5/29/2026
"If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself,
and then make a change."
Michael Jackson
Today my son had a free afternoon, as his plans had changed, so we decided to do something fun, something we'd not done together in a long time. It was such a nice day, and yesterday I spent the day working outside, cutting the grass before the next rainy days came, and my son had worked along side of me getting some outside work accomplished. There never seems to be a shortage of work to do around here, and I am determined to get this place looking better than it has in quite a while. That will require determination and grit - "courage, resilience, and unwavering perseverance."
We decided to go to the movies, and the movie my son wanted to see was Michael, about the life of Michael Jackson, who was played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. I heard Kirk Cameron, the Christian actor, speak about the movie, saying that it was a good one to see. Normally I'm a fan of movies like The Chosen and The Lord of the Rings, but I love movies about the lives of people I admire, and Michael Jackson always seemed a kind and considerate young man, only eight years my junior actually. I have never been a fanatic fan of any actor or singer, but I have always admired creative talent, and he was a very gifted artist with multiple God-given talents. The movie was well done, and his nephew definitely was the right one to play the part. Jaafar in his own right is a wonderful artist, and this movie was his acting debut, I understand. I pray his career follows an honorable path.
It was very emotional for me in discovering that Michael's life was one of deep hurts, and he was not allowed to be a child, which explains much of his life. His empathy for those who were hurting whether emotionally or physically becomes very recognizable and understandable. He was known for his philanthropy for those who had desperate needs, especially children. He often visited children in hospitals, and it seems as if when approached, wherever he was, he took time to visit with people and sign autographs. He loved stuffed animals and real ones, especially those endangered, and I can relate to both of these likes. He seemed very much a kindred spirit of sorts to me. It's a shame that his life was cut short, because he was going to begin his career again after controversy not included in this film, of which I am relieved. He had a very deep love for his mother, and they spent quality time together in the evenings watching movies and sharing ice cream. Seeing the relationship, understanding how she must have felt, and grateful for her defending Michael warmed my heart.
We can never know what another person's life is about, and it seems that after people are dead, tongues begin to wag, criticisms comes, and on and on it goes. I don't know if this is due to jealousy or lack of something better to do. Perhaps the hope of notoriety they have desired in their lives and never achieved on their own merit. This may well be why people tend to kick others while they're down. I don't understand many things, as I've said before multiple times. I just know the person I desire to be, one who brings honor and glory to my Lord and Savior, and a person who loves my neighbor as myself...or better. I think this is what Michael Jackson wanted to do. Only God knows his story, but the movie was well worth the seeing.

