Healing the World Through Love

All posts in the Healing the World Through Love category

Dirty Diana Used As A Powerful Message By Georgia High School Students To Stop Bullying And Hate

Published January 8, 2012 by MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE

Source: CNN.com – By timirahjames

Click link to view video:

http://ireport.cnn.com/themes/custom/resources/cvplayer2.0/IReportEmbedPlayer.swf?site=ireport&profile=ireport-embed&context=embed&contentId=727576/0

Talented teens from East Point, GA’s Tri-Cities High School have decided to spread the message to “Stop the Bull” (stop the bullying), in the form of music, using Michael Jackson’s hit “Dirty Diana”. The controversial music video aids the song, which is titled “Malicious Hatred,” also incorporates the art of dance, as it pays tribute to the King of Pop and social justice leader himself. It boldly addresses the sensitive subjects of teen homosexuality and obesity, as it tells the story of two young teens who struggle with the two now unbelievably common issues among today’s youth. It serves as a voice to those who are experiencing such pain, and not being accepted by society as a result. In the video, it also recognizes and pays respect to bullying victims Jamie Rodemeyer, Bobby Tillman, and Tyler Clementi. THIS VIDEO TOUCHED ME!!!!!

Michael’s Big Heart – An Except From “In Search of Neverland” – By Gloria Rhoads Berlin

Published July 5, 2011 by MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE

Picture not included in original publication

Michael Jackson was always looking for ways to do wonderful things for people. In the early 1980s, I sent him a letter telling him about a black family whose property I had listed for sale right near the Coliseum. The 87-year-old father, who had severe heart disease, had three younger children ranging in age from 16 to 19, still struggling to get through their schooling. This elderly father took care of them as best he could. He sent them to school and prepared meals for them. They helped with house cleaning chores and did their own laundry. (There was no mother in the house; the drug addicted white mother had committed suicide a few years earlier.)

I told Michael Jackson the story and I told him that the 50-year-old nephew had taken over this caring for the teenagers when the father died at Good Samaritan Hospital. They were about to lose their home to foreclosure; even though I had the property listed for sale, no one was buying it. I felt compelled to get help for them so they could continue to attend school. Michael telephoned me after receiving my letter.

“Well, I want to help,” he said, “so give me the address and the telephone numbers.”

Michael then sent someone to visit them with gifts. He talked to the 50-year-old nephew who was taking care of these younger children after his uncle had passed away. Michael kept the house payments up so it wouldn’t be seized through foreclosure and could remain on the market until it sold. It went into probate for open bidding by potential buyers because the elderly man did not leave a will or a trust for his children. Michael sent someone down there to keep bidding up the price. Finally the property was sold, and the children went to live with the cousin at his apartment. Michael arranged for them to get a larger 3-bedroom apartment so that this gentleman could take care of his niece and two nephews. These three teenagers graduated high school and went to college while staying with their cousin. Since there wasn’t even burial insurance, Michael also helped to pay for their father’s burial, a man he had never met. And, of course, he continued helping these three teenagers until they graduated from high school and went to college on special grants. I hope this provides insight into the charitable, warm-hearted Michael that reached out to help these children. His generosity touched my heart.

Gloria Rhoads Berlin (2010). Michael Jackson: In Search of Neverland (Kindle Locations 116-122). Gloria Rhoads Publications. Kindle Edition.

To Bully or Not to Bully: That is the Question

Published July 2, 2011 by MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE

By Valmai Owens   Wed, Jun 01, 2011

Out of all the articles I wanted to write for this month’s issue, this was not one of them, but the gutter mentality of school-yard bullies who use the online arena to viciously and cruelly attack those connected to Michael Jackson’s world, and this includes attacks by fans themselves, is a continuing and disturbing trend. Some exchanges I have read recently have disgusted me with the humiliating, degrading, abusive and foul verbiage. It literally made me cringe.

