Things I Learned from Michael Jackson #13: "One Person CAN Change the World"

Things I Learned from MJ #13: 'One person CAN change the world' (by Gerri Stone)

This installment of TILFMJ features a beautiful poem with accompanying video by Gerri Stone, the author of 'Freeing the Heart'. You will be able to hear Gerri and other wonderful MJ friends expressing messages of LOVE for Michael on the blogtalkradio show 'A Place in Your Heart' with Rev. Catherine Gross this Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 1:00pm US Pacific time (4pm EDT, 9pm UK, 22:00 CET http://timeanddate.com/s/28vp). 

   
YouTube link: http://youtu.be/alRkMv7mIpg 

WHAT I LEARNED FROM MICHAEL

One person CAN change the world.

Never underestimate the power of love.

Believe in the impossible,

dwell in the magical.

Be kind. It is the only response that will heal

a hurt, a wrong, an abandonment.

Stand tall. Walk through life with the

grace of a dancer.

Treat your voice like the treasure it is.

Remember to sing.

If God gives you a gift, share it,

give it away, allow others to thank you

for it through their words and gestures,

imitation of how you live and move

in the world.

Persist. Practice. Play.

Forget all you think you know and

just live by the beat.

Be original.

Be courageous.

Embody generosity.

Don’t let the world define you.

Be true to who you really are.

Own the stage.

Wow the world.

Live from your heart.

Out-pray and out-love

all your enemies.

Love the world and everything

in it with all that you have

and all that you are.

Be ready to be loved back.

© 2010 Gerri Stone

Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson #12: "We Are One"

Things I Learned from MJ #12: 'We Are One' (by Amanda G.)

This installment of "TILFMJ" features a beautiful song written and performed by our friend Amanda, all inspired by a beautiful lesson from Michael ... WE ARE ONE! ♥ ♥ ♥

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POBfDtlzdrY

We Are One  
(music, lyrics, vocals & art by Amanda G.)
[Verse 1]
Close your eyes, clear your mind
Leaving all your thoughts behind
Take my hand, float above
Join us in the circle of love

[Pre-chorus]
You are the beauty in everything that moves you
Love and light will show you the way
You have the power, let it shine through you
Open your heart and touch the world

[Chorus]
We are one together
We are strong together
We can raise the world's vibrations
Love and light can heal the nations
We are one together
We are one together

[Verse 2]
Visualize a perfect world
Full of smiling boys and girls
Our thoughts become reality
We create what we believe

[Pre-chorus]
You are the beauty in everything that moves you
Love and light will show you the way
You have the power, let it shine through you
Open your heart and touch the world

[Chorus]
We are one together
We are strong together
We can raise the world's vibrations
Love and light can heal the nations
We are one together
We are one together

[Verse 3/breakdown]
Fill your heart with love and light
Set it free to soar and fly
Visualize a perfect world
We're sending out a major love

[Chorus x2]
We are one together
We are strong together
We can raise the world's vibrations
Love and light can heal the nations
We are one together
We are one together

Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson #11: "We are Michael Jackson"

Things I Learned from MJ: #11
'We are Michael Jackson' (by Franziska)

During the days and weeks (meanwhile it are months) after Michael left this world I continued to ask myself why this loss hurt so much. Why did the death of a man I never spoke to personally touched me so much that it put my whole world upside down? Why was I unable to sleep for so many nights? Why was I in total denial for several months? Why do I still start crying when someone mentions his name or when something reminds me of him (even if it is only the full moon that makes me recall the Moonwalker)?

Yes, I love his music and it does mean very much to me. His way of expressing his innermost soul be it musically, with the help of lyrics or through dancing always touched me and made me feel at home, made me feel secure. For me, Michael was always there at the same distance. No matter where I was, how far away from family and friends, he was always there as he had always been. No matter how lonely or abandoned I might have felt Michael was always there. His music, his voice always offered me a safe haven. The mere knowledge that he was out there allowed me to feel close to him and gave me hope and strength to live in a world that for sure did not always feel like “Neverland”. In his humanness and gentleness he was a good example for me. His vulnerability and weakness allowed me to accept the truth and importance of my own fragility.

