MICHAEL JACKSON’S KIDS THANK GOD FOR HELPING THEM
Friday 5 March, 2010
Arts
World
By Dee Pfeiffer
At the recent Grammy ceremony, Prince and Paris Jackson accepted the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their late father Michael. And Prince’s poignant first words were, “We’d like to thank God for watching over us for these past seven months.”
It’s good that they were taught to place their trust in God, since outside of their close family it will remain hard for them to know who to trust. It’s very difficult to lose a parent at such a young age, but even more so when the world’s media is watching every move. Harder still, of course, when the death is sudden, suspicious and, even after several months, nobody is brought to account.
It has been eight months since Michael Jackson died, yet it took until February 8 before cardiologist Dr Conrad Murray was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, presumably by overdosing him with medication. He arrived in suit and sunglasses and walked in with officers, but no cuffs, which seemed considerably unjust considering the police acted swiftly in handcuffing and publicly humiliating Jackson back in 2003, sending 70-plus cars to raid his home for a crime he did not commit.
To this day, Murray has maintained his innocence, saying that he ‘gave nothing to Michael Jackson that should have led to his death’. The question is, if he didn’t, was there anyone who did?
Those who knew Jackson are well aware that for many years he had been reaching out to the few people he felt he could trust in a desperate attempt to let them know that something was amiss. Not because he was an ‘addict’, but because he knew that this is exactly how he would be portrayed should anything tragic happen. For many years, he had been saying that ‘they’ were going to kill him. When asked who, he would tell confidantes, ‘for the Beatles catalogue. They want the catalogue.’
Some feel that his naivety was his downfall. He would often hire people who were neither reliable nor trustworthy, and many abused that trust. In spite of this, even in his darkest moments, he vowed: “I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.”
The star’s memorial at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles was recognisably Christian and saw Lionel Ritchie singing the beautiful song ‘Jesus is Love,’ containing the lyrics: ‘Jesus wants you. If you call him, he will answer.’
Unfortunately, there was no positive answer to prayer when the star’s chef, Kai Chase, prayed with his children at the bottom of the stairs on that fateful day. “We united and formed a circle, held hands and we started praying,” Chase said. “It was myself and the children, nanny and housekeepers and we were crying frantically because we didn’t know what was going on. Paramedics were upstairs, security was upstairs and we were just praying ‘God, please let Mr Jackson be OK.’ ”
Jackson’s children joined her in prayer, she said. “They were praying, they were crying and we were praying out loud. Prince joined in prayer, and Paris, she’s crying and saying ‘Yes, father, God. Yes, Jesus.” Jackson had not just brought the children up to be well mannered, sharing toys and saying grace before every meal, but he had also taught them how to pray in a crisis.
Time only will tell whether the faith instilled in them by their father will suffice as the trial of Conrad Murray begins later this year.
Meanwhile there are so many questions in relation to this case, some of which might never be answered if Murray alone remains the focus. What happened to the CCTV tapes from the house on that fateful night? Why was the will ‘signed’ in Los Angeles when Jackson was actually in New York City on that date? Most importantly, how could it be that Jackson had died four hours before the 911 call was made?
I believe there are far more people involved than Dr Murray. Reports have shown him to be incompetent and clumsy with his personal life. But is he a killer, a ridiculously incompetent doctor or a credible fall guy?
Sources say he could avoid a trial by plea bargaining a deal to a suspended sentence with a guilty admission, but what message would this send out to other doctors?
The most tragic thing of all is that, in spite of being one of the few stars who genuinely reached out to people and was committed to helping ‘heal the world’, both through his songs and his humanitarian work, Michael Jackson was persecuted and ridiculed for much of his adult life. It is difficult enough coping with the trials and tribulations of being a celebrity, but the little boy from Indiana turned worldwide superstar could, in the eyes of the media, do nothing right.
The fact is, Jackson was a human being crying out for love, understanding and acceptance in a world which reveres immorality and the darker side of human nature. Throughout it all, he never forgot where he came from and his faith sustained him through exceptionally difficult trials.
But we can’t simply blame the media for Jackson’s death, for how many believed the tabloids, how many sought to turn a blind eye to his good works whilst applauding stars that revel in immorality, lust and self-glorification? Most importantly, how many of us saw this man suffering and yet failed to pray for him.
As Prince Jackson thanks God for watching over himself and his siblings, we too must be thankful that outside this world of injustice and pain, we, like Jackson, have a God on whom we can rely to be there for us in our darkest moments and our deepest despair.
Photo: Unknown
Noelyne wrote:
Fantastic article. I know God has His eyes constantly on Michael’s beautiful children. He will never leave them as they are His children. God bless their precious hearts.
