His Faith...
No doubt about it, Michael Jackson was a man of faith, a seeker, a man of God. He spoke of God, Jesus and the Bible often. In almost every interview. He lived his life trying to be pleasing to God in how he helped people in the way that, he himself, mentioned that Jesus would want him to. He even made reference to Scripture and his faith in several of his song lyrics.
Here, I'll let Michael tell you about the faith that he had, the faith that sustained him in the many trials and tribulations that he experienced throughout his life, and the curious, inquisitive nature that he held that kept him searching for further truth.
Michael Speaks on Faith:
"...But I will never stop helping and loving people
the way Jesus said to."
God is in Control & We Are All In God's Hands:
"...Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake. We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis. We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms. We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration."
Michael Jackson in his 2007 Ebony Magazine interview
His Belief In and Love For God:
I believe in God.....I gain strength from God. I believe in Jehovah, God, very much.....I believe in God and love God."
On His Creativity Being God's Work:
"No one can quite say what the creative process is. Because I have nothing to do with it of course. It's created in space. It's God's work, not mine."
Ebony/Jet 2007 interview
I wrote "Will You Be There?" at my house, "Never Land" in California....I didn't think about it hard. Thats why its hard to take credit for the songs that I write, because I just always feel that it's done from above. I feel fortunate for being that instrument through which music flows. I'm just the source through which it comes. I can't take credit for it because it's Gods work. He's just using me as the messenger....
Ebony/Jet 2002 interview
God and Children, Being Childlike and Imitating Jesus:
"When I see children, I see the face of God. That's why I love them so much. That's what I see."
"Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone. This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived."
"I think God outdid Himself when He created children."
"I'm trying to imitate Jesus in the fact that he said to be like children, to love children, to be as pure as children and to make yourself as innocent and to see the world through eyes of wonderment and the whole magical quality of it all."
Michael Jackson
Oprah Winfrey interview 1993.
"Like the Bible says. A child should be leader of them all, and to be led by that kind of innocence. Didn't Jesus say 'bring on the children?' Be like the children. Not childish, but child-like. That kind of innocence."
Michael Jackson in the Martin Bashir outtakes
"....I love to do things for children and I try to imitate Jesus. And no, I am not saying I am Jesus, I'm not saying that.... I'm trying to imitate Jesus in the fact that he said to be like children, to love children, to be as pure as children, and to make yourself as innocent and to see the world through eyes of wonderment and the whole magical quality of it all and I love that. And we'll have like a hundred bald headed children, they all have cancer, and they're all running around. And they are enjoying themselves and it makes me cry happy tears that I was able to do this for them, you know. (It) makes me so pleased inside."
"I will never stop helping and loving people the way Jesus said to. He said "Continue to love. Always love. Remember children. Imitate the children." Not childish, but childlike."
2003 60 Minutes TV interview with Ed Bradley
His Love For Animals and God's Creation:
"God created animals. And they’re loving; they’re beautiful. I feel the way (anthropologist) Jane Goodall does or any of those naturalists. I don’t find my interest in animals weird or strange at all."
1999 TV Guide Magazine
The Power of Love, Caring, Faith and Prayer:
"With just a little love and a little caring, I have seen kids totally turn around. Where you can't find any cancer at all anymore in their body. I've done it a lot of times. I'm not trying to say I'm Jesus Christ. We should just give a little more attention to the power of love and caring and faith and prayer."
Michael Jackson in the Martin Bashir outtakes
His Values:
"Caring. And reading the Bible, learning about God, Jesus, love. He said, 'Bring on the children', 'Imitate the children', 'Be like the children' and 'Take care of others.' Take care of old people. And we were raised with those values. Those are very important values and my family and I we were raised with those values and they continue strong in us today."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
The Source of his compassionate nature:
"I truly think it comes from my mother and God. The way we were raised. The values my mother instilled in us in youth. She was always with the Bible teaching us - we’d go to service all the time. Four times a week, and I’m so glad we did that because those values are very important. I don’t know if I could have done as well without them."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
How he views himself:
"I try to be kind and generous and to give to people and to do what I think God wants me to do. Sometimes I pray and say "where do you want me to go next, God? What do you want me to do from here?" I’ve always been very spiritual in that way. It’s nothing new."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
His Purpose of God's Choosing:
"I really believe that God chooses people to do certain things, the way Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci or Mozart or Muhammad Ali or Martin Luther King is chosen. And that is their mission to do that thing. And I think that I haven't scratched the surface yet of what my real purpose is for being here.
I'm committed to my art. I believe that all art has as its ultimate goal the union between the material and the spiritual, the human and the divine. And I believe that that is the very reason for the existence of art and what I do. And I feel fortunate in being that instrument through which music flows .... Deep inside I feel that this world we live in is really a big, huge, monumental symphonic orchestra. I believe that in its primordial form all of creation is sound and that it's not just random sound, that its music. You've heard the expression, music of the spheres? Well, thats a very literal phrase. In the Gospels, we read, "And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul." That breath of life to me is the music of life and it permeates every fiber of creation.
In one of the pieces of the Dangerous album, I say: "Life songs of ages, throbbing in my blood, have danced the rhythm of the tide and flood." This is a very literal statement, because the same new miracle intervals and biological rhythms that sound out the architecture of my DNA also governs the movement of the stars. The same music governs the rhythm of the seasons, the pulse of our heartbeats, the migration of birds, the ebb and flow of ocean tides, the cycles of growth, evolution and dissolution. It's music, its rhythm. And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance. Its like, my purpose, its what I'm here for."
Ebony/Jet 2002 interview
"What can I do but bring forth the talent that God gave me? That's all I wanted to do. To share the love and gift of entertainment. That's all I want to do. I don't want to hurt anybody."
Michael Jackson
2002 Radio interview with Steve Harvey
"I’m just a person who wants to be honest and do good, make people happy and give them the greatest sense of escapism through the talent God has given me. That’s where my heart is, that’s all I want to do. Just let me share and give, put a smile on people’s faces and make their hearts feel happy."
1999 The Daily Mirror Magazine
"I think…to give. In the best way I can, through song and through dance and through music. I mean, I am committed to my art. I believe that all art has as it's ultimate goal the union between the material and the spiritual, the human and the divine. I believe that to be the reason for the very existence of art. And I feel I was chosen as an instrument to just give music and love and harmony to the world. To children of all ages, and adults and teenagers.... I love people of all races from my heart, with true affection."
1993 TV Interview with Oprah
"It's been the children. I am holding on for them or else I wouldn't have made it. I really wouldn't have made it.....God gave me a mission, I feel to do something for them and they have given me the support and the belief and the love to hold on, hold on. When I look in the mirror I feel healed all over again. It's like being baptized. It's like God saying, "Michael, everything will be okay," when I look in the eyes of a child."
