Jackson's passing away. The world has been in a tumult reacting to the news of the passing of such a great entertainer. Here's my question, how do we respond to the passing of a man who advanced music and entertainment, but who's character was deeply flawed and was accused of child molestation?

[Jeffrey]

I'm not a big fan of MJ (or to any celebrity), but i felt a bit of sadness when he died.

About his case of molestation. We really never know the truth unless MJ or his attorneys will tell it all. First case was settled. The father of the child was in debt at that time, he could have milked MJ for money. Second case, MJ was never found guilty.

In my opinion, i don't believe MJ was guilty of child molestation. He has had a flawed character, we all have.

[Jason Bruce]

Im a fan and MJ's death should be a teaching moment to all of us. To my kids, its a good opportunity to talk to them about what matter most in life. As for the "man in the mirror" I should ask myself what kind of success I want for my kids and myself- is it success measured by worldly standards or by the Eternal one.

[Rich]

My lengthy answer is reflected upon the growing relationship I have with Him. :)

I think a lot of people are still struggling to find closure, Kuya. I'm saddened by what happened and shocked to hear and read some comments in the internet, or even in my workplace... some dared to say that we shouldn't feel bad about his passing because he's gay and a pedophile so he deserves to rot and die. Their lack of sympathy shook me to the core. I mean, they don't really know MJ and to say such things? Their hate and judgment of him became visible to me, solidified through their words. It's amazing to see how people tend to say things without knowing what they mean and how unforgiving we can be, at times. I asked myself, "What makes you think you're better than him or anybody else for that matter?" Such hubris... this kind of pride hurts me. What has the world came to? :( And yet, I know something that they haven't figured out yet. I'm convicted. I feel responsible. I'm being comforted with the fact that God's love is way bigger than our stupidity. No matter what we said and done, He still loves us... That's tough to understand. But I accepted it.

He loves MJ with his sensitivity, messiness and his questionable choices in life. He loves Him as much as he loves us. I believe that a part of God's plans and purpose will come through MJ's death, just like any event that came to pass. His understanding and wisdom is unmeasurable, far incomparable with what humanity does. He will never force Himself on us, because that's not how love works. He taught me that loving others shouldn't be out of obligation. It's because we want to. It motivates us to do better, pushing aside our differences and just simply, love. I keep on praying that in the end, everybody will see that we're not really different from each other. We're all created by One God, breathed into and given life through a single, divine breath. Choosing to love, instead of hate, this is what I decided to live for... Honestly, I may not be able to preach it good all the time because I'm not flawless, or some people may not listen to me, so I guess I'll just show how to do it by living it. I will do my best to love with His love. This is my response. :)

[Andrew Quinley]

I'm loving the different responses we're getting on this.

Jeff, I agree with you man, the cases never brought forth a conviction. They did, however, cause the question to arise. No harm intended.

Jason, good points. It seems everyone who attains a certain level of fame just crumbles under it. That may be another good forum question. "What causes people to crash and burn under great fame?"

Rich, I know what you mean. What actually led me to start this post was a two-part occurrence first, the non-stop media coverage of Jackson, even though a bunch of other important things where going on online. Started me asking, just what makes you worthy of that kind of coverage? Secondly, hearing a comment by a Christian actually who said something like,"I mean what's the big deal? The man is a pedophile! I'm glad he's dead! He deserves it!" That shocked and disgusted me. I wanted to ask everyone what they thought about his death to get a broader perspective.

[Jason Bruce]

Andrew - that will be a good forum subject to discuss.
I like what Atlantic Monthly blog said, "Michael Jackson was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.” MJ was nothing but a creature of our culture which puts “fame and celebrity” at its core, with money as its driving force with less regard on the person's well-being or the character he/she exhibits.