Perhaps some people just don’t care or realize that by engaging in this sort of behavior, not only does it diminish their worth in the eyes of others, but also the worth of their victims. This is exactly what Michael Jackson had to deal with from the media and others throughout his life. And we are angered by it aren’t we? Don’t we rebut and counteract where and whenever possible? Why then, do we think it’s acceptable to put others through the same suffering Michael had to endure?

I sense certain arrogance in some people. It leads them to believe that their opinion is the only one that counts, their voice is the only one that should be heard and their truth is the only one that should be believed. If you don’t agree with them then obviously you have it all wrong and to all intents and purposes, you don’t know what you are talking about. This just doesn’t occur within the fan community, but also in other sectors and industries and is often a key factor in the disintegration of family, matrimonial and work relationships, friendships, governmental structure, religious groups and all manner of human relations.

We have all disagreed with someone else’s opinion at some point in time. We might argue and get a little hot under the collar, but most of us don’t declare open season on that person by calling them names, ridiculing and sometimes threatening them for not agreeing with us, especially in a public arena. For those who do, the question is why?

It is a misconception that most bullies have low self-esteem. Research has shown that most people who bully have an average or even high self-esteem and they often share similar behavioral and personality characteristics. They show aggressive behavior patterns, they like to dominate others, they need to be in control and win, they feel no remorse and refuse to accept any responsibility for their behavior. It also appears that bullies believe they will get some sort of social mileage or recognition for the act and in turn become very popular. As most of the bullying I have witnessed has occurred on Twitter and Facebook, I am inclined believe there is truth in this.

The social-cyber bully uses their new found status and followers to “freeze” out or humiliate other individuals and groups who oppose their opinions, beliefs and viewpoints. Sound familiar? But, nobody truly respects a bully and although they may have followers, they have no real friends. Nobody trusts a bully.

Sadly, with this behavior occurring within the fan community, it reflects a distorted image of us as a whole; an image we are trying to maintain as one of intelligent and rational people. If we continue to allow our buttons to be pushed, if we continue to interact with these people by countering their attacks, by using retaliative measures, then we are giving them what they seek and that is attention!  We can’t afford to sink into the quicksand of their mindset and hinder the serious work we are engaged in.

I understand very well how hard it is to keep emotions in check when feeling so strongly about something dear to the heart. Emotions strain to break free; feelings rise up and rebel against the control our minds try to have over them. But, as ambassadors for Michael Jackson and “Keepers” of the truth, (and ambassadors is exactly what we are) then we have a duty to Michael himself to remain composed and not cross the line that he himself drew for us by the way he conducted himself throughout his life. Yes, Michael had his moments of justifiable anger and outbursts, but his anger was never sent forth with damaging intent. He didn’t have in him to be mean-spirited.

Bullying is an unacceptable behavior and observing or participating in it leaves a bad taste in everybody’s mouth, including those who observe Michael Jackson fans and develop a distaste for them and him by association.

And what do we do about the bullies? Ignore them, block them and report them. Delete their comments and make none of our own toward them. If we cut off their food supply they will eventually starve from lack of popularity, look for other feeding grounds or decide to change their diet.

Further reading on bullying:

http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=321

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-barbara-kaufmann/bullying-not-just-for-pla_b_807389.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-barbara-kaufmann/arizona-shooting-violence_b_809250.html

Pledge of Peace:

http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=238

  Valmai was born in New Zealand, and after living in Australia for 8 years, moved to the United States in 2000. She has been working as a volunteer for the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait as Tribute Book Editor, and Director of Publications since August, 2009. The Official Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait book, Fans in the Mirror,  was published in June, 2010, for the first anniversary of Michael’s passing. She is a writer, editor and poet.

Michael has always been a supreme influence her life. From beginning to end, he was and still is, a force that inspires her through love, to make positive changes in the world and peoples lives. Encouraging and inspiring others to carry on his work; to never forget the gift that was Michael, is of the utmost importance to her.