The Michael Jackson Tapes
Winning God's Smile of Approval:
"I’ve traveled the world over 8 times. I do as many hospitals and orphanages as I do concerts. But, of course, it’s not covered (by the press). That’s not why I do it, for coverage. I do it because it’s from my heart. And there are so many children in the city who haven’t seen the mountains, who haven’t been on a carousel, who haven’t pet a horse or a llama, never seen them, so if I can open my gates and see that bliss, an explosion of screaming laughter from the children and they run on the rides, I say "Thank you, God." I feel I’ve won God’s smile of approval, because I’m doing something that brings joy and happiness to other people."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
His Mother and the Faith She Instilled in Him:
"My mother knew her polio was not a curse but a test that God gave her to
triumph over, and she instilled in me a love of Him that I will always have.
She taught me that my talent for singing and dancing was as much God's work
as a beautiful sunset or a storm that left snow for children to play in.
Despite all the time we spent rehearsing and travelling, Mom would find time
to take me to the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses, usually with
Rebbie and LaToya.
Years later, after we had left Gary, we performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show",
the live Sunday night variety show where America first saw the Beatles,
Elvis, and Sly and the Family Stone. After the show, Mr. Sullivan
complimented and thanked each of us; but I was thinking about what he had
said to me before the show. I had been wandering around backstage, like the
kid in the Pepsi commercial, and ran into Mr. Sullivan. He seemed glad to
see me and shook my hand, but before he let it go he had a special message
for me. It was 1970, a year when some of the best people in rock were losing
their lives to drugs and alcohol. An older, wiser generation in show
business was unprepared to lose its very young. Some people had already said
that I reminded them of Frankie Lymon, a great young singer of the 1950s who
lost his life that way. Ed Sullivan may have been thinking of all this when
he told me, "Never forget where your talent came from, that your talent is a
gift from God."
I was grateful for his kindness, but I could have told him that my mother
had never let me forget. I never had polio, which is a frightening thing for
a dancer to think about, but I knew God had tested me and my brothers and
sisters in other ways - our large family, our tiny house, the small amount
of money we had to make ends meet, even the jealous kids in the
neighbourhood who threw rocks at our windows while we rehearsed, yelling
that we'd never make it. When I think of my mother and our early years, I
can tell you there are rewards that go far beyond money and public acclaim
and awards."
Michael Jackson in "Moonwalk"
Leave Room For God To Walk In The Room:
"We would work on a track and then we’d meet at his house, play what we worked on, and he would say, ‘Smelly, let it talk to you.’ I’d go, ‘OK.’ He’d say, ‘If the song needs something, it’ll tell you. Let it talk to you.’ I’ve learned to do that. The key to being a wonderful writer is not to write. You just get out of the way. Leave room for God to walk in the room. And when I write something that I know is right, I get on my knees and say thank you. Thank you, Jehovah!"
Michael talking about working with Quincy Jones and how God was behind his creativity, from the Ebony magazine 2007 interview
Believing in the Bible:
"I avoid using the term 'religion', because many people say 'my religion' this and 'my religion' that. Why should it be 'my' religion? I just believe what’s in the Bible with regard to which religion is involved. I simply believe.... I believe in it and I get down on my knees every night and thank God and ask Him to lead the way."
1979 Ebony Magazine interview
An excerpt from a 1977 interview Michael did with Timothy White. Michael was 19 at the time. It was published in Rock Lives (1990) and republished in the Q/Omnibus Press Rock N' Roll Reader (1994).
But there's a lot of ugliness in the world, too, a lot of cruelty. Did God create that?
No! That's because of man! Man is because of the fallen angels. It says in the Bible that all this would happen, and it's all coming true.
It's easy to judge the world from the privileged safety of America If you'd been to India and seen the ugliness there...
I can't wait! I that's what I want to see!
I've seen the very rich and the very poor, but I'm mainly interested in the poor. I don't wanna think the whole world is just like what's around here. I want to appreciate what I have , and try to help others.
I know what the rich are like. I've studied that country India so much, and when I go to other countries, people say, "You wanna see the ugly part of it?" [Nods] That's what I want to see!
What are you looking for?
[Smiling] I want to see what it's really like to starve. I don't want to hear it or read it. I want to see it.
Why?
It's a whole different thing when you see it! All the things I've read in my schoolbooks about England and the Queen were OK, but my very eyes are the greatest book in the world. When we did the Royal Command performance over in England, and then after it I actually looked into the Queen's eyes, it was the greatest thing! And it's the really the same thing with starvation! [Dreamily] When you see it, you just receive a little more.
On studying the Bible:
"Each day I take time out to study the Bible, no matter where I am. The teachings of the Bible have added a new dimension to my life. It, somehow, makes me whole."
Michael Jackson
1976 "Black Stars" Magazine interview
Appreciating God's Beauty:
"Wherever you go, man-made things are man-made, but you’ve got to get out and see God’s beauty of the world."
1979 JET Interview
"I pray a lot. I see a beautiful sunset and I say "God, that’s beautiful…Thank you”, or a baby smile or butterfly wings or anything like that.”
1987 Ebony/JET TV Interview
On remaining humble, despite his stardom:
"I never have felt that people should feel that they are better than others, simply because they just happen to possess a larger share of material items and monetary wealth than others less fortunate. I believe in sharing, assisting, and just lending a helping hand to people."
Michael Jackson
1976 "Black Stars" Magazine interview
His Philosophy for staying at the top:
I think, being humble and believing in yourself and having true love in your heart for the world, and really trying to help people through lyrics and the love of music and dance, because I truly do love people very much."
1996 TV Interview with Ian "Molly" Meldrum
On Breaking Down and Crying on Stage:
"It's always real and I take that moment and I pray not to cry and I usually, you know, do, because everything goes back to me from conception to us when we were little babies and children and now to see all the adulation and notoriety and it's just a work from God and it all goes through me real fast, you know? It's a blessing. I just break down and I cry at that moment, but I try not to show it to the audience, but I can't help it, you know?
Michael Jackson talking to Steve Harvey in a radio interview, 2002 in regards to his getting emotional on stage when performing with his brothers at his 30th Anniversary Special. Michael, in other concerts, would often get emotional during "I'll Be There", the song he sang with his brothers at the 30th Anniversary Special, and also while singing "She's Out of My Life." For why "She's Out of My Life" makes him emotional, see On Shyness and Being Lonely" on the "Michael In His Own Words" section of this website.
Coping with Fame and Respecting & Having Time for His Fans:
"I cope with it in a way - and I’m not calling myself Jesus, because I would never even look at myself on the same level - , but I’m comparing it to Jesus, because what God gave to Him was for a reason, and he preached, and people came about him and he didn’t get angry and push them aside and say leave me alone, I ain’t got time."
