Just Call My Name...

So the last two weeks have sort of been chill for me. I haven't done much except enjoy a few DVDs and surfing the net during my time off. The weekends I've spent with my wife and even those have been a bit low key. I guess we're in recovery from the buildup and execution of our wedding.

Meanwhile the world has truly suffered a great loss with the death of Michael Jackson. Whether one turns on the TV, radio, surfs the web, or grabs the newspaper he is the source of all the headlines. While I think it is right to acknowledge and pay respect to the man and his talents, I find it equally sad that there are people out there who are exploiting him even in death.

I was also a bit more saddened when he was brought up amongst church members recently and a certain pastor's wife complained that on the night following his death she couldn't find a channel which was not broadcasting something about it.

"I wish they woudn't broadcast that crap!" She said disdainfully." Why are we paying so much attention to a sick and disgusting man."

I kept silent mostly because I was truly horrified at the way she said those words. I have no relationship to Michael and I am certainly not a hardcore fan but there is no reason to be this disrespectful of any human being. Whether this lady realizes it or not Michael is a member of the human race and thereby is also a child of God. If anything his passing is a stark reminder that death comes to us all and the results of sin scar everyone. Some of us are fortunate to hide these scars within. I believe it is poignant that Michael wore his on the outside and we as a world were often repulsed by them.

My parents were very conservative when I was growing up. I could only listen to the Heritage Singers and other religious groups. But the one pop song they allowed me to listen to was We are the World. The lyrics spoke of hope and a longing to join together to heal wounds. As Christians we know that this will never come to fruition before our Lord's return, but while we are here, it is something worth striving to be a source of healing to those we come into contact with. I believe my parents realized the intent of this song and respected it.

There is a video posted on Youtube which captures the recording studio session where Michael lays down his tracks for We are the World. The tape is raw and unedited. In it we see a young man who is full of joy, life, and indeed hope. There is also an uncanny sense of innocence coupled with the willingness to work hard and a desire to please. I saw the same energy in the kids I worked with during my time at WBFM in Brampton, Ontario. There is indeed a thin line that seperates us all.

I have often wondered why God made the penalty for sin so harsh. Death. But recently I realized that even in this God shows his mercy. Death is peace. No longer does this man have to suffer from the demons that have troubled from within and without. He is also spared the further horrors that he would have brough upon himself through the numerous plastic surgeries that he self inflicted. I honestly believe he would have continued to walk down that dark path were he to continue living. No one wants to grow old and face the march of time in the mirror. Especially a person who never truly believed he was beautiful.

Rest in peace child of God. Those of us left behind soldier on. Maybe the best lesson we can learn from you is that while we are here, despite our pain and suffering, let it be our purpose to uplift others to a better and brighter place.

Just like you did.