What I Believe The Jackson Family Showed the World


Many of us knew that there would be a fantastic celebration of Michael Jackson's life. Some of us were disappointed by the tribute given by BET. I knew in my heart that someone would put together a memorial fitting for Michael Jackson. What I was not prepared for was The Michael Jackson Memorial on July 7, 2009.

To sum it up, it was full of grace and it was simply beautiful. The Jackson family showed us how much they loved their son, brother, father, and friend and that they are truly a family. The gracefulness of the brothers, who also served as pallbearers for their brother Michael, sent me to tears each time the camera zoomed in on them. With each performance or speech they stood in solidarity and thanked the person as they came from the stage. When Usher became overwhelmed with grief many, if not all, of Michael Jackson's siblings rushed to comfort him. What a moment? That even in their grief they wanted to comfort someone else.

Like many of my friends I cried until I literally had a headache. Once the memorial service was over I felt like I had just had a serious church experience. That service yesterday to me was simply "church" as we do in our community. Even today I am still in deep reflection about the past two weeks since Michael Jackson passed. Though yesterday was very different for me. I saw the Jackson family in a whole new light. I mourned with them and I cried with them. I feel like I am a distant family member, but a family member none the less.

At the end of the service when several of Michael's family members spoke, I thought through my tears "Lord, I don't think I can take much more." Watching with tear filled eyes I saw sisters supporting their hurting brothers, brothers supporting their hurting niece. We don't see this often on television. Most images we see of African Americans are athletes, rappers, and singers. Those images are not always positive.

They, the Jackson Family, showed brothers in unity, the Jackson brothers were so handsome in their dark suits, yellow accessories and white gloves, they showed beautiful sisters dressed for the occasion and still fashionable and they showed us that they take care of each other at all times. I am grateful to The Jackson Family because I believe they showed the world that we can have class, style, and grace at all times, even as we mourn our loved ones.

My prayer is that we allow Michael Jackson to rest in peace and that we continue to pray for his family during this time.

Because of Him I Am,
Lindar

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