1984 Ebony Magazine
Faith in God Sustaining Him and Giving Him Strength Through The Tough Times:
"I gain strength from God. I believe in Jehovah, God, very much. And I gain strength from the fact that I know that I am innocent. None of these stories are true. They are totally fabricated. It's very sad and it's very, very painful. I pray a lot and that's how I deal with it. I'm a strong person. I'm a warrior, and I know what is inside of me. I'm a fighter, but it's very painful and at the end of the day, I'm still human, you know? I'm still a human being, so it does hurt very, very, very much."
Michael Jackson in his interview with the Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 2005 child molestation trial
"Know, in the end, I'll be vindicated, I pray, because I know the truth. I am an innocent person and I believe in God and love God."
Michael Jackson speaking to Rev. Jesse Jackson during his 2005 child molestation trial on what he wants his fans to know.
Love Your Neighbors:
"It's important to love your neighbors. I truly think it comes from my mother and God. The way we were raised. The values my mother instilled in us in youth. She was always with the Bible teaching us - we’d go to service all the time. Four times a week, and I’m so glad we did that because those values are very important. I don’t know if I could have done as well without them."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
How he views himself:
"I try to be kind and generous and to give to people and to do what I think God wants me to do. Sometimes I pray and say "where do you want me to go next, God? What do you want me to do from here?" I’ve always been very spiritual in that way. It’s nothing new. I always have been."
2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
On Forgiving Those Who Have Hurt You (and for Michael, that also meant the press, other celebrities who made fun of him, etc.):
"Yes, because I was taught to be Biblical: "Forgive them for they know not what they do." And you do it.....You know, "They know not what they do." Words of Jesus. They (those who come against him) don't even know me. It has no foundation what they are doing. How can they say it....they don't even know me? Do you believe something you have read?"
The Michael Jackson Tapes
On God Being In His Heart
"Although I once believed God is in a Church, I now believe that God is everywhere, he's in my heart...I now find God in those moments I spend with my children, I find God in the innocent."
The Michael Jackson Tapes
On Having a Relationship With Jesus:
SB (Shmuley Boteach):. ...Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
MJ: Jesus, yes. Absolutely. But you believe in Jesus, don’t you?
The Michael Jackson Tapes
On His Sundays: Worship, Dance and being "normal"
"Sundays were sacred for two other reasons as I was growing up. They were both the day that I attended church and the day that I spent rehearsing my hardest. This may seem against the idea of "rest on the Sabbath," but it was the most sacred way I could spend my time: developing the talents that God gave me. The best way I can imagine to show my thanks is to make the very most of the gift that God gave me.
Church was a treat in its own right. It was again a chance for me to be "normal". The church elders treated me the same as they treated everyone else. And they never became annoyed on the days that the back of the church filled with reporters who had discovered my whereabouts. They tried to welcome them in. After all, even reporters are the children of God.
When I was young, my whole family attended church together in Indiana. As we grew older, this became difficult and my remarkable and truly saintly mother would sometimes end up there on her own. When circumstances made it increasingly complex for me to attend, I was comforted by the belief that God exists in my heart, and in music and in beauty, not only in a building. But I still miss the sense of community I felt there, and I miss the friends and the people who treated me like I was simply one of them. Simply human. Sharing a day with God.
On His Inquisitiveness, Searching, Questioning and The Church:
Excerpted from "The Michael Jackson Tapes"
Faith, Moonwalking and Thriller:
(On the Jehovah's Witness faith disapproving of his dancing)
"Er (long silence). When I did certain things in the past that I didn't realize were against the religion and I was reprimanded for it, it almost destroyed me. Certain things taht I did as an artist in my music that I didn't realize I was crossing a line with them and when they chastised me, it really hurt me. It almost destroyed it. My mother saw it.
When I did the Moonwalk for the first time, Motown 25, they told me I was doing burlesque dancing and it was dirty and I went for months and they said, "You can't dance like that again." I said 90.9 percent of dancing is moving the waist. They said, "We don't want you to do it." So I went around trying to dance for a long time without moving this part of my body. Then when I made "Thriller", with all the ghouls and ghosts, they said that it was demonic and part of the occult and that Brother Jackson can't do it. I called my lawyer and was crying and I said, "Destroy the video, have it destroyed." And because he went against my wishes people have "Thriller" today. They made me feel so bad about it that I ordered my people to destroy it.
On performance as divine:
"It is divine, it is pure, it is revelation, without making it sound spiritual or religious, but it is a divine energy. Some people call it the spirit, like when the spirit comes into the room. Some people look down on it. Religions sometimes look down on it because they try to say it's demonic, it's the cult, it's the devil. It isn't; it is God-like. It is pure God-like energy. You feel God's light.
On Biblical Stories He Finds Inspiring
"I love the Sermon on the Mount. I love the story when the Apostles are arguing amongst themselves about who is the greatest and Jesus says, "Unless you humble yourself like this little child, be childlike..." I thought that was the perfect thing to say. Return to innocence.
Adam and Eve:
"Of course. Of course. (on if the story of Adam and Eve has special meaning for him). Yes, I wish I could have seen it. Was it symbolism? Is it real? Did it happen? I'm confused sometimes that there is a loophole. I had questions that sometimes even the elders (of the Jehovah's Witnesses Church) couldn't answer. I'm the kind of guy who used to grab the microphone and say, "Well, what about this and what about that?" They would say, "Brother Jackson, we will talk to you later." They would come up with this other funny kinda answer that wouldn't drive the point home.....But (what doesn't make sense to me is that God) tested them (with the forbidden fruit). And if you are God you should know the outcome. And if you are God, why test if you create a perfect being that should not be able to do any wrong? And why judge and thrust such anger on them and run them away and tempt them with a snake?....I am not here trying to judge God or criticize Him in any way. But sometimes I think it is a symbolism to teach us certain lessons
Justice and Discrediting Karma
"...I think justice is important because there are many injustices in the world and I hate injustice. 'I am tired of injustice" is the opening to one of my songs on my last album, called Scream. That's the first line I say. There's a line where Janet says, "Oh my God I can't believe what I saw on the TV this evening. I was disgusted by all the injustice,' because I wanted people to know about that and people get away with it and I don't believe in karma. I think that is a bunch of crap, because so many mean-spirited, evil people are on top of the world and doing well and people love them, no matter how evil they are.....Well, I'm sorry, it's crap. Karma is a theory like any other theory that some human made up.
On Creation vs. The Big Bang
The question asked of Michael: Did you ever have Eastern spiritual gurus who came to you and said "Michael's children get hit by trucks because they fornicated in a previous life?
Michael's answer: "No, and if they did I would be furious and I would give them all the reasons why that is a bunch of crap. That's doodoo. That's a theory like any other man's theory about the universe. Some people believe in the Big Bang, which I don't, and some people believe in the Creation, that story with Adam and Eve, that this universe isn't an accident. To say this universe was created by a Big Bang or an accident is to say, 'Okay, I want you to take a car engine and we are going to take each piece apart and we are going to put it in a bath tub, and I want you to shake it up.' You can shake that tub 100 years and it will never become the perfect engine. All the pieces to come together and make an engine, that is like saying the Big Bang theory, and there was a big explosion and we got children and trees, and plants, and the air we breath, and oxygen. Somebody had to create this, a designed had to create this. From our lashes to our mouths to our digestive system. Don't you agree?"