Over the years I met many people who felt equally and it was always a pleasure to share those emotions and those experiences with them. And even more: I could share his message of love and friendship with them more than it was possible with others, those who did not understand him the way I felt that I understood him. I was truly “not alone”.

And then there were those rare occasions when I had the honor to see him in person. Whether it was a concert or one of his other appearances, it was always (despite all the chaos) a magical experience. Being close to the man who influenced my life in such a lasting way made me feel as if I was taking a holiday from reality, as if for some hours or days that what was most important in my life also received my full attention. And yes, sometimes seeing Michael in the window of some hotel or on some stage or even just in a car made me feel stronger as if his mere presence approved my whole being. Close to him I felt good with being myself.

So how does it feel to live in a world without him? It feels as if the colors were taken away from this world, as if the only force that shielded me from the “cruel world” was taken from me. But what exactly have I lost? I lost a mentor. Someone who let me see the world as a good place to be in, someone who showed me what is possible with a little faith and trust. I lost a friend who showed me how much joy and happiness simple “being” can bring, how important it is to never stop dreaming. I lost a guide that was by my side for years, through good times and bad times. I feel like a tree that has lost a main branch and is now completely out of balance and deprived of an essential part. And now I am afraid that if I try to accept his death, if I try to live with it, that I would somehow betray his memory. Sometimes it seems as if the only way to remember and to love adequately is to suffer.

Mourning is like living in an upward spiral that starts at Michael’s passing away. I will come across this date or a memory of him again and again and yet every time this happens more time has passed, more experiences were made and I have grown a bit “wiser”. So how can I “sufficiently” store him in my heart and at the same time reduce the suffering? What do I do with the wound that is left from the branch? Maybe I will just try to do the same as the tree. Grow a new branch. No matter how tiny, how weak, how seemingly unimportant and insufficient this branch might be at the beginning, it is there for sure. I do not believe that we were made to suffer so there simply MUST be a little branch. Maybe I should allow myself to look at it. It is by no means there to replace Michael in any way but as time goes by there simply IS something that is growing from this wound. What could that be for me? Maybe I could try to lose my fear of this big, scary wo rld and try to see things more in the way he did. That is what he tried to teach us anyway. So why not simply take a risk and try it? Why not attempt to live, to be what I admired in him? Be more human, be more caring, more giving, less receiving, simply: more loving! Michael was always a great teacher and I truly believe that he would appreciate it if I, if we all, finally followed his path. We might not reach his mastery but that is not our goal anyway. The goal is simply to try it, to never stop trying, never stop dancing Michael’s dream. It is through us that he continues to live. Through our words, our deeds, our love. Now WE are truly the ones to make the world a better place. We have not lost Michael! He is there, maybe even closer to us than ever before. “Michael Jackson” is no longer a man; he is a concept, an idea. WE are Michael Jackson! There is no need to be sad; there is no need to despair! We have lost a messenger, not the message, a lover, n ot love! This world needs his message and we are the ones who will continue to live it. Because We Are The World! ♥ ~ Franziska N.

[The essay above was submitted to us by Franziska and is used here with her permission. It is also found in the wonderful book "It's All About L.O.V.E.", copyright 2010.]

Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #10 One in Service, Celebrating Michael / Happy Birthday, Michael!

♥ ♥ ♥ Oh, beautiful Michael, we love you! May this love light your heart like a million suns, May it shower you in the sweetest of bliss, Yet even so, it could never express one billionth of our thankfulness! God bless you, today and forever, dear Michael. With love and joy we celebrate YOU on this 29th day of August, your blessed birthday. You are always in our hearts and in our souls. Thank you for everything! With all our love, for all time ~ L♥VE

One in Service, Celebrating Michael by Diana Foley
(Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#10 "One Person Makes a Difference")

In thinking about service to our fellow humans, the idea is so incredibly overwhelming, it’s easy to feel immobilized. The world is so big and there are so many needs to be met. I am reminded of the Peanuts comic strip in which one of the characters remarks, “I love Mankind…it’s People I can’t stand!” It’s easy to think about “service” in the abstract, but it’s more difficult (and the needs are so vast) to think concretely about what I can do in the here and now. Where and how does one start?

