Michael Jackson's Memorial Tribute-Concluding thoughts for "Cotton Pickin' Paycheck-A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery"

Well, I thought my final thoughts were captured on Independence Day.

I felt compelled to open up my manuscript-AGAIN.

" July 7, 2009

Today was the funeral of Michael Joseph Jackson, age 50.  Ironically, it was not until Berry Gordy's eulogy that it really hit me that I was born the famous year that Michael and his brothers auditioned for Motown Records.  I am really not the type who idolizes any celebrity. Yet Michael Jackson's death ignited a flame to get up off my rusty dusty and DO more with each remaining day that I am alive and breathing. It was almost symbollic of a death of an era in my heart. So although I truly believed that my book was finished on Independence Day 2009, I was compelled to open up my document one more time to capture my thoughts, ideas and reflections on Michael's celebration ceremony of life.  

A person's life is precious no matter if one is on stage or in an alley way.  It is perhaps a more thrilling and magical set of emotions to be a part of an enormous crowd to revel in the life of a world famous entertainer like Michael, the ultimate King of Pop.  May his soul rest in peace.  Born for this time and this place, he fulfilled his purpose on earth.  He unified.  He made people pause and consume his creative gifts.  As U look at the millions of mourners this was clearly one of those life memorable events.  He made his mark on the world.  He made history.

As I watched this memorial service, I was very proud and humbled to have the honor of a real time capturing by the media.  It is the raw footage with a silent commentator that I really love.  I love to be able to see and hear for myself.  Sitting at my computer, watching this in my own space and having the ability to capture my thoughts simultaneously was a real treat. 

Queen Latifa is always the lady of the hour in her style and grace in all public appearances, and she did Maya Angelou's poem justice.  I really loved that poem, "We had him".  It was so appropriate.

"Fame...Fortune...they are all illusions", Michael Jackson's voice speaks from the grave during a tribute video collage.  I am not sure how many people heard that sound bite.  But I did. 

Michael had everything that humans are told by society matters.  Yet many people seem to know deep down that something was not filling his heart with total joy.  So many people watching this service are facing those same feelings of emptiness.  I hear it and read it all of the time.  I used to feel that tug of unworthiness too.  It is a feeling that seems to suggest that if it cannot be purchased or found here on earth, then what is the use of being on earth?  But it is a lie.  Michael gave so much that now it is becoming even more apparent to more ears what was his gift to give.

Kobe Bryant's eulogy reminded us of these facts.  His philanthropy record is marked permanently in the Guinneaus World Book of Records.   Magic Johnson reflected on his first meeting of the family and Michael's impact on his basketball game.  Oh now I am crying because he is recollecting how he was asked to be in my all time favorite video by Michael Jackson, "Remember the Time". 

I always did wonder HOW he was chosen to be in that video. 

He said it was the greatest moment of his life to know that Michael could kick back, relax and eat a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken as they discussed the plans for that incredible video.  The village that was left behind for his children is intact as Magic enthusiastically detailed to the crowd.

Oh my.  That Jennifer Hudson's voice is so powerful.  Her rendition of Michael's song is so touching and emotionally soul stirring.  She looks up to the Lord during her song and U know that if anyone knows how omnipotent God is, it is someone who has had to rebuild from losing their loved ones in the manner that she did last year. My munchkin always reminds me what I taught her.  People who pass away are ALWAYS in our heart.

The Reverend Al Sharpton gave the history of the dream and how persistence kept them focused on achieving their family's dream.  He described meeting them in 1970 at the Black Expo.  The dream of their family changed the culture of the world.  Rev. Sharpton reminded us that Michael did not accept external limitations and boundaries and did not allow the world to stick him in a box.  He brought all races and colors together to contribute back to the less fortunate.  His message was that Michael's persistence created a comfort level that enabled people to drop their differences to be able to share heroes of different cultures.  He even went on to declare that the removal of these barriers actually led to our ability to unite and vote Barack Obama into office.  He passionately declared that "Michael NEVER stopped!" even when his enemies, naysayers and pessimists launched their attacks.  He paused to give an explanation to Michael's children that their father's life was not strange.  Rather it was strange what he was forced to DEAL with in terms of facing the everyday racism and injustice.  All tools for him to be authentic to himself which he seemed to do in hindsight.  Nobody outside of Michael's core group seemed to know what Michael was feeling, thinking or doing.  He thanked the spirit of Michael for giving us hope and an example of what one person and one dream could achieve in a lifetime. 