Patula wrote:
First and foremost, Michael Jackson was a remarkable human being. Personally, I believe that he was about to do some major things in the kingdom of God. Pastor Andre Crouch saw him three weeks before he passed away. I know that the trial took alot out of him, and I still feel that Mr. Sneddon who had a personal vendetta against Michael should have apologized to him before. See, I am appalled that a young and gifted man’s life was cut too short because of greed, manipulation, power, etc. Michael was getting rid of alot of people. However, I do not trust AEG for some reason they are behind the passing of MJ. Especially, Dr. Tohme Tohme who needs to be thoroughly investigated. This man has some undermining ways. I understand that MJ only wanted ten concerts and not fifty. He has three beautiful children, and they concert promoters who are by the way related to Dr. T.T. were not considerate of the fact that this young man was a single father, a human being, and not a cash cow.
If this does come out, I would not be surprised. I have vibrations about people, places, and things. MJ wanted to rest. They needed to give him time. Fairness is just fairness. I Love You Michael forever. I can’t wait to see you in heaven I’m going to hug you. I wish I had been able to do this when you were here. You did not come to my United States city on the East coast. Love you. I wanted you to stay here much longer.
Helen wrote:
Well wrote article which showed real balance and perspective in a tragic situation. May God who knows the plans He has for each of us, be the rock these children continue to trust in and may they be truly blessed see He alone will supply all their needs.
Bless you Dee
Lee wrote:
Thank you for this lovely tribute to Michael Jackson as a parent.
Some where there should be a well documented tribute to him as a generous donor, giver and supporter to difficult and unpopular areas of need around the world and the role he played in bringing together politicians from different corners.
I bought all his albums to better understand his music and was impressed by the message of the lyrics and amazed by his grace and inventiveness as a dancer and performer. Until that time I had not recognised any of them as the music of Michael Jackson. Truly a great person and blessed with good children who reflect his faith in God.
Luke wrote:
@Melissa: Well it’s always the same with anyone isn’t it - people can hate someone for years, but as soon as they die, they will say all the nice things at the funeral that they should have said when the person was alive. “Can’t speak ill of the dead” for some reason…
Melissa wrote:
I have ALWAYS known him to be an excellent human being. What angers me the most is that now that he’s gone, everyone praises him. Wonderful. Why didn’t they do this while he was alive? What happened that he had to die in order for people to realize his greatness? This should have been done while he was alive and could feel the love that he was so undeservingly denied.
Geraldine Hughes wrote:
Awesome article! I believe that Michael Jackson’s legacy will prove to be much larger now, than when he was here on earth. Mainly because they can’t touch him now. He is in the arms of God where no man can harm him. But his voice still lives on, his music still lives on, his message of love still lives on, more now than before. To all that crucified him here on earth, they will all give an account when their day of judgment comes.
Debby Wimberley wrote:
Dee,
I find your article confirming so much of what I have read about Michael Jackson and the genuine faith he had in God. In the beginning of my journey learning about the world’s most famous entertainer in history, I found myself in a morass of information that took months to wade through to find a glimpse of truth. The overriding criteria seemed to be innuendo, sensationalism and calculated criticism.. I wondered “why?”.. How could one man generate such levels of interest to the extent that most of the tabloid media resorted to the bizarre and ludicrous in order to sell salacious stories?
Almost buried in the mountain of the absurdity, were rare glimpses into the true nature of a superstar, who was surprising humble. He attributed his success to God, regarding himself as a conduit that God used to send songs to him to share with the world. Further, Michael was so grateful to be the recipient of these messages in song, that he would get down on his knees to thank Jehovah God.
At award shows Michael would express appreciation to God for blessing him. At numerous times in his life, Michael mentioned his faith in God and how he prayed for guidance; both in the direction of his career and also how he could be of service to others. Michael had a caring heart that was deeply moved by the misfortunes and sufferings of others. If any way possible that he could alleviate suffering, Michael acted quickly and unselfishly. Rarely were his acts of kindness and generosity reported in the media but that was never Michael’s goal - he shared out of his justifiably vast fortune he earned as a way of giving back.
I am not surprised to see he has raised exceptional children who have a foundation of faith in God. To hear Prince thank God for his watchful care over them was just another indication that the depth of Michael’s faith was solid and an important legacy to his own sons and daughter.
Thank you Dee for your beautiful article. It comforts me to see that Michael always set the example; but more importantly -lived it.
An inspiration then… and inspiration now.