[Rich]

I knew I gave you a subjective answer, but I just can't help it. Right now it keeps getting worse - I think you've heard about the family claiming it's a homicide. I see it as a tension of opposites, Kuya. It's up to us where we "allow" ourselves to be pulled against. I mean, people always have something to say. Some will defend him because of who he is... his character that was taken for granted... We're good in judging people sometimes it's so disgusting. Or the amount he contributed to music. Or the fact that he was a humanitarian. Some despise him because they presumed him guilty of child molestation, and it's weird... Hating him without understanding why. Our world is filled with lovers, haters and those who clung to indifference. And we think that his death meant a lot us, some assume that they "own" a piece of MJ because he gave a part of himself to us through his music... All this talk about interconnectedness. I believe that. A part of me wanted to know how and why he died, out of curiosity. I can't deny that. But it saddens me to see the lack of confidentiality. No privacy. And now I'm a little upset because I have a feeling there's more secrets and made-up stories that will come out. Is it all because he's popular? That's basically it? Has anyone asked if we have the right to know? And even if the world found out what really happened, what's next? What are we gonna do about it? It won't bring him back to life. When will everybody know the time to stop? Some seek justice. Some seek for gossips. Our actions reveal who we really are. Hmmm... I'm seeking for positivity that will come out of this. Now I'm somewhat confused with the whole thing. I'm praying for clarity. :)

[Andrew Quinley]

It is sickening the amount of exploitation that the news and other gossips are getting out of his life and death. I do hope it just dies down and those who knew and loved him get to grieve in private, while those who don't decide they have no place to comment on his life.

[STEPHEN]

we mourn him as we would a uniquely talented friend, and pray to God he repented of his actions... but then when you think about his childhood, maybe He could have been healed had some1 preached Jesus, and actually let him experience His healing, and being in a church where he's treated not much of a star, but as a brother not pressured to perform 24/7?

guess when ur that stellar a celeb, its a tall order...

God bless his soul.

from the Philippines..............

[Andrew Quinley]

That's very true bro. Even as Christians, we treat celebrities as celebrities instead of just another person with a need for Jesus. I hope he had that opportunity close to his death as well.

[rachel ann]

I am not an MJ fan cause i never knew it was him who sung the songs im singing during my childhood days.
And i really wonder why people react to the lost of him when all i think is that he's just like any entertainer
not until i made my own research.
Ive watched his videos with his family and kids, his music videos and even judicial process in regards to the case
accused to him.i have found my answers and realized something.

MJ knew how it is to suffer, he knew the pain the people suffering feels, he knew how it is for rights as a child been
taken. At the very young age, he performs and entertain everyone and as the years gone by he never stops, he never
stop touching peoples lives through his music.
I think he never advanced music and entertainment, he just performed his purpose in life at the stages. Come to think of it,
he sacrificed his private life, his dignity, and his individuality..why? why when we all know that he can just moved far
away places and be invisible forever..when we know that he can chose not to perform or sing anymore...it is hard,
exactly like what his brother said (he used to disguise into something he cant be identified as MJ but just an ordinary
child "now i understand, he just wanted to be away from the crowd even just for awhile") thats young MJ.
MJ knew, he knew..RACISM,WAR,DESTRUCTION,SUFFERING,GREEDINESS....

Life of MJ is pitiful, but i really think he have fulfilled his purpose in life. God is indeed amazing, just like the
story of the potters hand, he chose the broken pots to enhance and be of use to the others not only in the present but
until for a life time.Through MJs music and sincerity in promoting love and unity he become a legend. his musics have
touched and moved millions of people.

I deeply sympathizing with his kids until for they will never be able to see how great their dad is in the stage.
same as my story, i never witnessed dads great hands in doing paintings.another sacrifice.

Come to think of it, the accusation? JESUS ONCE BEEN ACCUSED AND HE SACRIFICES MANY THINGS INCLUDING HIS LIFE(think about it)
MJ have lived his purpose and will always be...

[Andrew Quinley]

That's an insightful answer, Rachel. You're right about MJ's music being more than music but an anthem for many people to bring unity and compassion between opposing groups. That's an honorable thing and something worthy of honor.