"When I used to go door to door (Witnessing for the Jehova's Witnesses Church) and people would say, 'We are athiests,' (I'd think) what? They don't believe in...I heard it a lot and I had a brother who was an athiest for a while but I think he isn't now. Tito was an athiest even after being raised as a strict Jehovah's Witness....I tried to bring out the miracles of life, the children, look into their eyes, our bodies, how it all works just right, this can't happen on it's own, come on, no way. Then there are the questions I have about why we are here and why we are allowed to destroy each other. Because we are the only species who destroys their own....I don't understand how all that injustice takes place.
Justice and Cruelty:
"....I think evil is in people's hearts.....I think the devil is man himself."
"Follow the Golden Rule. Be kind to your neighbors, love them as much as you would love yourself, do unto others...."
"I get angry, yeah. But I know that is the way of the world. That's the theme of my world show: Be kind, heal the world. Let's walk out of here a different human being. Let's love. It's like going to church, but I do it without preaching. I do it through music and dancing. Marilyn Manson says onstage, "Kill God....take your Bibles and tear them...." Yet the press doesn't attack HIM! And he has got breasts on just like a woman...."
"I believe there are some good people in the world and I do believe there is a God. I don't believe that God judges. I don't think that He is upstairs going, 'You are alright. But I am going to tear you up...."
Spiritual Lyrics
"And the dream we were conceived in will reveal a joyful face... and the world we once believed in will shine again in grace. Then why do we keep strangling life, wound this Earth, crucify its soul. Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly. We could be God's glow... Heal the world."
Lyrics from "Heal the World"
Speechless
From "Invincible"
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But I have not the words here to explain
Gone is the grace for expressions of passion
But there are worlds and worlds of ways to explain
To tell you how I feel
But I am speechless, speechless
That's how you make me feel
Though I am with you I am far away and nothing is for real
When I'm with you I am lost for words, I don't know what to say
My head's spinning like a carousel, so silently I pray
Helpless and hopeless, that's how I feel inside
Nothing's real, but all is possible if God is on my side
When I'm with you I am in the light where I cannot be found
It's as though I am standing in the place called Hallowed Ground
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I am with you I am far away and nothing is for real
I'll go anywhere and do anything just to touch your face
There's no mountain high I cannot climb
I'm humbled in your grace
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I am with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I am with you I am far away and nothing is for real
Speechless, speechless, that's how you make me feel
Though I am with you I am lost for words and nothing is for real
Speechless
Your love is magical, that's how I feel
But in your presence I am lost for words
Words like, "I love you."
Below, in these words to the song "Dangerous" Michael is using Scripture from Proverbs 5:3-5 For the lips of a strange woman drop [as] an honeycomb, and her mouth [is] smoother than oil:
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.
Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell
and is talking about the type of woman the Bible warns about, the seductive, dangerous woman whose path leads to destruction and who can reel you in.
And then it happened
She touched me
For the lips of
A strange woman
Drop as a honeycomb
And her mouth was
Smoother than oil
But her inner spirit and words
Were as sharp as
A two-edged sword
But I loved it
'Cause it's dangerous
From "They Don't Care About Us"
Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I'm a victim of police brutality, now
I'm tired of bein' the victim of hate,
Your rapin' me of my pride
Oh for God's sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy...
Set me free
Shout
The song 'Shout' can be found on the single 'Cry'.)
Verse
Ignorance of people purchasing diamonds and necklaces,
And barely able to keep the payments up on their lessons,
And enrolled in a class and don’t know who the professor is,
How low people go for the dough and make a mess of things,
Kids are murdering other kids for the fun of it,
Instead of using their mind or their fist, they put a gun in it
Wanna be a part of a clique, don’t know who’s running it,
Tragedy on top of tragedy you know it’s killing me.
So many people in agony, this shouldn’t have to be,
Too busy focusing on ourselves and not His Majesty,
There has to be some type of change for this day and age,
We gotta rearrange and flip the page,
Living encaged like animals and cannibals,
Eating each other alive just to survive the nine to five,
Every single day is trouble while we struggle and strive
Peace of mind’s so hard to find.
Chorus
I wanna shout, throw my hands up and shout
What’s this madness all about
All this makes me wanna shout
You know it makes me wanna shout,
Throw my hands up and shout
What’s this madness all about
All this makes me wanna shout, c’mon now
Verse 2
Problems, complications and accusations
Dividing the nations and races of empty faces
A war is taking place.
No substitution for restitution, the only solution for peace
Is increasing the height of your spirituality.
Masses of minds are shrouded, clouded visions
Deceptions and indecision, no faith or religion, how we’re living.
The clock is ticking, the end is coming, there’ll be no warning,
But will we live to see the dawn.
Bridge
How can we preach, when all we make this world to be
Is a living hell torturing our minds.
We all must unite, to turn darkness to light,
And the love in our hearts will shine.
Verse 3
We’re disconnected from love, we’re disrespecting each other
Whatever happened to protecting each other
Poisoned your body and your soul for a minute of pleasure,
But the damage that you’ve done is gonna last forever.
Babies being born in the world already drug addicted and afflicted,
Family values are contradicted.
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, the pressure is building and I’ve had enough.
Chorus...
Lyrics are mainly taken from the 'Invincible' booklet.
Words from others who have witnessed Michael's faith
ON GOD AND PRAYER: "During the meals I've had with him, he did pray silently. When he prayed out loud, it was always to God, but that doesn't mean he didn't use any other names. We would talk about god and grace and humility a lot. One day MJ and I were working on some new music, and during a break we started talking about the name Michael. He said "Hey, Bearden! Do you know what our name means?" I didn't know. He said it means "most like God." And then he said to me, "We can't be big-headed about it. We have to be humble or God could take our gifts away. Promise me you'll be humble!"
Michael Bearden speaking about Michael Jackson in Ebony
"I believe in the Bible and I try to follow the Bible. I know I’m an imperfect person… I’m not making myself an angel because I’m not an angel and I’m not a devil either. I try to be the best I can and I try to do what I think is right. It’s that simple…I don’t just pray at night. I pray at different times during the day. Whenever I see something beautiful, I say, "Oh, God, that’s beautiful." I say little prayers like that all through the day."
