Did MJ Find Love In The Dark (continued)

[Rubi]

Edit: I just realized that there is a line in there that refers to recognizing someone's face - interesting, considering the song "This Is It" talks about recognizing each other's face.

And it reminded me of Butterflies, exactly in the opposite direction

All you gotta do is just walk away and pass me by
Do not acknowledge my smile when I try to say hello to you, yeah

And I love this song so much

 

[Lily]

A little off topic:

Today I went to watch the movie "Hachiko - A Dog's Story" and cried a lot in the movie from beginning to end and went home crying. It's really very beautiful. The movie makes us think about our day-to-day relationships that really matter and especially the importance of loyalty among friends. This movie totally messes with the emotions.

:wub:

This sounds like a beautiful story, thanks for posting it I've never heard of it. I'd have to work myself up to watching it and then I'd probably wake up all swollen eyes afterwards.

Humans can learn SO MANY life lessons from animals/nature.....

 

[AllForMJ]

So God is doing everything, making sure MJ does this and that.. it sounds a bit out there to me.. Maybe MJ just felt like going to Gary and he went! That's what I think happened...

Before going to Gary in June 2003, over twenty years had gone by since the last time that MJ was there. Something totally unrelated to the homecoming caused him to be in the area. It was a copyright infringement lawsuit that caused him to be near his hometown. He was summoned by a Judge in Indianapolis to do a court-ordered deposition. When the City of Gary found out he was going to be so close, they asked him to come home for the homecoming celebration.

The desposition was originally scheduled to take place in May. MJ went to Indianapolis as summoned, but ended up being taken back home to Neverland after a short stay in a hospital following an anxiety attack that he had. The deposition was happening during a time when he was being hit with multiple lawsuits and also while he was dealing with a media frenzy. All of this stuff was causing him to get sick.

After he took some time to rest up, the Judge in Indianapolis ordered him to return by June 13th to complete the deposition or he was going to have MJ pay a $1,000 per day fine for every day that the deposition was delayed. He had MJ provide a date for his return. MJ chose June 8th. When the City of Gary heard that he was coming back to the area again, they asked him to provide them with a date for the homecoming celebration. He told them June 11th.

When he went back for the deposition the second time, he did very well. His attorneys were very surprised. They said he was jovial.

As for the homecoming, we saw how that went. We saw MJ having a whole lot of fun. He really, really enjoyed himself. The homecoming was perfect timing! He really needed that boost.

Now, look at what happened with the copyright infringement lawsuit?

In February of 2004, the very next year, the Judge in Indianapolis ruled that MJ had nothing to do with the copyright infringement and cleared him.

You see? It was the lawsuit that caused MJ to go home to Gary, Indiana...the lawsuit that had nothing to do with him.

As many have heard, the Lord works in mysterious ways...

:yes:

 

[8701girl]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Those pics are so cutteee!

 

[Sdeidjs]

]Susie, THANK YOU. As always, you deliver lol – wonderful, true message. *standing ovation* Love Celine's music. Thx for them wonderful songs as well.

Golly gee wilickers...Susie is blushing

Susie is being what she has always been...what we see is what we will always get...Susie just being Susie

With my deepest and heart felt sincerity...Thank You from the center of our hearts for all your very kind words~~~

MP, great songs u done posting, grazie mille.

Come on now y'all, don't let no one and nothing get you down.

:no:

Michael's legacy and his work are oh, so very important and so very intact. If this lil angel of a girl got IT.....? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqJNYYMP5tQ

Don't you just "LOVE" surfing you tube...I too find the most interesting, inspiring videos...This beautiful child IS absolutely and positively just precious...

Reminds me of my Cousin Heathers 4 year old daughter Lauren (Lou Lou) when I take her to preschool on Thursday's....We too sing (all she wants to hear/sing) "Heal The World" all the way there and back...More precious than ANY AMOUNT OF GOLD~~~ :wub:

Here are some pictures to lighten up the atmosphere up in here. *sits and thinks – one of them days some1 will call u out on all of them o/t u post u idiot, but till dat day...I guess i'll just have to keep the faith lol*.

That 'presidential' pic is in honor of the first anniversary of President Obama's inauguration last year coming up tomorrow. No matter what took place in the year since, that one day History has been made, I cannot begin to describe how important it was.

And...as we know Mike asked each of us to create OUR history each day. I know he was right. We betta listen to him.

PEACE and LOVE y'all, peace and love, that's what it's all about

unknot that suprefly stuff lol).[/QUOTE]


Awwwwwe...those animals are a bunch of cutie pies:wub:

:angel:Our Children Are The Future...Keep Helping To Heal The World...WE Are The World...Knowledge IS Growth...Education IS The Key~~~

 

[mysterygirl7]

Before going to Gary in June 2003, over twenty years had gone by since the last time that MJ was there. Something totally unrelated to the homecoming caused him to be in the area. It was a copyright infringement lawsuit that caused him to be near his hometown. He was summoned by a Judge in Indianapolis to do a court-ordered deposition. When the City of Gary found out he was going to be so close, they asked him to come home for the homecoming celebration.

The desposition was originally scheduled to take place in May. MJ went to Indianapolis as summoned, but ended up being taken back home to Neverland after a short stay in a hospital following an anxiety attack that he had. The deposition was happening during a time when he was being hit with multiple lawsuits and also while he was dealing with a media frenzy. All of this stuff was causing him to get sick.

After he took some time to rest up, the Judge in Indianapolis ordered him to return by June 13th to complete the deposition or he was going to have MJ pay a $1,000 per day fine for every day that the deposition was delayed. He had MJ provide a date for his return. MJ chose June 8th. When the City of Gary heard that he was coming back to the area again, they asked him to provide them with a date for the homecoming celebration. He told them June 11th.

When he went back for the deposition the second time, he did very well. His attorneys were very surprised. They said he was jovial.

As for the homecoming, we saw how that went. We saw MJ having a whole lot of fun. He really, really enjoyed himself. The homecoming was perfect timing! He really needed that boost.

Now, look at what happened with the copyright infringement lawsuit?

In February of 2004, the very next year, the Judge in Indianapolis ruled that MJ had nothing to do with the copyright infringement and cleared him.

You see? It was the lawsuit that caused MJ to go home to Gary, Indiana...the lawsuit that had nothing to do with him.