I love the story of the Starfish: it is probably familiar to most of you, but I think it bears repeating. (original story by Loren Eisley):

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they will die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you know there are miles and miles of beach, and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference.”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the ocean. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one!”

What can one person do? I recall a sermon I heard years ago. Relying on VERY long term memory (and with undying respect for Rev. Jenny Warren), it went something like this: Noah saved all the animals and his family from being lost in the great flood. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Abraham listened to God and became the father of a great nation. Esther saved her people from extinction by using her influence with the King.

Think of each of these people, who was “ONLY ONE PERSON” before you bemoan the fact that there is little one person can do.

Each of us is “only one person.” Michael was “only one person.” Yes, I know the comparison doesn’t seem fair on the surface. But, suppose he had been overcome with the idea of “I’m only one person?” Think hard about that, and you will realize what the world might have never known.

I believe that each of us comes to this life with our own 'marching orders'. “There are many gifts, but one Spirit that gives them.” (I Corinth. 12:4). We are not here by accident. Each of us has our own role to play in this Dance of Life, each of us has our own unique contributions to make for the betterment of the world. My prayer for each of us, is that we find (or expand) what we are supposed to do, and do it with gusto. That, I believe, is the real celebration that Michael would want. ~ Diana, in Call For Love, Aug 28, 2011 (thank you, Diana, for allowing us to post here too :)

• Also, please see the comments below... or this post (Charity Projects for MJ's Birthday) and this post (Helping the Children of Somalia) ...for info about some of the wonderful charitable projects Michael Jackson fans have created and/or participated in to commemorate Michael's birthday and to carry on his legacy of healing the world. Thank you & much love, MJ-family!
  

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #9 "We Are Love"

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#9 "We are Love" (by Niamh)

Michael has re-awakened in me the knowledge of the Love from which we come. Michael has taught me that our essence is Love – every one of us. Michael lived from that Love, every day. It shines through him, every smile, every gesture, every hug, every glance.

Michael has shown me that each person has a role, and each person can make a difference. He is one man, but simply look at his effect on the entire world. I am so grateful to have been on earth at the same time as Michael, even if I didn’t realise his message or his impact until he passed on.

Many of us are broken and hurt, because of experiences in this life and perhaps other lives, because of people who have let us down or hurt us, because of trials we’ve had to endure. Our reaction is to lash out, like a wounded animal, to look for someone to blame, to get revenge, to tear someone down. We attack one another. But in our true form we are Love. Michael has taught me to try to see that in everyone, even if I disagree with their behaviour, or I am hurt by their actions or words. It’s not easy – it’s really not easy!! But it works. If we really try to see the Love in all people, we can have more respect for one another, and stop the cycle of violence and hurt and pain. No matter what the question, Love is the answer.

If I believe I am Love, it inspires me to live better. And maybe, if we look for the light and Love in others, they will begin to see it in themselves, and live from it too. Maybe, we can really change the world.

Michael embraced all, and left no one behind. Despite his own pain, he continued to Love. His strength and constancy are inspiring. I am inspired to act from Love, challenging as that can be. Michael is our teacher, our guide, our Light. He is showing us how to live and how to heal the world. ~ Niamh

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #8 "Everything I need to know"

This week's addition to the series "Things I Learned from MJ" is an original song by Amy Grace, of A Cosmic Connection, titled "I Learned from You". The video features Amy and, of course, beautiful Michael. Lyrics are below ♥

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#8 "Everything I need to know" (by Amy Grace)

http://www.youtube.com/embed/9g8m5js8jPU

I am a better person than I used to be
I am the shadow of a light that shines on me

Gentle and kind
Angel in disguise
Truth among the lies
That is what you are

If I am wise, it's because you have helped me grow
If I know wrong from right, it's 'cause you showed me which way to go
And there's nothing else I really need to know
Because...