Please Don’t Hurt Michael! – A Reflection of the Heart – By MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE

Published June 22, 2011 by MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE

As we embark on the approaching second anniversary of Michael’s death, I am feeling very much conflicted in my soul.  I can’t believe that it has actually been two years since he left us.  It hurts just as much today as it did then.  What makes it all the more difficult is to see how the fans are divided over many issues.   When Michael first died, I sought the comfort of those who felt about him as I did.  I thought that I had found a place where there were others like me.  They didn’t think that I weird for wanting to talk about him all day. They loved him as much as I did.  Now two years later, that place is no longer the source of comfort that it used to be.  I cried and mourned over it for a long time now.   I cry because I think that in all of the confusion, people have forgotten what we are here for.  Michael’s fans were always a great source of comfort and love to him.  Whenever the world kicked him down, the fans were there to support him.  No, none of us are perfect, but I wonder if we have forgotten the messages that Michael so long and diligently fought to teach us.  That message is love.  The thing that I admire the most about him is that no matter what he went through or who mistreated him, he always handled it with decorum and dignity.  He did not let them see him sweat.  He had rhinoceros skin (at least publically) as he often said.  But we know it hurt him. He cried often from deep loneliness and pain.

 

We saw him do it in front of us on stage time and time again, but I don’t think we really paid attention to what his pain was about. It was not a performance or a part of his act.  It came from many years of his personal pain, memories and situations that he was concerned about in the world. He literally became overwhelmed with grief; a gigantic load of burdens we can only begin to imagine.  He would literally bow to floor, crippled with angst while we clapped and cheered.  I never understood that.  It’s very painful for me to watch him like that.  It was if he were a lost in a sea of agony that only God could remove, even if only for a season.

“I’m just like anyone. I cut and bleed.  And I embarrass easily.”

“People think they know me, but they don’t.  Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth.  I cry sometimes, because it hurts.  It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me.”

He just could not imagine why people who accuse him of all manner of wrong doing. 

“They did it to try and belittle me, to try and to take away my pride.  But I went through the whole system with them.  And at the end, I – I wanted the public to know that I was okay, even though I was hurting.”

Michael always tried to do as Jesus taught.  Here is the key to the whole point of this post.  No matter what you believe or don’t believe, there is a principle that all mankind should uphold.  Be kind to one another, even when others have wronged you. This is not an easy task.  I have to remind myself repeatedly to do this.  But someone has to be the bigger person.  The rewards are not always immediate, but you mature as a person.

“But I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to.”

Wow!  How many times have we read Michael’s quotes and said, “Oh, that’s nice.” or “He is so kind.”  But the question is, “What state is your heart in?”  Are you kind and loving?  Do you lie and spread false witness against others?  Are you trying to make the world a better place or is the focus just on you and all your problems?  We have deeply mourned Michael for almost two years.  We can never forget him, but now I think that he would say to us that it time that we focused on finishing what he started.   All the time we waste fighting each other could be used for the greater good. Take care of the children, feed the poor, help those less fortunate than yourself.  Give back, even if only to one person.  It doesn’t have to be money.  You can give your time and love to people.  That will always be valuable. You will have made a world of difference in the eyes of God and man.

So I say this on the eve of this anniversary, to reflect and remember Michael, but also think about how you can make his name shine with glory.  Think about how he would feel if he could see how divided we are.   If you are not on the earth for a productive reason, then what is your purpose?  Michael was so blessed because he gave, sometimes more than he should have.  He never counted the cost, but it cost him dearly.  But I believe that if he had to do it all over again, he would do no differently as far as caring about others.

Please watch the video below.   Look at Michael’s face.  See how much he hurts inside.  Keep that face in your memory the next time you say something unkind or do something that would make those beautiful eyes look at you with disappointment.  I don’t want Michael’s memory or legacy to die.  I want it to continue to grow and spread.  Michael was L.O.V.E in action. Let’s do what we can to remind people about how great, caring and precious he was.  