As many have heard, the Lord works in mysterious ways...

:yes:

It does seem like one thing lead to another ..

thank you for explaining it all...

 

[AllForMJ]

It does seem like one thing lead to another ..

thank you for explaining it all...

You're welcome, mysterygirl7. As Lily had mentioned a page back, it has to be looked at from another angle.

I was hoping to help you see it from a spiritual angle so you could tell that God was working in MJ's life. He had MJ do what Lily said about revisiting memories.

Guess what other amazing thing happened? While MJ was going through the trial, Psalm 35 was also being confirmed as the whole world watched.

:yes:

 

[summer]

About God working in mysterious ways...I agree. And this following is a bit offtopic, but just had to share because it was all a bit "weird" because it was like one coincidence after another...

First, this is what I wrote in my blog on January 30th, 2009:

"From the bottom of my heart...


Okay it's official. I miss Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. I was just watching some concert videos from the HIStory tour and it reminded me of all the times I saw Michael just a few feet away on stage, at hotels, etc. and what a great time I had each time. He has brought SO MUCH happiness to my life and he has given so much to the world through his music...and I miss him terribly. I wish I could see him again. Even just once more. I wanna feel the magic again.



I love you Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. "

I had not seen Michael for seven years, so I wanted to see him again. And about a month after I wrote it, Michael came to London and I was face to face with him. And I saw him once more...before he passed away. Of course after he died, I kept saying to myself "WHY did you write 'even just once more' in your blog, you idiot!!!". But anyways, I had wished I could see him again...and somehow God granted me that one wish before Michael was gone. I was given a chance to see him one last time after seven years before he was taken away from us all. And he was closer than ever before that one last time. So I feel very grateful for that...but still it does bother me that I had said "even just once more" just months before he died. It sounds so creepy somehow now. :boohoo: And the weirdest thing is...my VACATION just started when Michael came to London, so I was able to go because of that.

Then about a day before Michael died I wrote on my Twitter page the prayer:

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

Again, when you look at it NOW...it seems so creepy somehow. like, WHAT made me post that just before Michael died??!! I mean, I say that prayer every night when I go to sleep, so it's not something that I would have just discovered then...but what made me POST that just shortly before Michael died?! It's such a creepy coincidence.

Then other coincidences. I wasn't working when the tickets for MJ's concerts went on sale. So I was able to be online and get tickets.

And I had a free day when Michael died. And also the next day... so I was able to mourn in peace before going to work. Because I don't think I would have been able to go to work right away after he died. I was too sad and crying my eyes out the whole time.

And the concerts were to start in July. And for the first time EVER...I had vacation in JULY. It's really difficult to get vacation during the summer time and so that no one has to fight, we are given a time when we can take a vacation during the summer months, and it changes every year. And so far it was never July for me. But last year it was. Just when MJ was going to have concerts in London. Talking about some coincidence. Well, obviously the concerts never happened, but still since I had a vacation, I was able to go to London to the O2 and attend the vigil and be with other fans. And I was also able to watch the memorial because I had vacation.

And I had two days off when his funeral was, so I was able to watch that on TV also and able to mourn in peace.

And...I had a day off when This Is It premiered. So I was able to attend that.

So in some ways I am so grateful to God that he "arranged" me to have a day off when ever there was something "big" happening. So that I was really able to mourn and also have time off to reflect and to "be there" when ever there was some event, so that I was in a way able "to say goodbye". It would have been awful if I would have had to work while knowing Michael is being buried, etc. I would have been heartbroken if I wouldn't have been able to at least "be in the moment" and REALLY "be there" 100% at least in "spirit". But somehow all the events landed on a day that I had free, and I feel SO GRATEFUL for that. I mean, my work schedule is so "irregular" (with that I mean that sometimes I work Monday-Tuesday...sometimes Thursday-Friday...sometimes Wednesday and Friday...it's different every week), so it's pretty amazing that I just happened to have a free day when ever there was something MJ related happening. It really is such a coincidence and I'm so grateful for that.

So anyways...just wanted to share and say that yes, I agree....God works in very mysterious ways!! (Then on the other hand...I just still can't believe Michael is gone and I just CAN NOT understand WHY he was taken away from us. I just can not comprehend it. :boohoo: :boohoo: I miss him SO MUCH!!! :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: )

 

[No-Body]

Ahhhh man, Shabuya!! That video of the little girl singing "Heal The World" is hecka cute!!

Yep!! We gotta FedEx her American Music Award and Grammy to her ASAP!!!

:lol::rofl:

Man?!?! What man are ya addressing All4MJ? I sure ain't one lol. j/k, I know it was only a figure of speech, but yeah, you are most definitely right about the little girl. I bet she'd win an award or two as well lol.

I loved that I just love all animals without exceptions.:wub:

I know, Ash, I was sure you would enjoy them picsies. Thank you ever so much for the heads up about the movie, it's a must see.

8701girl, I'm glad you liked the pics

Don't you just "LOVE" surfing you tube...I too find the most interesting, inspiring videos...This beautiful child IS absolutely and positively just precious...

Reminds me of my Cousin Heathers 4 year old daughter Lauren (Lou Lou) when I take her to preschool on Thursday's....We too sing (all she wants to hear/sing) "Heal The World" all the way there and back...More precious than ANY AMOUNT OF GOLD~~~ :wub:

Susie, yeah, very much so – Youtube is quite the treasure, u search certain things and u end up discoverin all kinda marvels. Thank God for it.

Whatta sweet scene there with you and your cousin's daughter; I actually got a little jewel of a cousin, she's three and I loooove spending time with her. Kids really are the greatest.

summer, u sure are right about God working in mysterious ways. I also believe there are no coincidences either, so all them days you had off weren't mere chance. I know you are hurting, we all are, but PLEASE try and overcome it.



I know this is quite o/t and it is being discussed in other sections of the board, but I will go ahead anyhow. I am sure you all have heard about the miraculous rescues taking place in Haiti. Only a few short hours ago they found a 5 y.o. boy after being trapped in the rubble of his house after 8 days. From a couple of days ago a little article I've found went:


Members of a search and rescue team demolishing a ruined home in Haiti yesterday were amazed to find a 15-day-old baby who had survived without food and water for a week. "It was the mercy of God," the baby girl's mother told the Wall Street Journal. She had tried to rush to her home's second floor to rescue the baby as the quake hit but was forced to turn back as the building crumbled."This wasn't the way Jesus wanted the baby to die. Everybody knew the baby was dead, except the Lord."- Michelet Joassaint, the baby's grandfather.

