Another thing - I was searching through some of my old Facebook posts today, and came across one I wrote back in 2016. After reading it over again, I realized it still matched my current thoughts about him, so I'd be interested to know your views...
Today marks what would have been the 58th birthday, of someone who I and many others grew up admiring. For those in the mid-1960s, he was a cute kid from Indiana with a lot of talent and even more heart. He took inspiration from the likes of James Brown, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly...and today, many do the same with their memories of him. He went from the lead singer of a five-man group, all brothers...to a solo artist whose work is still deemed a creative and professional standard. Music aside, he also made lasting impressions on many children and families through his charity contributions, both public and private. He helped further early AIDS research through his friendship with Ryan White, supported the Make-A-Wish foundation, and co-created a song for African relief efforts with Lionel Richie.
Many saw him as someone to emulate, while others even hailed him as a "god" of sorts. But the one title most remember is something he actually came up with for himself: King of Pop. While this certainly changed people's perception of him, it was nothing new; he'd been dealing with that all of his life. His mixing of divergent musical styles and fashion trends attracted people from every age group, ethnicity, and religion on the planet. But for me, there was one thing I liked most: he showed me it was okay to be different, staying young in heart and mind no matter how old you became. He loved so many people, the best he knew how...yet they often mocked and manipulated him in return. Sadly, the last few years of his life were filled with despair, from an insane trial on charges of child molestation (resulting in 14 acquittals), to an extravagant comeback attempt halted by an accidental drug overdose. As such, he is remembered as a polarizing figure...loved by many, yet hated by others with a fiery determination. As for me, I really miss him: he was my favorite musician, and so many of his songs spoke to me. He did have a Peter Pan complex, never wanting to completely grow up...but why is that such a bad thing? I think a lot of people deem innocence so horribly, because it exposes their own corruption.
This man, still loved and cherished by so many, was not God. He never had apostles, never claimed divinity, never performed supernatural miracles, and was by no means perfect. The only crucifixion he ever experienced was a constant form by the media, and the so-called "court of public opinion". He openly loved most he encountered, striving to side with that instead of hate or contempt. The way he lived really had a lasting impact on my life, making me want to be better to those around me. I continue to read books about him, wishing he were still here so I could tell him how much of the real God I saw in him. That's why its my sincere hope, that he's with God and Jesus now, in Heaven. He was no saint or angel, just a man...but far from an ordinary one. He remains missed by his family, friends, and millions of fans like me all across the world. In just over five decades, he tried his best to provide healing for the world and all its people, no matter who tried tearing it down. Michael Jackson was no Savior, or Messiah...but he was someone I still love and admire. My heart goes out to those he left behind, especially his three children. I lost someone I looked up to, but they lost a father. Happy Birthday, Michael; my greatest prayer for you is that you're finally at peace.
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