Pope Speaks on "The King of Pop" Michael Jackson
Well, here it is. I'll try to remain brief and to the point, because obviously to write about this man, in depth, and what he meant to me and many others around the world would literally take a lifetime (Although I’m sure there's many of authors out there right now clamoring up ideas to cram such into a 400 page book to make a quick buck off of his enormous popularity).
Michael Jackson: The Man, The Myth, The Legend...The Icon. What can I say? No one, and Pope means NO ONE, was more "Worldwide" recognized and loved than this man (not everyone loves The Pope... Ya know, the one in white). His "Worldwide Popularity" was only rivaled recently by one man, Barrack Obama, who now stands alone.
Michael Jackson meant so much to me; it's crazy. In the past couple of years I’d been asked if I could meet 3 people, who would it be? Without hesitation I would answer: The first black president, Bill Clinton, “The Icon” Sting (more to come), and “The King of Pop” Michael Jackson, and of course MJ topped this list. I mean, I wasn't such the fan that would fall out at the mention of his name, or go into a breakdown if I were near him, but more so the fan out of similarities and most importantly, respect. My similarities to MJ are well known by my family and friends. Pope had to grow up very early in life, becoming a man when most males my age were still having sleepovers and pajama parties. MJ taught me that it was ok to be myself, to dress the way that I want, and to live my life as I choose; and for that, I will always be grateful!
A lot of you know that YOUR Pope took the news of MJ's passing really hard. Well, here's why: Pope has never been to a concert in his life (By choice, I just never liked no one enough to place myself in such a crowded, sometimes hostile atmosphere), and I'd always vowed since MJ's last CD Invincible that if MJ were to ever tour again, that I would attend his concert because it wasn't just a concert by any means, but it was a Spectacle! It was a brand of entertainment that was priceless and timeless. Quite frankly, it was THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!
Well, with the recent announcement of his planned 50 tours in Europe, Pope had to make good on his words and planned a trip to see the “King Of Pop” at work. Pope was sad to hear of the under 4 hour sellout of his concerts at the O2 arena (Take that Nancy Grace and anyone else who denies his popularity), but had learned of another way to buy some tickets. After finding such a place, via the web to purchase the tickets, Pope had planned for the trip to Europe, aiming for the Aug 14th show. But that's not it. Pope had also planned to hold a contest titled: "Pope Needs A Date/BFF for MJ's concert in Europe, Is It YOU?" This was to be an all expense paid trip (Airfare, Hotel and Tix) by YOUR Pope that was to be documented and later released. The guidelines to be chosen were simple: Write an essay detailing why you should be chosen for the trip, and how much MJ meant to you. Pope would then narrow the participants down to 3, where then the TEElite would vote to decide who would be the victor. Pope would then call the winner to inform them of their status. I had it all planned out, but this plan was subject to change (And have), at the behest of the BBP in the sky.
Michael, you are gone now. We all loved you, but BBP in the sky loved you best. Your Music, Your Dances, Your Smile, And Your Style will live on Forever! Now, Pope will handle the smiling part, and maybe even the singing and style part (cause I can dress how I choose, you taught me that), but the Dancing?....Pope’s gonna have to leave that for others to handle because I'd hate to murder your moves and break some of my bones in the process of trying. The mourning process is a rough one and varies for many. I know I'll personally be mourning you for sometime to come. My tears have dried and my disbelief is fading as reality creeps its way back into my life (and the fact that I can’t watch anything, via TV, without it covering you). I know I'll never be able to see you in concert here on this earth Michael, but I've prayed an earnest prayer, of simple magnitude, that I'm waiting for to be answered. It's simply this: BBP in the sky, I've been fortunate to do a lot of things in my life. I've accomplished many of goals, and conquered most of my dreams. However, one dream has been shattered with your recent acquisition/need for The Ultimate Showman to accompany you in a place where we'll never grow old, and trust me, you chose none better! I've served you since the age of 14, with faults here and there, but always seeking forgiveness and recognizing/acknowledging my need for you; so if you’d please be so kind to allow me to attend a Michael Jackson Spectacle, if ONLY in my dreams, I'll forever be so careful to give you all of the honor, the glory, the dominion, and the praise, forever. Amen ~ The Pope Has Spoken
Rev. Al Sharpton- “Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of color WAY before Tiger Woods, WAY before Oprah Winfrey, WAY before Barrack Obama. Michael did with music what they later did in sports, in politics and in television; and no controversy can ever erase his historical iMPACT.”
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Man oh man I had something all typed out and when I hit save it didn't go through. Ugh. Anyways, I was playing with my little brother when I decided to get on the computer for a minute. I ran across this headline that said something like "Michael Jackson dead or alive?" And at that moment my mind kinda went blank. So I dedcided to turn the tv on to see what was up. At that time though, it wasn't being reported that Michael had died, just that he was in a coma. So a few minutes later they go to a commercial break and when they came back, they had confirmed that Michael had passed. It saddened me because it was another reminder of how quickly life can be snatched from us.
