Remembering Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

As usual, I began my journey to work today accompanied with the music on radio. The station were playing the song, “We are the world” sang by a group of renown singers and followed by a tearful yet touching short speech by Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter during the memorial service held for him. On hearing the song, tears clouded in my eyes.

The song, “We are the world” brings back fond memories in my younger days. I remembered it was a hit song during my primary school and I was an active choir member. I memorized the song in my heart and sang it on Children’s Day celebration on Sunday in church. I didn’t give any attention to the lyrics. It was just the song that I like. As I grew up, this song faded away in my memory. But as I hear it again, it somehow brings back the memories which made me realized that those histories are still much alive in me.

I’m not Michael’s fan but I must admit that the King of Pop had somehow influenced my life. I grew up with his songs and some of his songs I find it meaningful. Despite those controversies about him, I see him as a gifted person from God, a multi-talented singer and he did his best to bring music that touches our hearts. I admire his talented moves, his songs about the environment, racial barriers, and love. Some of my favourite songs are “We are the world”, “Heal the world”, “Black & White”, “Earth song”, “You are not alone” & etc. I thank God for Michael Jackson for being part of my life, to come to know this talented person and to grew up with his meaningful songs.

As I looked back on Michael’s life, I personally feel that he has given all his best in the songs that he created. He put in un-ending effort in his moves, music, songs and concerts. I noticed every song in his every concert; I can feel the excitement and his creativity. I guess he did his best in realizing his dream, managed to unite the world with his song and brings joy and smile to people around the world.

Have I given my best in all the things that I want to do? Am I living to the fullest? And what is my purpose in life?

Michael’s death shocked the world. There are un-ending write-ups on the media on the positive and negative issues on Michael. After his death, many described on his positive side and his real person when he was alive. I feel it’s like a contrast. While he was charged with child molesting and other issues, the media just focus on his negatives. When he died, more and more people came out to reveal his good sides. It is meaningless. We kept condemning others and when we found out that we’ve lost it, we started recalling back about the past and saying that it’s too soon for that person to leave. Why not cherish the person when the person is still alive?

I looked at “We are the world” & “Heal the world” lyrics. I was touched. As times when there are so much hurts, disappointments and hurdles in life, I felt that the world is a tough place to survive. Why not each of us does our part to spread love and to give support to one another? After all, we are one big family living together. If everyone can be like the innocent children, to make things less difficult, we can make it a better place to live in.