Yesterday, many around the world gathered to watch the Michael Jackson memorial. There were those who were lucky enough to get tickets and then there were those, like myself, who were resigned to watching it on their computer screens. But regardless of where you were and regardless of whether you were the biggest Michael Jackson fan or his biggest detractor, you could sense that there was an unmistakable spiritual energy all about the Staples Arena yesterday afternoon.
Within the first 15 minutes of the memorial service, I found myself crying at my desk–which is why this wasn’t written yesterday. It started when I caught the tail end of the old gospel song “Soon and Very Soon” being sung as pallbearers brought in Michael’s golden, red rose covered casket. Then in came Lionel Richie to sing “Jesus is Love.” Queen Latifah read a poem by Maya Angelou entitled “We Had Him” which, within the first line stated, “Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.” And then there was Stevie Wonder, who in his wonderful way, sat in front of his keys and remarked that though we all may want Michael here with us now, God probably has more need of him. It was at that moment that I realized that this memorial was being made even bigger than the star it was celebrating, it became an occasion to glorify the creator of the created star.
From celebrity friends who reminisced about the good times they had with Michael to the public figures such as Al Sharpton and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson who boldly spoke up to vindicate Michael, the memorial painted a beautiful picture of the fallen King of Pop in the midst of a media who were–and are–still slinging mud on him. It all felt like Michael was being redeemed and at the core of that redemption was God.
There were so many moments in the memorial that had the imprint of God on them that it would be too many to name. But what was clear yesterday was that Michael Jackson, a man who seemed, to the world, to be pressed on every side by troubles was not crushed. He was perplexed by the way he was perceived but not driven to despair–if not in his own eyes, he showed us he wasn’t overcome. He was hunted down by the media who preyed on him, but never abandoned by his friends who prayed for him and most important His God, who we would learn yesterday was a major part of his life. He was knocked down by allegations but never destroyed. And now, he enters into the rest of his creator and as Pastor Lucius Smith so poignantly put it, “But even now the King of Pop must bow his knee to the King of Kings.”
Rest in Piece MJ.
Related Features:
- Michael Jackson’s Memorial: The Therapy of Spectacle
- Prayer for Michael Jackson
- Michael Jackson’s Death: Does Fame Trump Faith?
- Michael Jackson: Master of an Empty Kingdom
- Complete Michael Jackson Features
posted July 8, 2009 at 4:08 pm
It is amazing how negative the media has chosen to portray Michael Jackson. The media is supposed to be unbiased, but they have chosen to focus on negativity. I must have seen Michael Jackson holding the baby over the balcony a million times, but I hardly saw any footage of Michael Jackson signing big checks over to charities or any of the wonderful humanitarian work he has done. No good deed goes unpunished. Michael Jackson helped out thousands of kids only to be accused of being a molester.CNN only wanted to show the molestation trial, but no footage of him at hospitals and what he’s done for sick children. The ironic part is that while everyone is casting stones Michael has done way more than any of us ever have or ever will. Americans are sick in that way, always wanting to tear people down. Michael had to move to Europe for awhile to get away from it. Like Randy said, maybe they will leave you alone now Michael. God rest his soul.
posted July 9, 2009 at 7:56 am
GooD Lord! he was not a Hero that died for our Country! just another screw up talented child. Where was all is fan when he needed help?
He sure was calling out, but you didn’t hear the cry……
posted July 9, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Michael Jackson’s funeral was all spirit and not spectacle. Thank God! I think everyone was waiting for the spectale, but his mother and father gave closure for us the fans as well as themselves, so they presented a typical black funeral. Behind every person there is a mask and that is really for the outsiders, like me, but for family that is a whole different take. They know and love you because you are family. MJ was not just an entertainer, he was much more than that. Some of his songs were very spiritual and I do believe MJ had a pure heart, somewhat childlike. I did well during all of this until the casket was presented, which is such a finality for me, then I began to cry. I grew up with MJ and I will not forget. Rest in Peace, MJ. Rock With You!
posted July 16, 2009 at 12:01 am
Im from the far east..the philippines. ive known him since i was 12, i was a big fan for almost 16 years now. and everytime i hear, read and see about MJ, and its over several weeks since his passing, i still cant help but to cry as i remember him. he brought sweet memories. I rememember hearing his voice in his heal the world song, as it was our graduation song in 6th grade. there & then, i became his loyal fan until now. My friend and I became goodfrens and bestfriends because of michael jackson, see? he brought friendship and love to me. I remember my friend and me spend time hearing his songs over and over again. we were like crazy over him! As we grow up, we still have many mementos which we collected from newspapers, magazines and many more. I know he is a good person, yes! a childlike not childish.. he will be remembered 4ever. why are we so sad and stricken by his death? cause i know once upon a time in our lives, he inspired us through his music. MJJ will only be one, part of it, its the end of his era, we will surely miss him. I hope people would leave him alone now. I pray for peace in his family. They are all strong and spiritual. ALl things works for good to those who trust in the Lord. I know you’re not here anymore in this sinful world, but we are happy coz ur in the loving arms of GOd now,sweet angel.