Things I Wish My Boys Were Old Enough to Understand (an obligatory MJ Post)

I sit in my kitchen as I type these words with the sounds of the never-ending tribute to Michael Jackson in the background. I've wanted to post about MJ ever since his death... first, because everyone is talking about it and thinking about it even if they're not blogging about it and second, because I think there are some thoughts regarding the situation that I would very much like to share. So I figure today, the same day of the spectacle that was the star-studded concert send-off for one of the greatest entertainers of our time, was as good as any to try and compose some of my meandering thoughts. (As a total sidenote, I know Joe Jackson must not have been in charge of the official memorial or those tickets wouldn't have been free!)

Anyway, here's a list of things I wish my kids were old enough to understand about this whole Michael Jackson fiasco...

1. There is such a thing as too much money, too much power, and/or too much celebrity. What a tragedy that after 50 years on this earth there was apparently no one in Jackson's life who cared more about MJ the man than MJ the product. He was bottled and sold from the tender age of 5 and when he died, he was surrounded mostly by paid help who didn't even seem the least bit panicked on the 911 calls. And does anyone else find it ironic that this whole memorial production is being handled by AEG, the same promoters for the "This Is It" concert tour? They are still making money off of him in death! In fact--cynic that I am--I can't completely rid my mind of the thoughts that the doctor who was with him when he died was also employed by AEG and could have easily pushed just enough meds to bring about his death without anyone ever really determining exactly what happened. Afterall, with a daunting 50-concert tour on the horizon for a frail unstable man, it seems undeniable to me that this man was likely far more profitable in death than in life. Yet is there anything more tragic than an actual price being put on someone's life or a bottom line on their very soul?

2. Whatever we (your parents) may have done to screw you up, get over it! It's widely reported that Michael Jackson was ridiculed by his father for many things, including both his dark skin and wide nose. Any guesses as to what Michael worked the hardest to change about his appearance? He was so wildly talented and beloved yet he mutilated himself in a vain attempt to correct something that was never wrong in the first place! All to please his selfish, abusive father who only seemed to care about making a buck?!? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face. And his gaunt appearance was undeniably from a drug problem and/or an eating disorder... both characteristics of someone who has learned to hate themselves. So kids, if I/we ever did anything to traumatize you (ya know, other than being your parents) please don't punish yourself to get back at me. Just go to therapy and send me the bill. And while we're at it, I guess I'd want my kids to understand the importance of being a good parent, too!

3. A person's a person, no matter how small (or "big.") Much of Jackson's music lamented the lack of normalcy in his life. His poor children have never been afforded the "normal" life or a slice of the anonymity 99.9% of us in the world take for granted... yet I'd be willing to bet they'd cash it all in for just a chance to be a normal person. I'd also guess they'll spend their lives wondering who loves them for who they or who loves them for what they can provide. Sadly, I think that's exactly what haunted their father and I truly believe at the root of all his bizarre behavior and lavish spending was the deepest desire to be loved and accepted. Plus, the genuine hurt and emotion that was on full display at the memorial was the same as if it came from me and you. So I guess it's true... celebrities are people too. (Sorta.) And I'd advise my kids not to chase some stupid dream of hitting it big because in the end it seems people just want to be left alone, free to be normal.

4. You are never larger than life. No arguing it here, everyone is appointed to die. Yet I halfway think a few of those people screaming at the memorial expected MJ to pop out of that gold casket. Despite their pleas, in a matter of time the so-called King of Pop will be a mere pile of dust (albeit in one very expensive container!) Sometimes it does seem as though some folks believe they are too big to die... and ironically those are the same folks that all too often die far younger than the average life expectancy. Despite even the most desperate of measures, they never manage to avoid the inevitable... even Jesus died, right?

5. But Jesus rose... Hallelujah, Christ arose! If you were at work and didn't see the memorial, I'll spare you the suspense: MJ did not miraculously spring forth from his tomb. But I know someone who did! Have you ever wondered why no one has found the remains of Jesus? Simply put, He's not here anymore. And make no mistake, when a light shone down on Jesus, it wasn't from fancy 1000-watt bulbs at The Staples Center or the special effects in a video. It was a light directly from Heaven as His Father was well-pleased with His Son. Michael Jackson was made out to be some sort of deity today but I hypothesize that in 2000 years people won't even remember that he lived or died, yet in the year 2009 it's the promises of Jesus that the Jackson family is choosing to hang their hopes on at this time. What could a man possibly do in a short life of 30 or so years that people would remember, nay worship, two milleniums later? Nothing. But Jesus was not just a man. He wasn't The King of Pop or Rock-N-Roll. He's the King of Kings and God's own Son who bore the weight of our sin so that we could enter into Heaven, not through works of our own but through His grace and mercy. What an amazing plan God set into motion so many years ago that would culminate in today's "celebration" of Michael Jackson (a ridiculously talented and famed entertainer/megacelebrity/freak extraordinaire/accused child molester) so that it would both begin and end in the name of Jesus while at least half of the world watched and listened! With all the celebrities and poignant performances of the day, no greater truth was spoken than those words from Pastor Lucious Smith when he acknowledged that now the king of pop was bowing to the King of Kings. Ultimately that's the way it will play out for all of us, regardless of fame or status. I'm praying that message won't get lost in all the hoopla of the day. And I'm praying my kids always remember that.