1979 JET Magazine
"I have this dream" By Michael Jackson
(one of Michael's unpublished songs)
some people say
I live in a fantasy
because I see the world
differently
visions come to me
in my sleep
I closed my eyes
to see what God is showing me
close your eyes
and imagine with me
see the wonder
in every living thing
if we can live
the way it is in my dreams
love will take us to a place where
God can be seen
this is my dream
I have this dream
this i believe
the world a place for all humanity
if we could take love to it's highest level
more than the world has ever seen
I have this dream
verse 2
let's put Gods love on display
angel of love come my way
it really up to you and me
one world together in harmony
in my dream I see heaven
and the face of the one perfect being
I see people turning into angels
and God giving them their wings
chorus
I have this dream
this I believe
the world's a place
for all humanity
if we could take love
to it's highest level
more than the world has ever seen
I have this dream
Michael on his inspiration for creating the song "Speechless"
"Speechless was inspired to me by, um, I spend a lot of time in the forest. I like to go into the forest and I like to climb trees. My favorite thing is to climb trees, go all the way up to the top of a tree and I look down on the branches. Whenever I do that it inspires me for music.
There are these two sweet little kids, a girl and a boy, and they're so innocent; they're the quintessential form of innocence, and just being in their presence I felt completely speechless, 'cause I felt I was looking in the face of God whenever I saw them. They inspired me to write Speechless. "
2001 GetMusic online audio chat
"You'll be surprised. I was with these kids in Germany, and we had a big water balloon fight -- I'm serious -- and I was so happy after the fight that I ran upstairs in their house and wrote 'Speechless.' Fun inspires me. I hate to say that, because it's such a romantic song. But it was the fight that did it. I was happy, and I wrote it in its entirety right there."
Vibe Magazine interview
Michael Jackson, Jesus and Me
David Pack, Grammy Award winning recording artist, producer and music director and member of Saddleback Church (he works with Rick Warren on special projects, including the PEACE Plan and AIDS & Worship Conferences), speaks about his time sharing faith with the King of Pop and Michael's meeting with famous composer Leonard Bernstein
Andrae' (Crouch) has now told Clifton Davis (when he saw him at MJ's family funeral on Sept. 4) that
he is "confident that Michael Jackson knew the Lord."
This was reported by Clifton on TBN's "Praise The Lord" on 9/8/09, Tuesday night to the world. (Dave)
From Andrae Crouch's Facebook page. Andrae was a friend of Michael's and worked with him on various albums.
Seth Riggs, a vocal teacher who worked with Michael for two hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week while Michael was recording Thriller and also on subsequent projects, commented on Michael's character in a Time Magazine article. "Michael is a very special man. He would come in for his lesson and sit down and we would have a prayer and then read the Bible and then have another prayer and start to work. That's the way he liked to begin his day. Can you imagine a performer as big as Michael Jackson turning around in a lesson and discussing how wonderful God has been to him and how much he loves God?"
"I did not find Michael weird, messed up, or anything you’ve ever heard about him. I want to say that I feel all of the allegations ever charged against Michael were false, and that in my discernment, he did not have the capacity to ever do anything except love children and let them know he would do anything to stand up for them, and help them. Just look at the magnificent work he did on their behalf in writing and co-producing “We Are The World,” and the 39 charities for children he gave to generously. That was Michael. I believe that during his trials he related to the suffering of Christ, and prayed for intervention, because he was being accused over what he loved most—children. This caused him perhaps more pain than anything in his life."
David Pack
Grammy winning recording artist, producer, and music director
"There are a thousand ways I could word this but frankly I am tired of trying to find just the right words. I have been following this site for weeks. I have read each of these posts as well as those on other sites. I have remained silent and wonder if I should continue to be silent. However, I believe as long as I am protecting Michael’s privacy, even posthumously, God and even Michael would want me to share the following. I have never and will never do interviews, I will never divulge my identity as I have not for many years. Some will believe what I will say here, some will not, that is between you and God. It is not my responsibility to convince anyone of anything. I believe that you are all my sisters (and brothers) here in the faith and for that I am thankful. I am grateful that we all agree and acknowledge Jesus Christ, as Savior, as Lord, as the only hope for our lives, as the very reason we live and breathe and share this good news as He asks we do.
There is not other way to says this than to just say it straight to all of your here “my family” in the body of Christ.
Michael and I were friends for many years. I was involved in the trial. I have witnessed, like others, the loving and devoted father he was. I have shared many times with him and his family. We have had many private conversations.
Although I have been asked, I apologize, but I would not share the details of those conversations any more than I would talks with any other friend as that would be gossip and betray the designed, intended intrinsic trust of friendship.
Based on the aforementioned and other details, I can tell you all with absolute certainty that Michael had accepted Jesus Christ, understood who He is and had given His life to Him.
I will not disclose dates, words or reasons that it may or may not match what the world saw publicly.
Just after his passing, it mattered to me that the world knew, that the church was made aware. Somehow, after much prayer, it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. It mattered at first to show the world, to convince the skeptics in the church who “didn’t see fruit” or doubted that someone like Michael could be saved. (absurdly like “someone” like any of us deserves it more) I ask that not as Pharisees or Sadducees but as people who have been saved by grace and not of ourselves. I ask that as redeemed people, each of us, respectively able to give unique testimony of how God reached to us in the mud and mire of our lives and never gave up on us, I ask that you accept this truth. If you want proof, you will have to wrestle with why you must have it and ask God why you must.
If someone told you that a neighbor you had known for years had died but was saved and you had not known that, you would rejoice and not doubt. But truly God’s own people wrongly and self righteously judged Michael on numerous occasions.
I miss him terribly and our family is beyond saddened as we grieve primarily for his children, his family and other friends who were blessed… not to have known a well known individual but to have shared this life with a beautiful, yet misunderstood human being.
I have peace in knowing that God in His mercy decided there would be no music ministry, no imminent public profession to be torn apart (by the church) and that God didn’t even deem it necessary that the world be notified of anything. God’s love for us is one on One. It is quintessentially personal and goes deeper than any love we can fathom. Glory only to God the Father that this unfathomable love took home a son, that Michael is now free from his chronic physical pain and emotional anguish. I thank God that I lived to witness his salvation, I am humbled beyond expression that God loves us as He does and asks that we do the same for each other. I praise Him for all of you that you faithfully continue to speak His words in a dark and dying world where the harvest is ripe and the workers are too few…… thanks for reading.
In All That Jesus Is
Jess (pseudonym)
Posted in response to the Sisters of the Faith website
When asked if his late brother had converted to Islam before his death during the Q&A session, Marlon said he wasn't aware of that as all he knew was that his brother was a Christian until he died.
Marlon Jackson speaking in Nigeria about an upcoming project and his brother Michael
Source: Article Link
A beautiful example of how far-reaching Michael's influence was and still is:
"I’ve just left a Chinese Michael Jackson forum, where some members are expressing interest in knowing Jesus because they want to see Michael Jackson again in afterlife. There are people who want to buy the Bible and who go to church for the first time because of Michael Jackson. Most Chinese forums I’ve been to are somewhat hostile towards Christians and Christianity. But now I see all over the MJ forum people are talking about God and Heaven. If you are familiar with Chinese culture you will know that ‘God’ (shang di) and ‘Heaven’ (tian tang) is not a common vocabulary among Chinese people. But it is all over the place now."
