I’m shocked and saddened this morning over our friend, MIchael Jackson’s death.  I’m also happy for him that he is now with his maker, after such a wild life of extremes.

There’s an infinite amount being said and written about him, so I’ll be short and succinct.

I loved his music, he entertained me, moved me, made me laugh and cry.  I repeatedly enjoyed his monumental genius and talent.

Michael Jackson was also a role model of what not to do in life.  I consistently learned not to reach for fame as the way to happiness, because it never delivers.  He exemplified excess, having so much wealth and stardom, yet never being fully satisfied because money and status cannot ever fulfill.  In the end, he was depending way, way too much on medications, money, stardom, and the advisers, promoters and producers swarming around him.  Yet, in his vain and futile attempts, he taught us not to depend on people alone, because we’re limited, but to love them. 

Love others, care for one another — that was his true deepest message.

I know he was a lover of God, too.  You can hear it in his music and in his joyous moments.  I pray that God has mercy on him, and hope that his soul is with God in heaven.

What did you think and feel about Michael Jackson?  I’d love to know.  What did you learn from him?  Please tell me.