Another survivor, a 69-year-old woman, was dragged alive from the ruins of Port-au-Prince's cathedral yesterday. The rescues offered hope to teams still searching for survivors despite ever-slimmer odds. The international effort has rescued nearly 100 people from collapsed buildings so far, according to UN figures. "The search and rescue has been a fantastic success this time," a UN official says. "They've pulled out more people than is normally the case."


So, as you can see, there is HOPE beyond expectations and miracles do happen even in the midst of such a tragedy. I know the 'natural' question that arises is – if God is so merciful and omnipotent why didn't He save the hundreds of thousands of people that did perish in the earthquake?

Today I read something which I thought was quite nice: you can get angry with God, He can take it. I do have to admit that I am puzzled by the fact that such a martyr of a nation plagued by chronic poverty, political strife and violence and recently hit by hurricanes could also be dealt such an awful blow, BUT all of that does not make me ask where God was when the Cathedral and all the buildings were crashing to the ground because I know the answer – He was suffering on the Cross with every single last one of the victims and He was also the victorious Risen King who was saving and protecting all the survivors.

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation
we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable,
and the suffering seems overwhelming,
remind us that every person affected
is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing
to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness,
and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
in whom all life and grace is found.

Christian Aid in Haiti



And since today is January 20th and I mentioned the incredibly important virtue of HOPE, here goes a nice and timely, says me, illustration of it.

 

[Lily]

*hug* to you summer. Life is sometimes hard to understand especially when we want to hear the answer to the question "why" here and now. But I think timing plays an essential part not only in finding truth but also in our healing. As is said, there is a time and a place for everything. Just remember you received a special gift being at the right place at the right time and able to see MJ when you did and now you have those memories forever embedded in your mind and in your heart and NO ONE can ever take that away from you. I know because I was given the same gift 5 years ago and it's my memory to cherish, still visually in my mind and forever in my heart. Try and stay strong. We all have days when we just don't understand it all and we wonder "why" or we put on our tough nothing is bothering me exterior but deep inside there's turmoil. It's human nature, emotions are real, just know that you aren't alone.

 

[Lily]

Delete double post.................

*growls* :lol:

 

[8701girl]

About God working in mysterious ways...I agree. And this following is a bit offtopic, but just had to share because it was all a bit "weird" because it was like one coincidence after another...

First, this is what I wrote in my blog on January 30th, 2009:

"From the bottom of my heart...


Okay it's official. I miss Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. I was just watching some concert videos from the HIStory tour and it reminded me of all the times I saw Michael just a few feet away on stage, at hotels, etc. and what a great time I had each time. He has brought SO MUCH happiness to my life and he has given so much to the world through his music...and I miss him terribly. I wish I could see him again. Even just once more. I wanna feel the magic again.



I love you Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. "

I had not seen Michael for seven years, so I wanted to see him again. And about a month after I wrote it, Michael came to London and I was face to face with him. And I saw him once more...before he passed away. Of course after he died, I kept saying to myself "WHY did you write 'even just once more' in your blog, you idiot!!!". But anyways, I had wished I could see him again...and somehow God granted me that one wish before Michael was gone. I was given a chance to see him one last time after seven years before he was taken away from us all. And he was closer than ever before that one last time. So I feel very grateful for that...but still it does bother me that I had said "even just once more" just months before he died. It sounds so creepy somehow now. :boohoo: And the weirdest thing is...my VACATION just started when Michael came to London, so I was able to go because of that.

Then about a day before Michael died I wrote on my Twitter page the prayer:

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

Again, when you look at it NOW...it seems so creepy somehow. like, WHAT made me post that just before Michael died??!! I mean, I say that prayer every night when I go to sleep, so it's not something that I would have just discovered then...but what made me POST that just shortly before Michael died?! It's such a creepy coincidence.

Then other coincidences. I wasn't working when the tickets for MJ's concerts went on sale. So I was able to be online and get tickets.

And I had a free day when Michael died. And also the next day... so I was able to mourn in peace before going to work. Because I don't think I would have been able to go to work right away after he died. I was too sad and crying my eyes out the whole time.

And the concerts were to start in July. And for the first time EVER...I had vacation in JULY. It's really difficult to get vacation during the summer time and so that no one has to fight, we are given a time when we can take a vacation during the summer months, and it changes every year. And so far it was never July for me. But last year it was. Just when MJ was going to have concerts in London. Talking about some coincidence. Well, obviously the concerts never happened, but still since I had a vacation, I was able to go to London to the O2 and attend the vigil and be with other fans. And I was also able to watch the memorial because I had vacation.

And I had two days off when his funeral was, so I was able to watch that on TV also and able to mourn in peace.

And...I had a day off when This Is It premiered. So I was able to attend that.

So in some ways I am so grateful to God that he "arranged" me to have a day off when ever there was something "big" happening. So that I was really able to mourn and also have time off to reflect and to "be there" when ever there was some event, so that I was in a way able "to say goodbye". It would have been awful if I would have had to work while knowing Michael is being buried, etc. I would have been heartbroken if I wouldn't have been able to at least "be in the moment" and REALLY "be there" 100% at least in "spirit". But somehow all the events landed on a day that I had free, and I feel SO GRATEFUL for that. I mean, my work schedule is so "irregular" (with that I mean that sometimes I work Monday-Tuesday...sometimes Thursday-Friday...sometimes Wednesday and Friday...it's different every week), so it's pretty amazing that I just happened to have a free day when ever there was something MJ related happening. It really is such a coincidence and I'm so grateful for that.

So anyways...just wanted to share and say that yes, I agree....God works in very mysterious ways!! (Then on the other hand...I just still can't believe Michael is gone and I just CAN NOT understand WHY he was taken away from us. I just can not comprehend it. :boohoo: :boohoo: I miss him SO MUCH!!! :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: )

Awww :hug: summer

 

[summer]

Man?!?! What man are ya addressing All4MJ? I sure ain't one lol. j/k, I know it was only a figure of speech, but yeah, you are most definitely right about the little girl. I bet she'd win an award or two as well lol.


