Reflections of Jacko

Michael Jackson dead at 50. Thank goodness for Drudge. I saw after the headline broke at around 4PM. I was shocked needless to say. Now, I've never been a huge Michael Jackson fan. I do have a lot of his music mainly because of the memories they bring. I will admit a mixture of feelings for him.

I was in third grade. My parents raised us very conservatively and secular rock music was a huge no-no. One of my closest friends named John Victoria invited me over to his house in the neighborhood. He broke out the brand new Thriller album by Michael Jackson. I would for the next few months, go over to his house and listen to it there...I know...I was EVIL. : ) Human Nature stuck out and I remember the Rosemont High School band playing it for the Elementary school that I was attending. My friends had parachute pants, red leather jackets and white gloves. I was not allowed to wear this stuff, but I remember wanting to have my own pair.

Then there was college. My roomies at LBC had his History album and popped it in from time to time. I never understood that, but the song Do You Remember stuck with me as did Man in the Mirror.

I remember going to the National Youth Worker Convention and Chris Tomlin's band warming up the crowd by playing the music for Billie Jean. I also remember my cousin Doug playing Will You Be There full volume on his stereo at my aunt and uncles house.

His potential pedophilia is obvious. We can't overlook it. It just seemed to convenient to not be true. I know God will know. I think there was some serious mental issues.

I remember hearing about his upbringing which I'll admit played a part in me starting to sympathize a little bit for him. His family makes the Simpsons and Bundys look like Ozzie and Harriet. His dad stole their childhood by forcing them into the music business. The after effects obviously impacted him by him living out his childhood well into his adult years.

My heart hurts for his children who had a very confused father. I hope for the best for them. I hope he knew Christ. Such a gifted musician and a confused individual. Even his debt is shocking. He had no guidance or he lived in another world. He spent money he didn't have. Such a sad story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4s16pzRYqU