Everything that I need to know, I learned from you
And all the good in my heart and soul
Was sparked by all that you do
Well everybody has demons
But you've taught mine a thing or two
Opened them to a feeling, like I never knew....until you

There isn't any mountain I can't overcome
You showed me how to move them all with love

Gentle and kind
Humble all the time
Beauty lies inside
I learned that from you

With a thoughtful mind, in your footsteps I will go
If I seem to shine, it's from standing in your afterglow
And there's no other place worth the weight of gold
Because...

Everything that I need to know, I learned from you
And all the good in my heart and soul
Was sparked by all that you do
Well everybody has demons
But you've taught mine a thing or two
Opened them to a feeling, like I never knew....until you

I am a better person than I used to be...
~ ["I Learned from You" © 2011 Amy Grace - All Rights Reserved]

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #7 "We are given gifts"

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #7
"We are given gifts" (by Sue)

I have thought a long time about whether to submit my feelings on what Michael has taught me. There are times when one wants to hold on to those feelings tightly, especially now that he is no longer with us on this plane. I decided that perhaps my thoughts might help others. I have loved Michael since I first saw him – it was 1969 and he was 11 years old. I watched that beautiful little boy, with the big brown eyes and enormous, unprecedented talent, grow into one of the finest people the world has ever known. I celebrated all of his professional and personal triumphs, and cried and prayed at the pain and sorrow that was inflicted upon him. Throughout those ensuing 42 years, Michael has been a spiritual guide for me, and taught me invaluable lessons about life.

Michael Jackson taught me that each of us are given gifts by our creator. Gifts that we must recognize, hone and cherish, and use for others. That each of us hold the divine within us, and that each of us are worthy and worthwhile. And he continued throughout all of those years to remind me that we are a human family, that labels and names and boundaries are dividers of humanity that only serve to separate us from love and understanding. Michael Jackson taught me that strength of character is also a precious gift from our creator. That honest character and truth of character cannot be compromised by anyone or anything. Through all of the pain and sorrow, he never wavered, but stood tall and firm, with grace and dignity. I have often thought long and hard about whether I could have withstood the onslaught he was subjected to, and I come up far short. But Michael taught me to never give up trying to do what is right. It is a lesson that I lean on daily.

Michael Jackson taught me that love is the only constant in our crazy mixed up world. That we must live from the heart and love each other unconditionally. He taught me that the only way we will save our world and each other is to hold each others hands and help one another. Michael taught me that giving and extending help - in whatever way we can - is our duty and responsibility to ourselves and each other.

Michael Jackson taught me that our beautiful planet Earth is also a responsibility that each of us must assume in our daily lives. We cannot sit back and expect others to save her, it must be a daily commitment from each one of us, to whatever degree we are able.

Michael Jackson taught me that forgiveness is the ultimate act of love. That instead of lashing out with hurtful words and violence, love and understanding can touch the hearts of perceived enemies and change their perspective. Michael taught me that we all must strive to live in the light, and to shower our inner light on everyone daily. Darkness can only take hold when the light wanes.

There are so many more lessons, but not enough space to list them all. Michael was an extraordinary gift to the world. A beautiful human being who gave his entire life to show us LOVE and how to LOVE. His life is one to celebrate - an extraordinary, important life well lived. And his gifts to all of us are immeasurable. I cannot imagine the past 42 years without his guidance and loving heart. He is with me every moment of every day. ♥ ~ Sue S.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #6 "Holding onto the Inner Child"

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #6 "Holding onto the Inner Child" (by Elise)

When I think about what I have learned from Michael Jackson, I could probably come up with a dozen things...but to narrow it down and describe the most important thing I've learned from him...I think that would be holding onto that inner child within.

I think it all began when I first watched the Living With Michael Jackson documentary back in 2003. Before I knew how Martin Bashir twisted and edited the footage, all I saw was Michael, a sweet and sensitive soul. A man who enjoyed having fun and doing things that he was unable to do in his youth. I saw him climb up his Giving Tree and sit there as a free spirit. When I heard him describe himself as being “Peter Pan in his heart,” I completely understood what he meant by that because I too preferred to hold onto my childhood, and not lose that innocence of it. But seeing Michael embracing these qualities actually helped me to accept those qualities within myself. I still enjoy things I enjoyed when I was a kid. I find joy in simple things. I still love watching kids movies and I know I always will. They are actually my favorite kinds of movies to watch because there are often a lot of lessons in them that adults can learn a thing or two from.