I know, Ash, I was sure you would enjoy them picsies. Thank you ever so much for the heads up about the movie, it's a must see.

8701girl, I'm glad you liked the pics



Susie, yeah, very much so – Youtube is quite the treasure, u search certain things and u end up discoverin all kinda marvels. Thank God for it.

Whatta sweet scene there with you and your cousin's daughter; I actually got a little jewel of a cousin, she's three and I loooove spending time with her. Kids really are the greatest.

summer, u sure are right about God working in mysterious ways. I also believe there are no coincidences either, so all them days you had off weren't mere chance. I know you are hurting, we all are, but PLEASE try and overcome it.



I know this is quite o/t and it is being discussed in other sections of the board, but I will go ahead anyhow. I am sure you all have heard about the miraculous rescues taking place in Haiti. Only a few short hours ago they found a 5 y.o. boy after being trapped in the rubble of his house after 8 days. From a couple of days ago a little article I've found went:


Members of a search and rescue team demolishing a ruined home in Haiti yesterday were amazed to find a 15-day-old baby who had survived without food and water for a week. "It was the mercy of God," the baby girl's mother told the Wall Street Journal. She had tried to rush to her home's second floor to rescue the baby as the quake hit but was forced to turn back as the building crumbled."This wasn't the way Jesus wanted the baby to die. Everybody knew the baby was dead, except the Lord."- Michelet Joassaint, the baby's grandfather.

Another survivor, a 69-year-old woman, was dragged alive from the ruins of Port-au-Prince's cathedral yesterday. The rescues offered hope to teams still searching for survivors despite ever-slimmer odds. The international effort has rescued nearly 100 people from collapsed buildings so far, according to UN figures. "The search and rescue has been a fantastic success this time," a UN official says. "They've pulled out more people than is normally the case."


So, as you can see, there is HOPE beyond expectations and miracles do happen even in the midst of such a tragedy. I know the 'natural' question that arises is – if God is so merciful and omnipotent why didn't He save the hundreds of thousands of people that did perish in the earthquake?

Today I read something which I thought was quite nice: you can get angry with God, He can take it. I do have to admit that I am puzzled by the fact that such a martyr of a nation plagued by chronic poverty, political strife and violence and recently hit by hurricanes could also be dealt such an awful blow, BUT all of that does not make me ask where God was when the Cathedral and all the buildings were crashing to the ground because I know the answer – He was suffering on the Cross with every single last one of the victims and He was also the victorious Risen King who was saving and protecting all the survivors.

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation
we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable,
and the suffering seems overwhelming,
remind us that every person affected
is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing
to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness,
and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
in whom all life and grace is found.

Christian Aid in Haiti



And since today is January 20th and I mentioned the incredibly important virtue of HOPE, here goes a nice and timely, says me, illustration of it.

The miracles in Haiti about people surviving under the collapsed buildings a week without food and water really makes me think again that maybe all of us really do have our "time" to go, and God will decide if it's the right time or not. I guess those who got rescued alive...I guess it wasn't their time to go yet. Losing someone who is important to you is ALWAYS difficult...but I guess we have to try to accept that it was their time. I guess there is a purpouse and God knows what he is doing. We just have to trust him, I guess. Still doesn't make the pain any less though....

 

[8701girl]

The miracles in Haiti about people surviving under the collapsed buildings a week without food and water really makes me think again that maybe all of us really do have our "time" to go, and God will decide if it's the right time or not. I guess those who got rescued alive...I guess it wasn't their time to go yet. Losing someone who is important to you is ALWAYS difficult...but I guess we have to try to accept that it was their time. I guess there is a purpouse and God knows what he is doing. We just have to trust him, I guess. Still doesn't make the pain any less though....

Yes sometimes putting trust in god hurts, but im sure god knows what hes doing.

 

[No-Body]

Since I am so very focused on the present, I guess what's comin up could easily be sumed up as 'now and today'. For the today chapter, here go a couple of Bible quotes and/or commentary from today's mass.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him. (Psalm 126 NIV)

“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15)

There is nothing more humbling than discovering how deeply we are loved. I'm persuaded that true humility lies in our (1) receiving simply God's high purpose (2) living it in His will and (3) serving the interests of others.
God has created us in His image.
He has redeemed us at the inestimable price of Christ's blood.
He has poured His Holy Spirit into our lives.
With all that investment it's no small wonder He declares His will to do great and marvelous things with each of us! (Jack Hayford)


Another appropriate fragment for the days we are living in:

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:18-25)

And here is a beautiful little prayer I found in an amazing children's book about Jesus I done buyin today. Author is unknown, but supposedly of Mexican origin.

I am but a sparkle. Make me a flame!
I am but a string. Make me a harp!
I am but a drop. Make me a spring!
I am but an ant. Make me a mountain!
I am but a feather. Make me a wing!
I am a nobody. Make me a king!

Since hope is sooo very important, I figured one image wouldn't sufice lol

And last, but not least, for the now part and for some really marvelous music here goes Daughtry's What about now? http://www.mtv.com/videos/daughtry/255602/what-about-now.jhtml#artist=2385930 - wonderful song with amazing video. I must confess I was only aware of the Westlife version of the song, but recently I've discovered this video. It is in the well established tradition of Michael's Man in the mirror, Nickleback's If everyone cared, U2 and Greenday's The saints are coming or Linkin Park's What i've done.

It is wonderful to see artists use their craft in the service of all, inspiring and empowering people to take a stand and change the world. I am so very glad Michael wasn't the only one doing it, but I gotta admit that I am very proud our man has been at the forefront of that struggle ever since he was little.

His message of love, peace and healing had been in his heart from the very beginning and was expressed so awesomely in his work (in art and philantropy) in an amazing show of coherence of life and message. Don't let the media fool you or anyone tell you otherwise – the man had always been about one thing and one thing alone, LOVE and boy did he live it out (beauti)fully or what? We must try and do the same, however 'small' that way may be.

 

[AllForMJ]

Hey everyone,

Don't forget to go to the Target store near you between Jan. 24th and Jan. 31st to get your Grammy 3-D glasses so you can watch MJ's "Earth Song" video in 3-D during the award show. The Grammys will air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sun., Jan. 31st.

 

[AllForMJ]

Man?!?! What man are ya addressing All4MJ? I sure ain't one lol. j/k, I know it was only a figure of speech, but yeah, you are most definitely right about the little girl. I bet she'd win an award or two as well lol.