Xing
"We united and formed a circle, held hands and we started praying," Chase said. "It was myself and the children, nanny and housekeepers and we were crying frantically because we didn't know what was going on. Paramedics were upstairs, security was upstairs and we were just praying 'God, please let Mr. Jackson be OK.'"
"Were the children praying?" Bush asked. "Were they listening? Were they crying?"
"They were praying, they were crying and we were praying out loud," Chase said. "Prince joined in prayer, and Paris, she's crying and [saying] 'Yes, father, God. Yes, Jesus.' We were praying that the well-being, the safety of this man is OK. This is their dad."
Michael Jackson's personal chef Kai Chase speaks about that fateful day and about Michael's children praying for their Dad.
Access Hollywood interview
"I wholeheartedly believe that God gave Michael a mission and that was to bring joy, heal the lonely and the broken hearted and to provide for those less fortunate. He certainly helped me through my traumatic childhood.
My parents both passed away when I was six years of age and I grew up without the love that most children in the Western world take for granted. I would spend hours alone in my room, with no friends and finding little joy in life. I believe that when I became a Christian, God placed Michael in my life to get me through each day, and he did. But mine is not the only story like this. He did so much for so many people, often in secret and without recourse to attention or publicity.
I prayed after reading about him walking the streets at night looking for someone to talk to that I would one day become his friend, and God blessed me with many meetings which I will remember to this day.
He is the most humble, caring, sensitive, caring man you could ever imagine. What you hear about him from much of the media is either speculation or fabrication, but what you hear from those who have met him is absolutely the truth. Most will tell you, he has an aura that radiates warmth, love and tenderness, and most never ever forget such meetings.
When meeting or even around Michael, there was certainly an aura. It was quite incredible. And it wasn't just when meeting him, it often continued afterwards too. I distinctly remember after a meeting with him in Tenerife, I just had this tremendous sense of love for everyone. I just wanted to love people. Michael hadn't spoken directly about this to me, but it was almost as if that aura around him had somehow rubbed off on me, if that makes sense?
When I went to the US for the Memorial, I just wept on seeing so many notes and cards outside each of places of significance. From the Hollywood Star to Neverland; from Carolwood Drive to the Staples Centre, people from all over the world had come to place their condolences. And what an amazing impact he had on people's lives - every other note seemed to be thanking him for what he had done, how much he had inspired them to live their dreams, how much he had taught them. And, in amongst the notes and cards in every place were crucifixes and references to God. I was on my knees in tears. I had always, always known that this was a man of God, but I had never fully appreciated just how many ordinary lives he had changed.
Even those fans who never met Michael often felt a deep connection with him. He had that capacity to draw you close, to mesmerize you with his love and compassion, but also with his aura, which he always acknowledged was from God Almighty Himself.
Like Michael, I have vitiligo, although only small patches in unseen areas of the body. I also had a traumatic childhood, and have also suffered from loneliness, persecution, and have been used and abused. I am also attracted to innocence and purity, and have that intense desire to remain a child and to never grow up or grow old. Like Michael, I love music, animals and working to create a more positive world. The list of how much we had in common seems endless and I feel heartbroken because I have not just lost a superstar, but a friend, a soulmate, a twin soul. When Michael passed away, a part of me died with him. Now I often wake up crying for the part of me that is lost.
We are all so blessed to have lived in the era of Michael Jackson, to have learnt from him, to have experienced his magic, whether on screen or in person. Young, old, black, white, rich or poor - we are all blessed to have lived at a time such as this.
God gave us Michael for a purpose. He was a truly a gift from God and, like Jesus before him, he was vilified and persecuted for simply trying to make the world a better place, for being honest, innocent and naive.
I am devastated that he's gone, truly devastated, but I am so heartened by the thought that he is now in a much better place, free from all harm at last. Jesus said that unless we become like children, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. How much more childlike can an adult be than the fun loving, eternally young, often mischievous Michael Jackson? But whilst like a child, he also thought like an adult beyond his years, giving to causes and people without thinking twice and often imparting a wisdom far beyond his years.
Michael is alive in Heaven, probably singing with the angels, and he's alive here on earth, in the hearts of people like you and me and in the hearts of his beloved children. Let us continue to pray for them and to remember how blessed we are to have had the chance to live alongside this man of God, who sacrificed a normal comfortable life in order to bring joy and happiness to others."
Dee Pfeiffer
A friend of Michael's and one of the many thousands of people Michael helped throughout his lifetime
Michael's brother Marlon speaking about Michael at his memorial, about the memories, funny stories and about all that Michael did across the globe in the Lord's name:
Michael, I will treasure the good times, the fun we had, singing, dancing, laughing. I can remember when we used to come home from school and we would grab a quick bite to eat and we tried to watch the "Three Stooges" as much of it as possible before mother would come in and say, it's time to go to the recording studio.
I also, Michael, remember a time when I went into the record store and there was this man purchasing a lot of C.D.s. And he would go and grab another batch of C.D.s. He was an older gentleman. He had short afro, but crooked teeth, and his clothes were rumpled. I walked up behind him and said, "Michael, what are you doing in this store?"
He turned to me and said, "Marlon, how did you know it was me?" I told him, "You're my brother. I can spot you anywhere, regardless of your makeup. I know your walk. I know your body language. And those shoes did not help."
Michael wore the same shoes wherever we went. But I guess that was his way of trying to experience what we take for granted. We would never, never understand what he endured, not being able to walk across the street without a crowd gathering around him. Being judged, ridiculed, how much pain can one take.
Maybe now, Michael, they will leave you alone.
Michael, Michael was the voice of our angelic trumpets, and he will continue to be the voice, that angelic voice in heaven, nearest to our Creator and waiting on us when our day comes to pass. Michael, I love you. I will miss when we said our goodbyes. I will hug you and I say I love you. And your response was, "I love you more."
You know, the Lord has a purpose for everything. And sometimes we just can't see it or understand it but it will be made clear to us when we reach that ultimate, ultimate reward of being in his presence. And, Michael, you are there. You are right there. You have finished your work here on earth. And the Lord has called for you to come home with him.
So I thank you, Michael. I thank you for all the smiles that you've placed in many people's hearts and I thank you for everything that you've done for others across this globe in the Lord's name.
Andrae Crouch was supposed to help arrange 2 songs on Michael Jackson's "This Is It" comeback tour before his death, that would have had a very "spiritual" sound to it.
Source: Andrae Crouch's Facebook
Michael Jackson, his brother Randy, Steve Harvey and Michael's attorney Tom Mesereau attended a church service together the day before Michael's trial was to begin.
The following excerpt is from mtv.com
"On his Web site, Jackson wrote of the visit: "It was wonderful to be received with so much love today by the First AME Church of Los Angeles. I thank my brother Randy and Pastor Cecil Murray for inviting me.