There is no other celebrity I look up to besides Michael Jackson because he taught me it's ok to never grow up in my heart, if it wants to stay innocent like a child. I have to thank him for teaching me it's ok to be a big kid. When Michael died, I lost part of my childhood with him, but the part that remains I will forever keep in my heart, and continue to keep that Peter Pan spirit alive. ♥ ~ Elise

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #5 'Unconditional Love'

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #5 'Unconditional Love' (by Elmira)

Before I can explain fully how Michael taught me about pure, unconditional love, I need to become deeply personal and explain my past and my inner demons and fears, so you can appreciate the full magnitude of his impact on me.

I am not afraid to bare my soul as I only hope with all my heart that others can benefit from reading my experience and heal in the way I was healed. My heart was healed although it was broken first due to the grief of losing him, even though I had never met him or was even a fan of his music!

When I was in my teens I searched for love everywhere, never finding any, feeling slightly desparate at a mission to find someone to give all that love to that I had inside of me. I was blessed with a loving family and many friends but that what I yearned for most, true love, eluded me. The more I searched for it, the unhappier and unfulfilled I felt, and the more lost and lonely and unloved I felt. Oh sure, many loved me as a good friend, someone to talk with, someone to dance with, someone to laugh with, someone to cry with, but not in a boyfriend/girlfriend kind of way. After a while I became used to being alone and I gave up on love altogether, thinking it wasn't for me, it simply wasn't "in the cards".In the movie theater I heard music that drove the loneliness home, yet it was sometimes strangely soothing in a way I couldn't understand.

Love became a very abstract word, and I couldn't understand what people meant when they said "You haven't lived fully, if you haven't loved". What did that mean for me? I was a bad person for not having a husband?? So I would be punished twice?

Life went on, I was happy enough in my job, traveled abroad as part of my job giving training to others, had a car, bought a house with a garden, my dream, but no man in my life. Some years I cannot even remember very well as they blur into a meaningless mush of days, weeks and months of working, sporting, meeting with friends, shopping, eating and sleeping.

Fast forward to June 25, 2009. I was captivated by Michael and what he stood for. After a couple of weeks or months, I can't really remember when it took place, I realized that my heart had opened to pure, unconditional love. I was feeling loved and able to share without bounds from this fountain of pure, unconditional love in my heart. I knew what love is all about, and what it's not, and Michael taught me this. And the music in the movie theater that I heard so many years ago that was also strangely soothing? Now I realized it was Michael's songs that had prepared my heart for the right time when it would be touched and changed so powerfully!

This wonderful gift fills me with the deepest gratitude and compassion for those around me. I feel so blessed and also thankful for my wonderful MJ-family with whom I can share these experiences with and others feel the same way. To me that is Michael's Miracle come true! I will always love you, Michael!

I felt like the brown mud in which the lotus has her roots, unworthy of any love. But then the Light and the Love shone intensely all that time. A tiny lotus root had travelled through mud, murky waters, clearer waters still until there was a surface. There a lotus bud lay waiting to be touched. Waiting for what? Touched by whom? She really didn't know. Finally, the Light and Love were able to reach her and touch so she could bloom like she was meant to bloom from the start. ♥ ~ Elmira - MJJC Legacy Project Positive Websites thread

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To read more of this series, see
Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #4 'Spirit & Forgiveness'

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#4 'Spirit and Forgiveness' (by Woman23)

I grew up in a non-Christian home, but always believed there was something «out there». I got saved at a Christian camp when I was 13 but found my way to the Catholic church soon after and stayed there until I was 21 when I signed out. A painful break-up and other struggles made me question my faith and my life. (a psychic said I had been a nun in one of my past lives, which I fully believe is possible, as I have always had a strong interest and fascination for nuns)

Then came June 25 2009. I was not a Michael Jackson-fan while he was alive...that is, I knew of «You Are Not Alone», «Heal the World», «Earth Song», and «Will You Be There». The latter was actually the song that kept me alive from day to day when I was 15 – 17 years old, as I underwent a severe depression. I never believed the allegations on child molestation, but I didn't believe there was such a thing as vitiligo. When he died I started looking into it and learned that Michael did have vitiligo, and I have asked forgiveness of both him and God.

