Everyone else has made a comment about the events surrounding Michael Jackson's life and death, so I guess here's my turn. It's a lot different than what you've seen on the news or the Internet.
I was in California this past week when I heard of MJ's death. I was there at a training event. About 250 women were there from all different kinds of backgrounds, ministries, church sizes, and personalities.
Nameless faces. Anonymous people. Silent warriors. Women who will never receive earthly recognition of the hours of work, pounds of sweat and tears, or heavy financial sacrifices they have made for the Kingdom.
It was such a surreal experience to be around those women at the same time the world was mourning the death of the King of Pop.
I was a youngish teen around the days of Thriller and Billy Jean. I remember the Moon Walk and the Gloved Hand and the Red Jacket. I can still quote the lyrics to the songs. I understand the world lost an important icon in music, but can I be very blunt?
In the big scheme of things, he was just a musician. A pioneer and a talent to be sure. But his legacy is nothing compared to the legacy that the women I met will leave behind.
Because when it's all said and done, MJ's work is wood, hay, and straw. The work and ministry and legacy I saw this weekend among a bunch of women who will forever remain in the shadows of the icons of this world is gold--pure gold.
I was only a few hours away from LA. I could have driven there (albeit it would have been a LONG drive) to experience "a part of history." But I wouldn't have traded my time with these ladies for anything. They reminded me of what's important.
Maybe this blog will help remind you of what's important, too.
Hi Pam,
I echo your thoughts on the MJ news. I was sitting under your teaching in Stockton when my daughter texted me that he had died. I remember sitting there listening to you talk about the dire need for ministry to girls while I found myself pondering how the rest of the world was watching tv and mourning the loss of a man.
I was so thankful to be where I was, participating in something of eternal value, instead of getting caught up in the news of the day.
Let's celebrate NOT the king of pop, but the King of Kings!
Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and wisdom with us at the training, and for your affirmation in this blog post. It is often a lonely road in Women's (and Girls) Ministry, and it was just such an encouragement to be around other women who share a heart for girls and women. I came home feeling a little less 'lonely' in my ministry, and energized to move forward and see what God has in store!!
side note-I covet your prayer as I seek God's will as to how some form of girl's ministry could be brought in to my small church, and who it might involve. I am praying about how to best portray the need to my leadership (including showing them the video cd you graciously gave me!). I feel a sense of urgency, probably partly because I am the mother of two girls who need to be ministered to, and they grow up so fast! Thanks again,
Ellen
Pam,
Thanks for linking us from Facebook to this blog post. Your words convey what so many of us feel, and they enCOURAGE us to keep doing what Paul advised in Colossians 3 (to keep setting our hearts/minds on things above--because that's where true glory is to be found). I know many who read your blog will appreciate the courage you showed by speaking the truth and speaking for us all. Thank you, and may God continue to bless your ministry.
Pat
Pam,
Michael Jackson was a mere man, like we are mere human beings. Yet, God is still mindful of us all. Like many of us who use our platforms to minister in various ways. He used his platform to encourage humanity to "Heal the world - make it a better place." I believe more people were shocked by his death, because they did not appreciate his God-given greatness as millions mistreated and persecuted him while he was alive. However, the Bible tells us that like Christ, we will be persecuted for His sake. We must press and we must endure like a courageous soldier. If there is one thing we can say is that he continued to turn the other cheek through everything. He endured and ran his race with vigor. No - He is not Jesus or God. He could never be the KING OF KINGS!! But like our lives, God is using his life and death to point humanity to what is important - something Michael always attempted to do on many levels. We are not to compare our lives and works to others (ie. Michael Jackson), but we are to compare our lives and works to God standards. Just as He was mindful of your spiritual work and all those who were touched by your ministry on the day of Micheal's death. He was mindful of Michael, his family and all those touched through him as well. In the end, God will get the glory. In this M.J. saga - God is showing the world the heart of man (inconsistent and fickle without God) and how we can easily love a person today and hate them tomorrow. We have to continue to share the message of Christ's love for humanity.