"God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family's lives," he continued. "It is through Him that we draw our strength. As a child, my mother taught me the value of prayer, and today it is still a part of my daily life."
Asked about his visit by ABC's "Good Morning America," Jackson said simply that he appeared at the church to "worship and see the children." One girl asked Jackson if the children could visit him at his Neverland Ranch, and Jackson told her, "You're welcome to come anytime."
Read the story HERE
Michael's vocal coach and friend for 21 years, Seth Riggs, speaks about one of Michael's spiritual moments and his communication with God:
"You know, there was one moment. I was playing a piano, and he was standing next to me. All of a sudden, he stretched his hands, looking upwards. It seemed to me that it was very important to him. That’s why I left the room and switched the light off. After half an hour I came back to the room. He was whispering: “Thank you for my talent. Thank you for everything I’ve got. Thank you for all the people who love me. Tell me what I should do, and I’ll do it.” It seemed to me that it was the moment of his communication with God."
Read the interview HERE
"When I look in the mirror I feel healed all over again. It's like being baptized. It's like God saying, "Michael, everything will be okay," when I look in the eyes of a child."
Michael Jackson
You've heard the expression, music of the spheres? Well, thats a very literal phrase. In the Gospels, we read, "And the Lord God made man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul." That breath of life to me is the music of life and it permeates every fiber of creation.
Michael Jackson
Faith, Inspiration from God and Humor
“The last straw for Kenny (Ortega) and I, because we’re running out of time, we’re running out of money… he said to us he wanted us to recreate the Victoria Falls from Africa,” Randy said. “Kenny and I looked at each other and said, ‘How are we going to do that?!’
“We went to see him and Kenny said, ‘Michael, you have to stop. We need to close the show. We have to finish it. We have to open,’” Randy (Phillips) recalled. “And Michael said to Kenny, ‘But Kenny, God channels all these great ideas at night to me and I can’t sleep…. And he said, ‘I have to be there to receive them.’ And Kenny says to Michael, ‘Well maybe God could take a vacation ‘til after we open in London.’ And Michael, he didn’t miss a beat, he had great timing, he said, ‘Well Kenny, if I’m not there to receive them, he may give them to Prince.’”
Randy said he first thought Michael was joking.
“But then I looked at his face and he was dead serious,” Randy told Tony. “We were able to talk him out of the waterfall.”
Read the story HERE
"Speechless"
by Michael Jackson
"God was his guide. He was a Christian and believed in Christ. His life went through so much that his faith was what restored him and kept him. Michael was very spiritual and had enormous faith. He studied all religions and was open to a lot of different practices, however, ultimately, he was a Christian and believed in Christ fully."
Taymoor Marmarchi
On my second trip to Neverland, Michael Jackson hosted a private lunch. He asked us all to connect by holding hands and saying praise. He said a prayer, the peeping sun rays shot through the house setting in his honour, his energy was spiritually magnetic, encapsulating each of us with his engimatic aura leaving all of us in tears. He was an incredible light.
"THIS WAS WRITTEN FOR ME IN THE BOOKS. I HAVE PROVEN MY PART. NOW GOD WILL BE THEIR JUDGE" Michael Jackson said on the evil do-ers who lied, cheated and betrayed him.
"I BELIEVE GOD WAS HIS GUIDE, THAT IS HOW HE LIVED AND COPED IN THIS CRUEL WORLD"
Taymoor Marmarchi
Worked on humanitarian projects for Michael Jackson
The above quote is in reference to a private luncheon held before Michael's 2005 trial.
More on Michael's Faith:
What others and those who knew him have said about Michael's Faith
"God was his guide. He was a Christian and believed in Christ. His life went through so much that his faith was what restored him and kept him. Michael was very spiritual and had enormous faith. He studied all religions and was open to a lot of different practices, however, ultimately, he was a Christian and believed in Christ fully."
Taymoor Marmarchi
Worked on humanitarian projects for Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, his brother Randy, Steve Harvey and Michael's attorney Tom Mesereau attended a church service together the day before Michael's trial was to begin.
The following excerpt is from mtv.com
"On his Web site, Jackson wrote of the visit: "It was wonderful to be received with so much love today by the First AME Church of Los Angeles. I thank my brother Randy and Pastor Cecil Murray for inviting me.
"God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family's lives," he continued. "It is through Him that we draw our strength. As a child, my mother taught me the value of prayer, and today it is still a part of my daily life."
Asked about his visit by ABC's "Good Morning America," Jackson said simply that he appeared at the church to "worship and see the children." One girl asked Jackson if the children could visit him at his Neverland Ranch, and Jackson told her, "You're welcome to come anytime."
Read the story HERE
This is the song that Michael asked Sandra and Andrae Crouch to sing when they visited together 3 weeks before his death. It was reportedly one of his favorite songs.
This is ABSOLUTELY TRUE as my family and I have been personal friends of Michael's for many years. There were many circumstances which led to Michael's genuine acceptance of Jesus Christ. There were innumerous amazing situations, too many to mention here and many involving many other mature Christians. This journey was ongoing for months and years prior to his death.
No Christian would dare challenge the accuracy of Jesus and his loving acceptance of the thief on the cross. Jesus showed him absolute mercy and forgiveness in his last hours because he showed faith towards Jesus. Jesus knew his heart.
What a disgrace that not only have so many so called Christians self-righteously pre-judged Michael Jackson but it is tantamount to doubting that Michael wasn't as worthy as some of them are of God's redemption. No one should doubt as a true believer that God loved Michael and knew he would receive him before his death. What did Jesus come for? What did He die for? Did He Himself not say that a doctor comes for those who are sick and not those who are well? That is the God we serve, a God of miracles and sometimes 11th hour salvation.
Who is anyone to question what Jesus does and doubt all He said He would do. I fall on my knees rejoicing in a God who heard the pain and grief in Michael's heart. Jesus stood at the door and knocked and Michael answered. The unbelief that follows these events is just what grieved Jesus when his disciples had their overt moments of doubting Him. How have we as the church learned anything?
Why are so many so quick to not believe? Even when it involves the distinctly characteristic love, grace and mercy of the God so many claim to serve. I thank all the saints who interceded, leading to the chains that were broken. I thank those who boldly witnessed to Michael. I thank God, humbled, that despite many obstacles, we were able to witness one of the most extraordinary against-all-demonic-odds salvation in the modern world. That we were able to see our friend, forget the "icon" but a wonderful father and person, who cried out to you as we are ALL able to do. I praise YOU Father for all YOU did leading up to Michael's salvation, all YOU orchestrated as only YOU can. Jesus, I love you.
Jesse
An Important Message To The Media, The Church, and The Public
One of my favorite Bible scriptures is Matthew 5:3-12. Every time I read this scripture I can't help but think about Michael Jackson.It is to encourage and to give us hope.
Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit,For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be conforted....