:blush: Hahahahehehe

So in some ways I am so grateful to God that he "arranged" me to have a day off when ever there was something "big" happening. So that I was really able to mourn and also have time off to reflect and to "be there" when ever there was some event, so that I was in a way able "to say goodbye". It would have been awful if I would have had to work while knowing Michael is being buried, etc. I would have been heartbroken if I wouldn't have been able to at least "be in the moment" and REALLY "be there" 100% at least in "spirit". But somehow all the events landed on a day that I had free, and I feel SO GRATEFUL for that. I mean, my work schedule is so "irregular" (with that I mean that sometimes I work Monday-Tuesday...sometimes Thursday-Friday...sometimes Wednesday and Friday...it's different every week), so it's pretty amazing that I just happened to have a free day when ever there was something MJ related happening. It really is such a coincidence and I'm so grateful for that.

Yes, the Lord really does work in mysterious ways. It's really good that you were able to have time off and it's nice that your path crossed with MJ's again too. Things fell right into place and more than once.

Your screen name brought this to mind as well...

Because MJ left the earth during the month of June, the millions of children that adore him were out of school for the summer. This gave them time to mourn as well without having to go back to school right away.

This is so bitter sweet, isn't it? Yet, it still shows that God is in control.

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation
we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable,
and the suffering seems overwhelming,
remind us that every person affected
is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing
to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness,
and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
in whom all life and grace is found.

Amen

Here's another thing that has come to mind as far as timing is concerned.

It is the sweet thank you message that MJ left for his parents in his "Invincible" CD booklet.

Deepest gratitude to my Parents, JOSEPH and KATHERINE, for their love and support, inspiration and caring...I love you dearly...thank you for conceiving me.

Your son, Michael

This was truly from his heart. He said this to his parents publicly. This is showing the world just how much he loves both of his parents and it's good that he had these words printed.

:yes:

 

[daisy]

About God working in mysterious ways...I agree. And this following is a bit offtopic, but just had to share because it was all a bit "weird" because it was like one coincidence after another...

First, this is what I wrote in my blog on January 30th, 2009:

"From the bottom of my heart...


Okay it's official. I miss Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. I was just watching some concert videos from the HIStory tour and it reminded me of all the times I saw Michael just a few feet away on stage, at hotels, etc. and what a great time I had each time. He has brought SO MUCH happiness to my life and he has given so much to the world through his music...and I miss him terribly. I wish I could see him again. Even just once more. I wanna feel the magic again.



I love you Michael Jackson. From the bottom of my heart. "

I had not seen Michael for seven years, so I wanted to see him again. And about a month after I wrote it, Michael came to London and I was face to face with him. And I saw him once more...before he passed away. Of course after he died, I kept saying to myself "WHY did you write 'even just once more' in your blog, you idiot!!!". But anyways, I had wished I could see him again...and somehow God granted me that one wish before Michael was gone. I was given a chance to see him one last time after seven years before he was taken away from us all. And he was closer than ever before that one last time. So I feel very grateful for that...but still it does bother me that I had said "even just once more" just months before he died. It sounds so creepy somehow now. :boohoo: And the weirdest thing is...my VACATION just started when Michael came to London, so I was able to go because of that.

Then about a day before Michael died I wrote on my Twitter page the prayer:

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take."

Again, when you look at it NOW...it seems so creepy somehow. like, WHAT made me post that just before Michael died??!! I mean, I say that prayer every night when I go to sleep, so it's not something that I would have just discovered then...but what made me POST that just shortly before Michael died?! It's such a creepy coincidence.

Then other coincidences. I wasn't working when the tickets for MJ's concerts went on sale. So I was able to be online and get tickets.

And I had a free day when Michael died. And also the next day... so I was able to mourn in peace before going to work. Because I don't think I would have been able to go to work right away after he died. I was too sad and crying my eyes out the whole time.

And the concerts were to start in July. And for the first time EVER...I had vacation in JULY. It's really difficult to get vacation during the summer time and so that no one has to fight, we are given a time when we can take a vacation during the summer months, and it changes every year. And so far it was never July for me. But last year it was. Just when MJ was going to have concerts in London. Talking about some coincidence. Well, obviously the concerts never happened, but still since I had a vacation, I was able to go to London to the O2 and attend the vigil and be with other fans. And I was also able to watch the memorial because I had vacation.

And I had two days off when his funeral was, so I was able to watch that on TV also and able to mourn in peace.

And...I had a day off when This Is It premiered. So I was able to attend that.

So in some ways I am so grateful to God that he "arranged" me to have a day off when ever there was something "big" happening. So that I was really able to mourn and also have time off to reflect and to "be there" when ever there was some event, so that I was in a way able "to say goodbye". It would have been awful if I would have had to work while knowing Michael is being buried, etc. I would have been heartbroken if I wouldn't have been able to at least "be in the moment" and REALLY "be there" 100% at least in "spirit". But somehow all the events landed on a day that I had free, and I feel SO GRATEFUL for that. I mean, my work schedule is so "irregular" (with that I mean that sometimes I work Monday-Tuesday...sometimes Thursday-Friday...sometimes Wednesday and Friday...it's different every week), so it's pretty amazing that I just happened to have a free day when ever there was something MJ related happening. It really is such a coincidence and I'm so grateful for that.

So anyways...just wanted to share and say that yes, I agree....God works in very mysterious ways!! (Then on the other hand...I just still can't believe Michael is gone and I just CAN NOT understand WHY he was taken away from us. I just can not comprehend it. :boohoo: :boohoo: I miss him SO MUCH!!! :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: :boohoo: )

(((summer))) it's really amazing...

just wanted to step in and say that I have some coincidence with dates and the way my life went on with relation to Michael.

I was having a job interview in London on May 28 this year, flew there straight after my interview in Germany. And you know what - I didn't get it. Didn't get the job.

So I could be in London right now, but I live in Germany.

I saw Michael for the last time, when he left Poland more than 12 years ago - on 28 May 1997 - and exactly 12 years after I had this job interview in London.
And where did he go directly after he left Poland in 1997 and I saw him for the last time? To Bremen in Germany, the place where I am living right now.

 

[No-Body]

I know this would probably be more appropriate in the Christian thread on another forum, but considering the telethon for Haiti is coming up and the relevance of the passages and comments, imma go ahead and post this.