Michael tried to tell us over and over again to do better with all the gifts we were blessed with. Do you care, have you a part?  Let’s make this world a better place.  We are the world, heal it.   It’s up to us all.   Heed the call.  We need to love each other. Times are hard.  It may be the very person that you hate that will have to help you in the greatest hour of need.

Michael, we are so sorry for hurting you.  You were too good for this world, but you were such a great blessing to us all.  I love you with all my heart. ♥ ♥ ♥

Peace and blessings. 

 Cutie Pie ♥

Michael Jackson’s Mom Again Finds Solace in Flowers with Trial, Death Anniversary

Published May 4, 2011 by MJ WAS A CUTIE PIE
By Anthony McCartney, The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – Thu, 28 Apr, 2011

Katherine Jackson poses for a portrait in Calabasas, Calif., Wednesday, April 27, 2011

CALABASAS, Calif. – Katherine Jackson isn’t looking forward to the upcoming trial of the doctor charged in connection with her son’s death. She says the pain of his loss nearly two years ago remains and the potential punishment for the physician doesn’t seem like it’s nearly enough.

The matriarch of one of music’s most famous families isn’t planning any special preparations for the daily trek to a downtown Los Angeles courtroom where the trial begins May 9, but she says she’ll rely on her faith to carry her through.

“I have mixed emotions,” she told The Associated Press in an interview this week. “Sometimes I think why have a trial if … the maximum sentence is only four years.”

She has not spoken to Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, although she has seen him often from her seat at pretrial hearings in the case.

“I’ll be there, but it just hurts me because my son is gone and for forever and this man is trying to get away and get off,” she said. “He needs to be punished.”

Katherine Jackson spoke at her new hilltop house in Calabasas, a community 10 miles west of the Jackson’s longtime San Fernando Valley home, which is being renovated. White roses have been planted to be seen when looking out the back windows into the valley below, and flower beds line the walkways and the outside of the house — one of the requests Jackson said she made for the property when she arrived.

Flowers have always been a source of joy for the soft-spoken woman in her 80s, prompting smiles and excited descriptions of her favourite plants and blooms.

She recently extended her floral passion beyond her own garden, consulting on and endorsing a line of floral arrangements being sold online. Jackson said she hopes the venture will help others show their love for one another.

“I think flowers speak a thousand words,” she said with a smile.

The retailer, sendherflowers.com, is hoping the $49-and-up arrangements with names such as “Precious,” “Field of Love” and “Dynasty” will be a hit for Mother’s Day. And Jackson hopes people will use them for any occasion, with plans to change the arrangements through the seasons.

As a devout Jehovah’s Witness, Katherine Jackson does not celebrate Mother’s Day or many of the holidays that prompt people to buy flowers. But her famous children still send Mom bouquets with some of her favourite blooms, including tulips and azaleas.

“They know I don’t celebrate all the holidays, but they send them anyway,” she said.

Her son Michael would send her flowers at least once a month, she said, including a large arrangement after his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005.

In the days after his death, flowers poured into the family’s home and Katherine Jackson says they carried with them a message she immediately understood and appreciated — she was not alone.

“They felt my pain,” she said of the outpouring from fans and supporters. “It meant a lot to me. And at that time, I needed all of that to know the world was with me, the world felt my pain.”

Her son’s death at age 50 has thrust Katherine Jackson back into the role of mother. She is the guardian and caretaker of the singer’s three children, who range in ages from 9 to 14.

Raising children in the Internet age poses a whole new set of challenges, she said, but her strategy hasn’t changed. She said she still believes you have to show children respect, keep promises, and give them spiritual grounding. “Raise them with a conscience,” she said.

Discipline is key, but she adheres to a simple philosophy — “Discipline with love.” It was a lesson she said her son Michael apparently heeded.

After the singer’s death, Katherine Jackson went to his home to clean up. There, she found several reminders he had scribbled to himself.

“He had notes around,” she recalled. “‘Discipline with love.’”


***Note: Video not included in article ***