Anyway, when Michael died, I gained an interest. In early August 2009 I fell in love with him, and I would talk to him every day, as a child would talk to an imaginary friend. (I continue to do this to this day) I spent some months in a cult before I left that too, still not knowing who or what to believe in. I WANTED to believe in something more, but I had been through so much pain that I was afraid. Having Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder (mild form of high-levelled autism), having a faith is actually a bad idea, since faith is so abstract and subtle.

A woman that I knew channeled Michael Jackson and delivered his messages to the world through her blog, and that gained my attention. At first I was shocked, because communicating with the dead was something I didn't know much about. Eventually I decided to ask her to channel Michael for me, which she did. His message to me included an invitation to study spirituality, as I had begun to realize there was more than what I had been taught. I was floored, and knew that I had a job to do.

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #3 'Say Yes to your Heart'

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#3 'Say Yes to your Heart' (by Brenda)

Michael has taught me the meaning of life. He has given me purpose and joy, taken away my fear of death, and my fear of living life to the fullest. Still, even with the huge impact he has had on my life, when I think of the biggest lesson I have learned from him, there is no doubt what that is. It is the thought that first struck me when he died, the lesson I hope that is conveyed in my book Ever After, and the reason I look forward to each day. The purpose of my life is to share this message with others. The lesson is this: Always say yes to your heart, and be the best you can be at whatever you love to do, no matter what.

Imagine a world where people say yes to their hearts without question, follow their dreams, doing their best and never giving up. This is the world that Michael believed in. This is the way he lived his life. He has shown me that this CAN be the real world. Since I have begun to trust him and follow this in my own life, everything is different, although it may seem the same on the outside.

Is there anyone who has ever followed his heart as unfailingly as Michael did? Is there anyone who has ever persevered against all odds as Michael did? Is there anyone who believed that all things were possible as Michael did?

He did these things because he believed his talents had been given to him by God and he felt his purpose was to express these gifts the best he could, so others might recognize their own gifts. This is true for all of us. We all have a purpose for being here, we have talents, ideas, inspirations just as Michael did. The difference between us and Michael is that he followed through NO MATTER WHAT. He did not just choose to express his gifts when he was inspired, when he was paid enough money, or when he was feeling good, he did it for us, because that is what he knew he was here to do.

He said, "I believe in me, so you'll believe in you." I believe in you Michael, and thanks to you, I also believe in me, and all of us. We are here to express our gifts and in doing so, we help others to be who they are meant to be as well. This is how we change the world. I promise that I will always say yes to my heart, and always do my best, no matter what.
~ Brenda - author of Love is the Answer (blog) and the beautiful picture book Ever After
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.

We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with:
Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Google Friend Connect | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #2 "I'm Me"

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #2 'I'm Me' (by Bianca)

Where to start? Because really, Michael Jackson is someone who had so much to teach to each of us. Not just fans, not just us, but also thém. ‘Them’ didn’t always get the lesson, they/them often couldn’t care. But the funny thing is, they/them wouldn’t have to. Michael taught them anyhow. Those of us who did listen have a lot of stories to share. Mine is probably one each of you can relate to. We’re all different, all spend a life in which we’re taking different paths and yet we share something that bonds like nothing ever bonded. Michael taught me to be, to feel and to see. He taught me that it’s okay to be shy, okay to be weird, okay to be misunderstood, okay to say no, okay to be an outcast. Because it’s called ‘being unique’. He taught me it’s okay to strive for perfection, okay to fight for what you want, okay to have dreams, okay to live up to your own standards and not those of others. Because it’s called ‘having passion’. He taught me it’s okay to care, okay to love like no one else does, okay to spend time alone and enjoy it, okay to feel worthy, okay to be most beautiful. Because it’s called ‘being yourself’. Michael taught me it’s okay to feel friggin’ proud of each and every of these things. Because you know what, no one is ever going to be ‘you’. There is only one you, and you have only so little time here on this planet. Make sure you used your voice, shared your heart and showed your vision. So that when you live your last day and see this teacher waiting for you, you can look back, smile and say: “I’m me”. ~ Bianca - http://www.biancavandam.com