Some may not be aware, but this is the week for Christian Unity. Every year the Octave opens on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter at Rome, January 18th, and ends on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, January 25th. The ecumenical movement has recently celebrated a century.

The prayers and thoughts for today - the 5th day - are taken from http://www.geii.org/wpcu_index.htm


Scripture
Isaiah 50:5-9, The one who vindicates me is near.
Psalm 124, Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Romans 8:35-39, God's love shown forth in Jesus Christ.
Luke 24:25-27, He interpreted to them the things about himself.

Meditation
The reality of suffering is something that the Prophet Isaiah speaks about forcefully in today's text, in which he reminds us that God is never resigned to seeing humanity suffer. In response the Psalm proclaims the trust that believers must maintain in their Savior.
The letter to the Romans proclaims the certainty that love is always strongest and that suffering and sorrow will never prevail. For before offering the resurrection to the world, Christ entered into a terrible death and into the dark depths of the tomb so as to be completely with us at our very lowest ebb.
In the Lord's footsteps, Christians who seek full unity show their solidarity to those amongst them who are confronted in their lives with tragic situations of suffering, by confessing that love is stronger than death. And that it was from the extreme humiliation of the tomb that resurrection came like a new sun for humanity; a clamoring annunciation of life, forgiveness and immortality.

Prayer
God our Father, look with compassion on our situations of poverty, suffering, sin and death, we ask you for forgiveness, healing, comfort and support in our ordeals. We give you thanks for all who manage to see light in their affliction. May your divine Spirit teach us the greatness of your compassion and help us stand alongside our sisters and brothers in difficulty. Filled with its blessings, may we in unity proclaim and share with the world the victory of your Son who lives for ever. Amen.

Reflection Questions
How can you show empathy to those who suffer and are in difficulties?
What wisdom and deeper understanding have you gained through suffering you have known in your own life?
How do you live out solidarity with the suffering and oppression that so many people living in poverty in our world experience, and what is your own experience of it?
How would you bear witness to the mercy of God and to the hope you find in the light of the cross of Christ?

And last, but not least, here goes Andrea Bocelli's wonderful I believe. He is accompanied by Katherine Jenkins (whom I hadn't heard of) on a brilliant and touching peace of music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R3a1LKT6qE

One day I’ll hear
The laugh of children
In a world where war has been banned.

One day I’ll see
Men of all colours
Sharing words of love and devotion.

Stand up and feel
The Holy Spirit
Find the power of your faith.

Open your heart
To those who need you
In the name of love and devotion.

Yes, I believe.

I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love.

I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth.

I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For love.

I believe in a world
Where light will guide us
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth.

Yes, I believe.

I believe in the people
Of all nations
To join and to care
For LOVE.

I believe in a world
And giving our love
We’ll make heaven on earth.

I believe.

 

[Lily]

When we think of the words in Michaels messages "It's All For Love" and "Love Lives Forever" we have to remember to live those words. He said them for a reason. It's not about a catchy phrase that we repeat again and again or post in our siggys just because MJ said it. It's about living the truth behind the meaning each and every day. It's about Universal Love.


Have a nice weekend everyone. Goodbye for now.....

 

[Autumn II]

I said I wasn't going to post in here anymore, but I'll make an exception. I see this thread has dwindled to a few people, and is not adding more. This is a beautiful little thread, about the "meaning" of Michael's artistic production, and I love reading here. But. . . . .

With all gentleness, I'd like to express something? This is a multi-national board. Truly, it is, even as Michael was multinational, and he was tolerant, and enlightened. There are Christians here on MJJC, and Jews, and Muslims, and Buddhists, and Hindus, and Pagans, and atheists, and others. And even Unitarian/Universalists, such as I am? ALL are important. But. . the thread is now not inclusive of that diversity. . . . . .

Personally, I can learn a lot from scriptures (and have read the bible, many times). And so can others read, and learn. But in effect, you have eliminated "others." Not overtly, but yeah, you HAVE.

I'd suggest you open it out a bit? In all gentleness and tolerance, I'd say that you assume too much about the world-views of others?

It's all about love, isn't it? And that includes everyone? Does this thread offend me? Of course not. Does it "exclude" me? YES, it does, in a way .. .. . . Please think larger than you have been doing? This is probably my final word here, but consider what you've been doing, in a larger sense? I do believe now that this thread has become disrespectful of other religions and world-views.

THIS is what it's all about, outside of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This is what it's all about? Please understand how "you" have closed this beautiful thread down, to so many?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUBumj2sYa4&feature=related

Michael. . .I will ALWAYS love you. Always. . . .

peace and love,

Vic

 

[Sdeidjs]

I said I wasn't going to post in here anymore, but I'll make an exception. I see this thread has dwindled to a few people, and is not adding more. This is a beautiful little thread, about the "meaning" of Michael's artistic production, and I love reading here. But. . . . .

With all gentleness, I'd like to express something? This is a multi-national board. Truly, it is, even as Michael was multinational, and he was tolerant, and enlightened. There are Christians here on MJJC, and Jews, and Muslims, and Buddhists, and Hindus, and Pagans, and atheists, and others. And even Unitarian/Universalists, such as I am? ALL are important. But. . the thread is now not inclusive of that diversity. . . . . .

Personally, I can learn a lot from scriptures (and have read the bible, many times). And so can others read, and learn. But in effect, you have eliminated "others." Not overtly, but yeah, you HAVE.

I'd suggest you open it out a bit? In all gentleness and tolerance, I'd say that you assume too much about the world-views of others?

It's all about love, isn't it? And that includes everyone? Does this thread offend me? Of course not. Does it "exclude" me? YES, it does, in a way .. .. . . Please think larger than you have been doing? This is probably my final word here, but consider what you've been doing, in a larger sense?

THIS is what it's all about, outside of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This is what it's all about? Please understand how "you" have closed this beautiful thread down, to so many?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUBumj2sYa4&feature=related

Michael. . .I will ALWAYS love you. Always. . . .

peace and love,

Vic

With no disrespect intended...

Please "do not" tarnish this BEAUTIFUL thread about what the "true meaning" of L.O.V.E is...

Mr.Jackson WAS born, raised, and maintained very strict religious values, virtues, and morels throughout his life.

