The Magic of MJ

When I learned of the passing of Michael Jackson, my entire childhood and beyond flashed before my eyes. Some of my earliest memories include lip synching to his hits when I was probably 5 or 6 years old, and cheering on my baby brother as he emulated Jackson's moonwalk and recorded his version of Man in the Mirror on our rickety old tape player. Every major hit of MJ's brings me to a different time in my life and reminds me of a party, a friend or a sombre moment listening to his touching words and wondering if we really could heal this world.
Today the world paid tribute to this unmatcheable entertainment giant; this is just my way of acknowledging what I think made this man such an icon, so special that even before I was old enough to know the words he was singing, I was dancing to their beat.
A lot of people can sing and sing well. A lot of people can dance and dance well. A lot of people can sing and dance...and maybe half of those people can do both well. But I heard something today that made me understand what was so different about Michael's performances...when Michael sang and danced his soul was happy. And that's what I believe his magic is. He knew the frequency at which his soul vibrated, he pursued it and he never stopped.
We all have a gift that is our direct connection with the Universe. Some of us are lucky enough to know what that is. Of those who know what that is, there are a few people who are true enough to themselves to let the world know their purpose on this earth. For some people, it is the gift of music. For others, it is the gift of the written word. For still others, it is the ability to look beyond what is in front of them and advocate for those around the world whom they may never meet. The gifts are endless but the trick is recognizing them and then being brave enough to use them. The purpose is the same; to make this life worth living not only for yourself but for as many people as you can touch. But it starts with yourself, and the ability to say, this is what I am meant to do on this earth and despite all of the obstacles that may come up I am going to stick to it...because when I do it...my soul is happy.
I feel sad that we lost a man like Michael Jackson. It is always sad when we lose someone brave enough to voice the powerful messages he did. That is because every time we lose someone like Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Theresa, Malcolm X, or Mahatma Gandhi, it is that much more work for us to pass on their message to our children. I think when we lose role models like those I mentioned plus countless others who have shaped our civil society, we need to really take notice of who and what our children are looking to as guides.
I am not a famous musician or part of the Motown family. I am not an actress or anything even remotely Hollywood - I've never even been there. I am just a 31 year old woman who had the absolute pleasure of growing up to some of the best music that will ever resound on this earth and for that I am thankful. I never had to meet Michael to understand his magic, or to be inspired to pursue some of my own.
Thanks for reading...