Gill wrote:
Thank you very much for this beautiful article about Michael and his children. I hope that this article will be read by people who have just listened to rumours and scandal and now learn about the real Michael, his charity work,his faith, his goodness. What happened to Michael through his lifetime is the saddest and cruellest of stories, something that a lot of us are struggling to come to terms with. Its very evident that Michaels Christian beliefs were paramount as it reflects in his children today. I wish that other parents nowadays would bring up their children to be as respectful,polite and spiritual as Michael’s children are. It is tragic that they are not together as a family but I know that Michael would be very proud of them. Thank you to Dee for this article, I hope as you that justice will prevail and that the faith Michael put in it will be answered.We all miss and love Michael but no one more than those children. They are in my prayers.
Melissa wrote:
Leslie,
You are so right. This is indeed a tragic loss. Michael never ever deserved this. Nobody does, and someone so loving and so caring, so giving, it’s just so difficult to accept and understand. While he was all man, somehow it’s as painful as the death of a child.
To me he was always a brother figure, never mind social status, he was a truly loving human being, whom way too many hateful and spiteful people have abused throughout the years. This should serve as a lesson to all humanity to please stop abusing each other, and to never hate anyone, nor act in such selfish and hurtful manners for it was never more proven...that “The Love You Save, May Be Your Own”. Heal the world, make it a better place for you and for me…
Leslie Mercer wrote:
Dearest Dee,
I have you on fb and saw this article and wanted to post here how beautiful and thoughtful your article is. I will never get over this. This is a tragedy that will never be fixed. It is one of the most unjust occurrences to ever happen in the history of the world.
Thank you Dee, for your article. I hope many many people read it and learn from it.
Love,
Leslie
Susan wrote:
What a lovely article. It appears that Michael taught his children well. Polite, dignified and thankful. They show the same characteristics as their father. Michael was judged harshly by the world for just being who he was, a child of God. He always seemed to be very Christ like in his actions - doing good works and always turning the other cheek whenever he was attacked. I love him and I miss him.
Pauline Thomas wrote:
So comforting to find a report where faith and God are in the midst. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world where reports could be written in a sympathetic and spiritual manner - where kindness could replace hatred.
My prayers go out towards Prince and Paris Jackson.
Pauline Thomas
Manuela wrote:
Obviously I’m not the only one who perceived Prince Jackson’s words when he and his sister accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their father! At first the boy expressed his gratitude to God!!! I have been praying for Michael Jackson’s three children. May they experience our Lord’s love and protection always.
I believe that God is about to move in the entertainment industry and my question is: Are we as Church ready to receive what God is about to do? So often we stand as the judges of those who are entertainers, pointing the finger at their lifestyles and calling them sinners. We have not really loved them the way God commands us to. So my prayer is that we would simply love the way Jesus does and be His voice of comfort to a dying world.
Thanks to the author!!!
Melissa wrote:
So beautifully written, and ever so true.
Rene' Taylor wrote:
Kudos and thanks to the author Dee Pfeiffer, for having the courage to bring this topic to light, especially within “the church”!! Because “when the cards are all on the table”, it was the church that was ultimately responsible for reaching out to a fellow brother that had repeatedly tried to proclaim his innocence, along with the fact that he prayed to God...and despite it all, still held his stance that he would never stop loving and helping people the way Jesus said to! Unfortunately a very few from the church actually responded to Michael Jackson...not because he was a celebrity, but because he truly was a child of God! Sadly however, too many Christians dropped the ball, in judgement and believing without credible facts that he was already guilty!
I believe that God, in His Infinite Wisdom and Mercy, will send the world, not only a gifted human being, but also one that truly loves God and His righteousness, and will not only talk the talk, but walk the walk!!! It’s His gift to us as well as a reminder that it truly can be done! To walk in God’s Truth and Righteousness!
Being human, of course MJ made mistakes...haven’t we all? But least any one of us forget how Jesus Himself rescued US when we were at OUR own lowest points, we are duty bound to embrace this brother, (as we should ALL that God has chosen!) because not ONLY is The Lord NOT a respector of persons, but He chose Michael from the foundations of the world...just as He did all of us that were called according to His Purpose!
When the day comes that we are asked by The Lord, How we treated His special gifts to us, particularly in the form of Michael Jackson...Did we judge him fairly?, or if not, did we see the error of our ways when the evidence and proof was presented to us...I for one, will say in humility, “The best I could, Lord...the best I could!”
Charlotte Windley wrote:
Lovely story - God Bless him and R.I.P - only God knows the truth.
Pancake wrote:
What an article!!!! I think God, no, I know God is in control. Michael was truly a child of God and the bible says in Luke 17:2 that “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Michael was one of God’s little ones!!! God will cause justice to prevail!!!! Whoever killed Michael will be brought to the light. Michael showed the love of God to everyone he met, now God is going to show his love to Michael!!!! JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL!!!!!! Thanks for the beautiful article!!!!
Karen Godfrey wrote:
This is a wonderfil article Dee! Love the content and the positive outlook on this situation:-)
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