Whether some wish to believe it, understand or they don't...

"GOD" was a very large part of Mr.Jackson's life.

All WE as a society have to do to understand WHO and WHAT he has always been about. Just take a good look at all his charitable contributions, visits to hospitals, orphanages, the sick, his compositions, reflections, thoughts, paintings etc. etc. etc....

He himself stated that he "Who Is God Like"

(Hebrew "Who is like God?").

St. Michael is one of the principal angels; his name was the war-cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against the enemy and his followers. Four times his name is recorded in Scripture:

(1) Daniel 10:13 sqq., Gabriel says to Daniel, when he asks God to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem: "The Angel [D.V. prince] of the kingdom of the Persians resisted me . . . and, behold Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me . . . and none is my helper in all these things, but Michael your prince."

(2) Daniel 12, the Angel speaking of the end of the world and the Antichrist says: "At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people."

(3) In the Catholic Epistle of St. Jude: "When Michael the Archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses", etc. St. Jude alludes to an ancient Jewish tradition of a dispute between Michael and Satan over the body of Moses, an account of which is also found in the apocryphal book on the assumption of Moses (Origen, De Principiis III.2.2). St. Michael concealed the tomb of Moses; Satan, however, by disclosing it, tried to seduce the Jewish people to the sin of hero-worship. St. Michael also guards the body of Eve, according to the "Revelation of Moses" ("Apocryphal Gospels", etc., ed. A. Walker, Edinburgh, p. 647).

(4) Apocalypse 12:7, "And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon." St. John speaks of the great conflict at the end of time, which reflects also the battle in heaven at the beginning of time. According to the Fathers there is often question of St. Michael in Scripture where his name is not mentioned. They say he was the cherub who stood at the gate of paradise, "to keep the way of the tree of life" (Genesis 3:24), the angel through whom God published the Decalogue to his chosen people, the angel who stood in the way against Balaam (Numbers 22:22 sqq.), the angel who routed the army of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35).

Following these Scriptural passages, Christian tradition gives to St. Michael four offices:

• To fight against Satan.
• To rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death.
• To be the champion of God's people, the Jews in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Testament; therefore he was the patron of the Church, and of the orders of knights during the Middle Ages.
• To call away from earth and bring men's souls to judgment ("signifer S. Michael repraesentet eas in lucam sanctam", Offert. Miss Defunct. "Constituit eum principem super animas suscipiendas", Antiph. off. Cf. The Shepherd of Hermas, Book III, Similitude 8, Chapter 3).

Regarding his rank in the celestial hierarchy opinions vary; St. Basil (Hom. de angelis) and other Greek Fathers, also Salmeron, Bellarmine, etc., place St. Michael over all the angels; they say he is called "archangel" because he is the prince of the other angels; others (cf. P. Bonaventura, op. cit.) believe that he is the prince of the seraphim, the first of the nine angelic orders. But, according to St. Thomas (Summa Ia.113.3) he is the prince of the last and lowest choir, the angels. The Roman Liturgy seems to follow the Greek Fathers; it calls him "Princeps militiae coelestis quem honorificant angelorum cives". The hymn of the Mozarabic Breviary places St. Michael even above the Twenty-four Elders. The Greek Liturgy styles him Archistrategos, "highest general" (cf. Menaea, 8 Nov. and 6 Sept.).


ALL the answers to the questions WE seek about Mr.Jackson have ALWAYS been right in front of us.

No matter how one slices it or dices it...at the end of the day...there is truly only "ONE" God..!

:angel:Knowledge IS Growth...Education IS The Key~~~

 

[8701girl]

No matter how one slices it or dices it...at the end of the day...there is truly only "ONE" God..!

:clapping: So totally right!

 

[Sdeidjs]

GOD

It's strange that God doesn't mind expressing Himself/Herself in all religions of the world, while people still cling to the notion that their way is the only right way. Whatever you try to say about God, someone will take offense, even if you say everyone's love of God is right for them.

For me the form God takes is not the most important thing.
What's most important is the essence. My songs and dances are outlines for Him to come in and fill. I hold out the form, She puts in the sweetness.

I've looked up at the night sky and beheld the stars so intimately close, it was as if my grandmother had made them for me. How rich, how sumptuous," I thought. In that moment I saw God in His creation. I could easily have seen Her in the beauty of a rainbow, the grace of a deer bounding through a meadow, the truth of a father's kiss. But for me the sweetest contact with God has no form. I close my eyes, look within, and enter a deep soft silence. The infinity of God's creation embraces me.

We are one.

Dancing The Dream
Poems and Reflections

By Michael Jackson
(c) 1992

:angel:Our Children Are The Future...Heal The World...WE Are The World...Knowledge IS Growth...Education IS The Key~~~

 

[Autumn II]

Tolerance is a virtue, and Michael SO totally understood that.

Bye.

 

[Asedora]

I said I wasn't going to post in here anymore, but I'll make an exception. I see this thread has dwindled to a few people, and is not adding more. This is a beautiful little thread, about the "meaning" of Michael's artistic production, and I love reading here. But. . . . .

With all gentleness, I'd like to express something? This is a multi-national board. Truly, it is, even as Michael was multinational, and he was tolerant, and enlightened. There are Christians here on MJJC, and Jews, and Muslims, and Buddhists, and Hindus, and Pagans, and atheists, and others. And even Unitarian/Universalists, such as I am? ALL are important. But. . the thread is now not inclusive of that diversity. . . . . .

Personally, I can learn a lot from scriptures (and have read the bible, many times). And so can others read, and learn. But in effect, you have eliminated "others." Not overtly, but yeah, you HAVE.

I'd suggest you open it out a bit? In all gentleness and tolerance, I'd say that you assume too much about the world-views of others?

It's all about love, isn't it? And that includes everyone? Does this thread offend me? Of course not. Does it "exclude" me? YES, it does, in a way .. .. . . Please think larger than you have been doing? This is probably my final word here, but consider what you've been doing, in a larger sense? I do believe now that this thread has become disrespectful of other religions and world-views.