Michael's haunting words, "U are not alone...I am here with U...though I am far apart...I am in your heart" are heavenly sent.  God is always with us.  He is always in our heart when we open it up to receive Him.  Steve Wonder's piano tribute made me tear right up.   

John Mayer did a solo guitar tribute that was a very beautiful along with the flashbacks in the background spanning Michael's brilliant career.  When I watch these kinds of productions, I always wonder "How did those individuals in the chorus get selected?"  I mean what an honor and opportunity to say that U were up on that stage as a little dot in the crowd of known celebrities!  I always notice those "little and almost invisible" people and just wonder how they mark the experience in their lives.  They are not the superstar but the day was made complete with their participation.

Brook Shields gave a touching recollection of the things that made her connection to Michael special and it was simply "laughter".  We have people in our lives for a reason, a season and/or a lifetime.  Her stories shared just how even the most externally confusing relationships hold internal significance that cannot be valued or measured by strangers.  The laughter and smiles that they shared were the glue of their bond.  "Pure and non-jaded" are words that she used to describe his persona.  She said his life reminded her about the book, "The Little Prince".  Her emphasis was that his TRUTH is what was most important about a soul.  "Michael saw everything with his heart". 

Some things that are most important about a soul being FREE cannot be seen with eyes.  It can't be purchased at the mall or borrowed from the bank.  Counting it all joy is FREE and when U choose to give it and share it U are FREE.

I don't really know how Jermaine managed to sing "Smile" without crying throughout, but I guess he lovingly knows his brother is in a better place.  He is finally FREE.

Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy was represented by his children.  His son reminded us that we are all born with a purpose, and we must quickly get to the task of mastering excellence.  His daughter reminded us that nothing can separate us from God's love and that it is the only thing "that can anchor us above the noise of life".  She reminded us that few are chosen to use their gifts to magnify God in their works.  Many are called however.  I am convinced that many are called.  It is a choice that most people make to ignore that voice that quietly directs them to move ahead on ideas, instincts and inflections.  That noise of life Yolanda spoke about is growing so loud.  So loud that people are working around the clock collecting their "Cotton Pickin' Paychecks" that they are not only ignoring that calling but they are quickly able to rationalize that there simply is not enough time to do anything differently.  To change. Michael's life showed that time is of the essence as he must have been the most productive entertainer in history.  What we see in the mirror is how we begin.

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee gave some wonderful words representing the civic duty and responsibility demonstrated by Michael Jackson.  They are proposing a bill to honor Michael's legacy.  His works throughout his life were saluted and detailed.  When Michael experienced a set-back he reached back and helped someone else in a big way by building hospital burn units and contributing to orphanages.  I think this pattern of giving is going to be more common place.  Everyone seems to look to Oprah or Cosby or someone known to give as the savers of all mankind.  I think and pray that people begin to realize that each one of us working together across our man-made barriers can duplicate the same effect.  We need all of us.  But that is why God uses these types of experiences to tickle our senses while we are still aware of our independent thought processes.

Smokey Robinson confessed how he wrote "Who is loving You".  Then he heard "his" song being recorded.  He explained how Michael could not know the meaning of his song as a ten year old.  He did not believe that someone so young could have so much knowledge and soul to sing that song the way he did. He reminded us that Michael's life was a blessing and that is why Michael's legacy will live forever.  We who are alive today are blessed in that we witnessed the existence of the world's best entertainer in our era.  This is a very special time to be alive.  As he spoke, I kind of felt funny about remembering those emails floating around cyberspace this past March after the inauguration of President Barack Obama.  I don't think I forwarded them past my inbox because it struck me wrong when I first saw it as opposed to the funny joke that it was obviously intended to be.  Basically, it listed a lot of the firsts and major accomplishments of black people.  One I specifically recall was entitled "Black is in" another one was called, "Now days...LOL". 

'The most powerful politician in the world is Black.

The head of the Republican National Committee is Black.

The best known media mogul on earth is Black.

The greatest golfer in the world is Black.

The top female tennis players in the world are Black.

The highest grossing actor worldwide is Black.

The fastest racing driver in the world is Black.

The brightest Astrophysicist under the sun is Black.

The Superbowl-winning Head Coach is Black.

The most successful brain surgeon in the world is Black.

The fastest human on the planet is Black.

At the end, the email said 'Michael Jackson must be kicking himself.' '

The joke suggested that it is finally acceptable to be black by showing the diverse brown faces of those prominent figures above.  But as the world can now finally see and appreciate the fact that although Michael's physical features were far from his original "blackness" how could that limit the impact of his soul?  In the end analysis, what are we judging from the outside of a soul when U really step back and view the bigger picture of a person's total life? 

