Requiem for Michael Jackson

Posted July 8, 2009

Those who propel themselves to the top through reckless disregard for others can never achieve a sense of belonging nor can they truly achieve any sense of purpose. To achieve greatness and celebrity often times diminishes an individual’s true spirit and it can be brought to task by unkind forces. Michael Jackson at the end of his journey was more recognizable for his Godliness and ability to give rather than his ability to entertain. This is the fabric of what makes a great individual, legendary.

We far too often miss the boat on recognizing genius. Michael’s outward talents may have been to sing and dance but his words, thoughts and actions are what we are left with when we examine the nature of his spirit. Words are the most inner feelings of an individual’s soul and they give life to that person’s humanity and humanity as a whole. Words educate, entertain, frighten, inspire and most of all give us the ability to communicate. How we compile them fosters our passion and intellect and how we interpret them challenges our civility.

Individuals for the most part lead ordinary lives, have ordinary jobs and have an ordinary outlook on life. It is only when ordinary people attempt the extra-ordinary, that we experience the unordinary potential in everything. Michael’s memorial service probably humbled many people. The perception of this individual in no way mirrored the challenges of his personal public life. At a memorial service you tend to attract the disciples and not the critics. Disciples typically follow genius when it has expired as they await the judgement of the masses before enrolling into a position of strength. Very seldom does power side with ridicule and human degradation.

I knew nothing of Michael’s life other than his celebrity. It appears his love of life and love of humanity failed to take center stage during his lifetime. The news was more pre-occupied with the perverse and not the profound. Beat it Michael and have a great time in Heaven. God liked your music so much that He inspired you to write it.

Thank you,
Joseph Pede