THIS is what it's all about, outside of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This is what it's all about? Please understand how "you" have closed this beautiful thread down, to so many?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUBumj2sYa4&feature=related

Michael. . .I will ALWAYS love you. Always. . . .

peace and love,

Vic

Vic, I agree with you and I understand what you mean. This thread has to be not about religion per say, ethnicity etc. I have Christian background myself but I keep my mind open for any other knowledge. Christianity is not enough for me to understand God and Creation. I have built my own system in my mind and I understand God different and my own system based not just on Bible, it based on my own knowledge in history of the ancient civilizations and even some other religions. I spent 15 years of my life just learning this subject, trying to build this system for myself and finally I did but I do not push my knowledge to anybody. Only if ppl want to know I can share. I believe that religion shouldn’t be a subject of this thread. Michael was a very spiritual person he believed in God but he didn’t really belong to any religion which was wise thing to do imo.
And it is very true that MJJC board is multicultural board, everybody has different believes and we have to respect ppl’s believes and this thread has to be about MJ lyrics and love . I really lost my desire to post here because there is no tolerance in this thread.

 

[Asedora]

No matter how one slices it or dices it...at the end of the day...there is truly only "ONE" God..!

~~~

It is not a subject of this thread but I wouldn't be so sure about it because we already have Holy Trinity and many saints in Christianity. This is just a simple example.However myself I believe that there is sort of one God representing many diff energies in love and harmony. . I am not going into it any deeper than that, sorry because it is going to be off top in the end.

Take care everybody and have a nice day tomorrow..

 

[Lorraine]

When we think of the words in Michaels messages "It's All For Love" and "Love Lives Forever" we have to remember to live those words. He said them for a reason. It's not about a catchy phrase that we repeat again and again or post in our siggys just because MJ said it. It's about living the truth behind the meaning each and every day. It's about Universal Love.

People do have that phrase in their siggy's because Michael said it. Simple fact. But it's wrong to assume that those who do have it don't live by those words and solely have it their just because it something he said.
I know why I do.. Because those words speak truth. I can't speak for anyone else, Just myself.

 

[Ape]

I know this is off topic, but I don't believe that tolerance is about censoring out religion and religious topics or faith in God or beliefs people have. I believe that would be the opposite of tolerance. Tolerance is the ability to let people believe what they do, and try to understand what they believe and appreciate that they want to share their views with you. To say someone cannot bring their beliefs into something, to me, is quite sad. I like taking the time to at least try to understand someone's beliefs and why they may hold those beliefs as sacred or important. I may not be able to completely understand, but if I at least try to I think that is a step in the right direction. It's about respect.

I don't think that any one of us believes exactly the same identical thing. I think that's alright. We each have a unique view point. Shutting ourselves off to hearing what another person's view point is won't help us to grow. Quite possibly we'd shut ourselves out to a greater understanding of God, the Universe, humanity. We don't have to adopt those beliefs, but it might be good to at least hear a person out and be open to seeing or hearing their view points, even if we disagree.

(btw, thank you to someone for asking about me and sorry this is not really on topic)

 

[No-Body]

I said I wasn't going to post in here anymore, but I'll make an exception. I see this thread has dwindled to a few people, and is not adding more. This is a beautiful little thread, about the "meaning" of Michael's artistic production, and I love reading here. But. . . . .

With all gentleness, I'd like to express something? This is a multi-national board. Truly, it is, even as Michael was multinational, and he was tolerant, and enlightened. There are Christians here on MJJC, and Jews, and Muslims, and Buddhists, and Hindus, and Pagans, and atheists, and others. And even Unitarian/Universalists, such as I am? ALL are important. But. . the thread is now not inclusive of that diversity. . . . . .

Personally, I can learn a lot from scriptures (and have read the bible, many times). And so can others read, and learn. But in effect, you have eliminated "others." Not overtly, but yeah, you HAVE.

I'd suggest you open it out a bit? In all gentleness and tolerance, I'd say that you assume too much about the world-views of others?

It's all about love, isn't it? And that includes everyone? Does this thread offend me? Of course not. Does it "exclude" me? YES, it does, in a way .. .. . . Please think larger than you have been doing? This is probably my final word here, but consider what you've been doing, in a larger sense? I do believe now that this thread has become disrespectful of other religions and world-views.

THIS is what it's all about, outside of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. This is what it's all about? Please understand how "you" have closed this beautiful thread down, to so many?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUBumj2sYa4&feature=related

Michael. . .I will ALWAYS love you. Always. . . .

peace and love,

Vic

Dear Victoria,

I understand what you are saying and i APOLOGIZE sincerely to you or anyone else who might have felt excluded by many of the things that I have posted recently, and not only. It was NEVER my intention to exclude anyone from this wonderful conversation about love, but since I've never really had any real insight about the core of the matter I contributed with the little that I thought might be of use, even if not directly related to the subject matter.

I could very well have gone overboard laterly. I kinda knew it was a danger, and as i said not long ago, it was bound to happen one day or another - the o/t-ness of my postings being called on, but I did it anyhow cause that's what I felt at the moment.

Having said that, you are quite right. I KNOW Michael is a symbol of multiculturalism and bringing people together. And all of us who love him ought to do the same. If I have not followed in his footsteps properly, I am sorry if I seemed intolerant and I offended anyone. At the same time, I cannot deny who and what I am and what I believe in, but, as you rightfully pointed, this is not the proper thread in which to do that.

I know this is off topic, but I don't believe that tolerance is about censoring out religion and religious topics or faith in God or beliefs people have. I believe that would be the opposite of tolerance. Tolerance is the ability to let people believe what they do, and try to understand what they believe and appreciate that they want to share their views with you. To say someone cannot bring their beliefs into something, to me, is quite sad. I like taking the time to at least try to understand someone's beliefs and why they may hold those beliefs as sacred or important. I may not be able to completely understand, but if I at least try to I think that is a step in the right direction. It's about respect.

I don't think that any one of us believes exactly the same identical thing. I think that's alright. We each have a unique view point. Shutting ourselves off to hearing what another person's view point is won't help us to grow. Quite possibly we'd shut ourselves out to a greater understanding of God, the Universe, humanity. We don't have to adopt those beliefs, but it might be good to at least hear a person out and be open to seeing or hearing their view points, even if we disagree.

(btw, thank you to someone for asking about me and sorry this is not really on topic)

Ape, it's wonderful to see you *big hug*. Thank you for your kind words.


I'm sure AllforMJ will soon be back with that wonderful post of hers and them gorgeous Michael pictures to really bring the thread back on track. :cheeky:


Sorry again. Peace and love everyone.