Kenny Ortega gave the background history on the preparation and behind the scenes of the Staples Center and the "This is It" team.  It concluded with a special production of his life legacy.  This was a wonderful ceremony.  Well organized.  Just an immaculate production in my humble opinion.  There was a drastic contrast to what I witnessed last week with the BET show.  The Jackson Family and the teamwork with the production team shows how diversity can work.  All folks of all backgrounds can roll up their sleeves and create a dignified and successful final product when they allow the barriers to come down and the love to go up.  This moment was spectacular and may likely not be seen again in my lifetime.

As I saw the children pour onto the stage, I ran upstairs to share the moment with my precious munchkins.  It was so touching to see the faces of people all over the world watching and listening all simultaneously.  It was a testament to a life well lived to see the impact on so many people of all colors and ages holding hands and sharing the moment.  I could not help but think if a crack has been made in the barrier wall between and among God's people who are different.  During one of the slideshows there was a collage of different religious faiths lined up together.  I wondered to myself if those symbols represented the seven churches found in the book of Revelation, those seven lamps that are often referenced in the bible.  Of the 1.6 million people in the room I wonder how much representation of each religion was present together in service at the non-denominational Staples Center of Los Angeles.

His brother Marlon seemed at first that he would not be able to continue with breaking down in tears, but he did a wonderful job.  Wow!  Marlon had a twin Brandon that I did not know passed away.  I can feel that Janet's eulogy  is going to make me cry I know.  Surprisingly instead his daughter is now at the microphone and tried to say goodbye to her daddy.  That was so touching.  She could not do it.  She burst into tears as she proclaimed that her daddy was the best daddy in the world. 

 Oh my heart pours out to her.  I could feel the pain and deja vue of my feelings of losing my daddy at such a tender young age.  It is so hard.  I don't know what her life will be without her daddy, but I can only pray that she gets the opportunity to purge her emotions and not squelch them aside like I chose to do.  I don't know why I thought I could choose not to properly grieve the loss of my daddy, John Robert Johnson.  I am just happy that I know now that I am free to feel my emotions no matter how others are staring or judging me.  This memorial was perfection on a stage for the world to see over and over and over and over again.  Maybe the more times and more places it is seen, heard and most importantly discussed, the faster our world will heal from the disease of racism, sexism and classism.  When U change the way people think, U change the way they act. 

Alas, like clockwork, the commentators begin clamoring to their microphones, chiming in their opinions, yet basically sharing their personal admittance of the amazing way that the public can remain truly ignorant of a person's true soul.  The media cannot capture the truth of a soul.  I am smiling as I am happy to hear the admittance in so many words.  All of the judgments and accusations that outsiders, nay-sayers and enemies throw at a person, they are irrelevant in the big picture of life.  There is no denying the fact that HIS LIFE AND DEATH has touched so many more than can be captured in his one on one interactions.  I have observed while substitute teaching for various history classes that GENIUS is RARELY recognized while the person is alive...for some odd reason.  Michael Jackson's purpose on earth appears to be much  bigger than his physical body....as evidenced by his funeral vs. any other person eulogized or funeralized to date. They spoke about how the Jackson family had so many spokespeople that TODAY was the first time they felt a consistent VOICE was communicating a human soul's message.  Perhaps today was the first time they were quiet enough to listen and hear.  I heard Michael's voice say in that program several times, "I am now FREE" and there is nothing anyone can do or say to hurt me where I am now.  We all should pray to achieve such a level of freedom in my opinion.

For the record, I want to remind U that the devil is a LIAR.  There has always been and there will most likely always be people who choose to hate based on external features of a human soul.  In a flash, I realize that these individuals will not vanish into a puff of thin air.  I am not going to spend too much of my time on earth writing much more about these people or trying to deeply analyze why they continue to exist in powerfully large numbers.  But I do believe the Ethiopian Proverb that says "when spider webs unite they can tie up a lion" and Satchell Paige's quote, "None of us is as smart as all of us!"

I JUST BELIEVE THAT WE CAN DO THIS!

Yes, I am so inspired to complete the remaining lessons of "Cotton Pickin' Paycheck-A 21^st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery" for my munchkins and hubby.  I just pray that the sentimental stories actually touch outsiders who read this book to OPEX-'Optimize Previous EXperiences!' "

Sisterly love,

Joan E. Gosier, Author of "Cotton Pickin' Paycheck-A 21st Century Journal of Escape from Slavery"

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