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for rightousness sake,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Rest in peace
Michael Joseph Jackson
Beautiful sweet Angel
Fatima Qawwee, Facebook
On Having a Relationship With Jesus:
SB (Shmuley Boteach):. ...Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
MJ: Jesus, yes. Absolutely. But you believe in Jesus, don’t you?
The Michael Jackson Tapes
"He said the words, 'Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.' His first reaction was gratitude. Gratitude to God, gratitude to his defense team, gratitude to his family and friends."
Thomas Mesereau on Larry King Live speaking of Michael Jackson's reaction after all of the "Not Guilty" verdicts were read.
Michael attending church the day before his 2005 trial
Music producer Rodney Jerkins (produced Michael's "Rock My World" album) speaks about working with Michael and about Michael accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Root: You were very close with the “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson. Is it true that a few weeks before he died, he met with you and accepted Jesus or was that a rumor?
Andrae Crouch: Put it like this, we were getting ready to do another three songs with him at his house. On that day we talked and caught up on what was going n with him and vice versa and what was funny was he had this little cheap CD player with and he played music that he wanted me to arrange vocals for but he didn’t have any words and that was the first time that we worked with him and he didn’t have any lyrics. He started putting some words together and then I would write the next line and we did that back and forth. I then told him I could have the group back there to rehearse the songs separately because usually I was a little stand offish when we had the singers there because he would be talking to us from the booth, writing lyrics and all of that. At this point he didn’t know what the song would be but we kept writing back and forth. Michael then said to me “You wanna know why I love you and Sandra so much?’ and I said Why? He said, “Because I trust you guys and I love you”. He then wanted to set up a time where we can bring the singers to learn the song but he couldn’t get the words together so he brought his kids to the room where we were and he told them “This is the guy that arranged the songs that you guys like” and he told the children, “I love them”. He went on to say how much he loved us because he never heard anything about us saying negative stuff about him. What was really interesting was as we were talking he said, “Andrae, there are some things I wanted to ask you” and he said “When I see you on TV and you are singing and your hands are up in the air, is that called the anointing?” I said where did you hear that word? He said he didn’t know but when he sees it, it seems like when you do that, the power falls down, he said it’s very powerful. I was wondering where he learned that because I knew he had never been to a Pentecostal church. We talked for many hours and my sister Sandra said, “Michael, we feel like you are our son” and he said that he felt the same way so Sandra asked if we could pray for him and he said yes. We all got in a circle and began praying and he squeezed my hand so tight that it was hurting. We began praying and we said, “Lord, we want you to change Michael’s life and he prayed everything that we said. I know that he accepted the Lord.
Root: How long was this before he passed away.
Andrae Crouch: It was one week. God is so merciful. He had no problems with us praying with him and he had both of his hands up. There is no doubt in my mind that he did accept the Lord. We had the choir there and he would normally be isolated from everyone but this particular time he stood right in the middle of us all.
Root: Isn’t it amazing how God used you to reach someone like Michael Jackson?
Andrae Crouch: Yes it is. In fact I used to hear that most of the people who worked with him were Muslims but at the funeral he had a Pentecostal guy conduct the funeral. I actually set next to Quincy Jones and Gladys Knight. It still amazes me because at the rehearsal before he passed, he stood right there in the middle of us all and talked about the tour and how the stage was going to be built and what it would look like. But in the same breath he said, “I don’t wanna go on this tour, I just don’t feel right about it”. That’s what he said. He kinda knew that something was going on but he didn’t know what. I know he is with the Lord because he was so ready. When we did the song “Man in the mirror”, we would do a warm up song called “It won’t be long” and every time we got together he told me that he always would sing that song to himself and he asked if we could sing that song for him and I said “Sure”. He loved that song and he was so gentle and I praise God for the work that he did in his life before he went to be with the Lord."
To hear "It Won't Be Long", one of Michael's favorite songs, that he sang with Andrae Crouch that day, click HERE
Gospel music legend, Andrae Crouch, speaks of working with and praying with, Michael Jackson, and his sense of certainty that Michael Jackson knew Jesus...
Article the excerpt below is taken from: http://rootmagazineonline.com/featured-content/1970/
Michael Jackson's former bodyguard talks about Michael Jackson's faith and how Michael had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior
"Deb first and foremost, let it be known from me personally that Michael had accepted Jesus as his Lord & Saviour. I'm speaking from personal knowledge and not from what someone told me.
Because of what God's Word says as it relates to what happens when believers die, Michael is absent from his body but present with Jesus. No more aging, no more physical, mental, or relational pain. No more pressure to succeed and most importantly, no more dying ever again.
You have no idea how many nights the calls I got from Michael at 3 or 4 am merely to talk just because he was lonely and couldn't sleep. He wasn't writing music either. He was so worried and afraid. Because I was more spiritually mature than he was, he would call me to his room or we would ride around neverland.
I remembered he asked me about not fearing anything but God. I told him that on a previous occasion where I told him about a time where I was nearly killed while working LAPD. I basically told him God protects me from everything that would harm me. I even told Michael I wasn't even afraid of him or anyone else who could terminate my employment. Michael laughed. I told Michael that God put me in his life for a certain time and no one or nothing would prematurely cause me to leave until God said so. Michael would ask me how did you get kind of confidence. Did I get my confidence from working the rough streets of LAPD? I told Michael the confidence I had came from spending time studying God's Word. It had nothing to do with LAPD. When I told Michael he could have the same or even a greater level of faith in God than I had, he really became very inquisitive. Can you imagine Michael Jackson calling you at 3 am, when you've run errands for him all day, to talk about Jesus?
It really broke my heart to see how afraid Michael was for he and his children. We talked and talked, oftentimes until daylight.
~Kerry Anderson
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr so eloquently stated " An individual has not started living until he or she can rise above the narrow confines of his or her individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity". We should all follow this example.
Micheal Jackson embodied the very essence of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated. Michael demonstrated countless examples of being a loving, unselfish individual who rose above the narrow confines of his own individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. We should all make the same commitment to humanity." ~ Kerry Anderson
Mr. Thomas Mesereau, Jr, Michael Jackson's attorney in the 2005 case, has spoken highly on numerous occassions, about Mr. Kerry Anderson. Mr. Mesereau has shared that he has the utmost respect for Mr. Anderson and that Mr. Anderson was in court every single day of the trial and that he also spent a lot of time with Michael and lived on the premises with Michael at Neverland and other residences during his time working with Michael.
Kerry Anderson
More In-Depth Spiritual aspects of Michael's music and lyrics from the heart, coming soon HERE
I can tell you all with absolute certainty that Michael had accepted Jesus Christ, understood who He is and had given His life to Him. ~
Jess (pseudonym)
Posted in response to the Sisters of the Faith website
"Jess" knew Michael personally for many years.
Reflections On The Dance
Michael Jackson
The Legend.The Man.The Truth.
i.e. Truth
the truth : the real facts about something : the things that are true
: the quality or state of being true