I don't know if anyone has ever had as many fans as Michael Jackson. Even with all the child molesting accusations and the plastic surgery stuff, he still had fans all over the world who loved him. I guess he was one of those few people who had that special "it" factor.
RIP Michael. Maqny people miss you.
I was getting ready to leave for dinner when I read online that MJ had been rushed to the hospital because he was found unconscious and not breathing. As soon as I sat down to eat about 10 minutes later, I received a text saying that Michael Jackson died. I was in shock at first, and at the same time I didn't believe it. I called back to confirm it, then I received the same texts from 5 or 6 other people. After dinner I went back to my room and cried my eyes out for a good while. Once I calmed down, I just started playing Michael's songs on my iTunes.
I'm still shocked that Michael left us so soon, but I know that he's in a better place and not suffering anymore. His music was, is, and will always be a part of my life. I can remember when my mom got me the Bad record for my birthday. I was so excited, I played it over and over again. Lol Anytime he aired a video premiere, performed, and/or made appearances at awards shows my eyes were glued to the tv. I've always been a big fan, and I still stood behind him when the media was trying to bring him down. It's hard for me to choose my favorite MJ songs; I love just about all of them the same, as well as the songs he recorded when he was in the Jackson 5ive. No one can deny that Michael's music and talent paved the way for so many of today's artists. Even though I didn't know him personally, it still hurt me when I found out he died. I got so emotional when I read about and saw all the tributes and the love all the fans around the world showed for Michael. When I visited New York City last weekend, we saw a parade that displayed different cultures and nationalities. Once they played MJ's music, everybody went crazy! =) I just want to say I love you, Michael! Thanks for the memories. Your legacy and music will live forever! A true Legend!!! Rest In Peace.
I will always remember MJ for his music and scaring this living hell out of me. I remember when I was little I took my brothers Thriller vinyl and listen to Thriller. That song scared me. And I remember the music video on VH1. That scared me even worse! He will always be a favorite of mine. I am not one who's opinion of someone effects me liking them as a entertainer. I love Michael the singer. I never knew Michael, let alone met him. I am sure he was a kind man. But the things he has done... But I wont get into that. Its better to think of the good times. and not the bad. R.I.P to one of the greatest singer/songwriters ever.
It took me a few days to respond because I am still at a lost of words. MJ was my first crush...lol I remember when I was about 4 or 5 years old, my momma had his albums and the album cover with MJ in the white jacket, I had to look at it everyday. His music and dance moves were phemenonal. He made an impact on everyone. I do not know one person, who never tried to imitate MJ's dance moves. I will surely miss MJ, the man and music. He is at peace now with the our CREATOR. He could not be in better hands at this moment.
Thanks Pope and Love for sharing your thoughts and prayers.
Carmen
The denial of this reality is true, it has finally sunk in that Michael is indeed gone. I wanted to believe so much that day for the media to stand up to their titles of "exaggeration." I didn't want to believe it, so I held onto CNN, who had yet to verify, for confirmation though all other outlets were confirming it. I was praying while watching for MJ to get through what was happening and overcome, I didn't want to believe that he was gone, I really wanted the media to be fabricating the truth, as usual, but they didn't this time. For someone that hardly displays emotion, I didn't take this news well at all. Michael Jackson was always a loving person, one I loved, will always love and respect because of his true being.
Pope, this was very heart-warming and moving! You spoke from the heart and it was beautiful! I understand what you're feeling. MJ was the greatest and a very talented performer, a true inspiration, a caring and genuine humanitarian. The planet might have lost Michael Jackson, but the Heavens have gained a very special angel! Micheal loved the world but probably felt at times that the world didn't love him back; if Michael could see how he has truly touched our lives, changed this world and left his eternal legacy on us, the smile on his face would be endless, as I'm sure he already knows. As I sit and think about how he has touched my heart, I have to say that his calling Home was one no one expected to happen so soon and sudden. Though being unrealistic, at times, MJ could have been seen as immortal, in reality, he was still human, superior at that!
What a grand idea you had and very kind of you to share your opportunity with the Fam! How sweet! I used to always say how it would be great to see MJ in concert, though from my stance, I thought it was nearly impossible, just remembering the news and showing of concerts when I was young. The thousands and thousands of people crammed packed into each other, and they all shared one common factor, Michael Jackson! Amazing how one man can have such a strong impact on us all, cryptic that is in many ways, oh yes, it is very much so!! I pray that God blesses you with the desire you seek, as you are very deserving, what a very lovely prayer! *Hugs Pope*
I was playing with my little brother when I decided to get on the computer for a minute. I saw this headline that said something like "Michael Jackson... Dead or Alive?" And I was pretty surprised when I saw it. At the time I found out people still werent' sure if Michael had died yet so everyone was still just waiting. So I turned on the news and after a few minutes, they said that it had been confirmed that Michael had died. It saddened me because once again, it made me think about just how life can be snatched from you just like that.
I honestly don't know if anyone had more fans than Michael did. Even with all the child molesting accusations along with the plastic surgery stuff, he was still loved by everyone around the world. I guess he was one of those few special people whor were born with that special "it".
RIP Michael. You are missed by many.