Read more of this series: Things I Learned from Michael Jackson.
We'd love to post your contributions to this series. If you'd like to write something, please consider thoughtfully something you've learned from or because of Michael (examples: about love or life, how to forgive, not to judge, how to follow your dreams, etc) and send your story to admin@majorloveprayer.org. Don't worry whether what you write is eloquent or simple, a full page or only a couple of paragraphs. The important thing is to just be yourself and share your insights in honor of Michael, to inspire others or just to empathize. The same lesson (like LOVE!) can certainly be written about more than once since we all have our own unique understandings. Thank you and much love! ♥ And thanks to Amy Grace of "A Cosmic Connection" for the poster to the left.

♥ Get updates from Major Love Prayer with: Facebook | Twitter | Email | RSS | Forum

Read more »

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson: #1 'There really is a God'

We're very happy to introduce a new weekly series here on MLP entitled "Things I Learned from Michael Jackson". It will feature personal stories and creations from our lovely MJ-family about the ways Michael has touched our lives and hearts. Whether through obvious experiences or subtle, long-evolving influence that leaves one in awe upon later introspection, the lessons we've learned by being Michael's fans have been about living, loving and spirit, about the practical and the profound, from striving for excellence and believing in yourself to strength and innocence... there's so much. Sometimes even a spark of an idea or emotion can ignite a search for understanding and growth. It is a wonder of life to be blessed with the gift of such guides and teachers, often unrecognized at the time, who by their very presence transform us so deeply that we later wonder who or how we'd be without them. Michael is one such teacher for many, leaving us changed. And we continue to change - forever discovering ourselves, each other, our oneness and how to change the world - all enfolded in a mystery of love.

So let us begin this journey with our very first installment, from Jan of "With a Child's Heart's Blog" (and thanks to Amy Grace of "A Cosmic Connection", for the amazing poster on the left that fits here so perfectly ;)

---

Things I Learned from Michael Jackson:
#1 'There Really is a God' (by Jan)

When this new topic for the Major Love Prayer website was first mentioned to me, my reaction was one of shock and awe, at first, because I had been thinking of doing something similar. It always amazes me when my friends and I have the same inspirations though separated by miles and connected only through the technology available to us through email and social networking sites. It’s a phenomenon I’ve written about before on With a Child’s Heart in a blog post entitled Our Love’s An Ocean from October, 2010, I believe. In addition, it’s a phenomenon that, at this point, almost two years after that fateful day in 2009 when our breath was taken from us … can only be explained in one way. I challenge anyone to find another explanation for it regardless of how long or deep he or she searches.

When I had recovered … and after I had thanked Michael Jackson for inspiring the thought in three of us at the same time (because there was another of my friends creating a poster at exactly the same time which inspired my thought and which was inspired by my friend’s idea) … I began to try to think of the most important lesson my Beautiful Teacher had taught me. This turned out to be a major undertaking because there are so very many lessons I have learned from Michael (many of which I have not totally assimilated or put into practice, but which I see very clearly in his example of a life well-lived.) From my first experience of Michael in 1992, he has been teaching me; and I pray that he goes on teaching me until long after I leave this Earth behind in my quest to follow him wherever he may lead.

After spending several days in abject confusion trying to decide what topic to write on, I finally decided on the following:

Michael Jackson has taught me that there really is a God and that He/She is still concerned with His/Her human children on Planet Earth. Michael Jackson is living proof of this concept! [Yes, I understand that he has left our visible sphere, but he still lives through all of us … another concept that I challenge anyone to explain in any other way than God tip-toeing among us.]

God didn’t just drop us here and forget about us more than two thousand years ago, She still checks in on us now and then and He still cares about us and wants us to be happy! She still has a Plan and that Plan is perfect in its scope and in its execution. What’s more, our wonderful Eternal Oneness has a wicked and irrepressible sense of humor.

How did I arrive at this conclusion? Well, let me explain.

Read more »