Michael Jackson...

I want to start by saying that I was saddened to hear Michael Jackson died. With that I also want to say that I was also conflicted with my emotions. After wondering about his soul I also wondered how people would speak of him now. Would they focus on his career, obvious talent, or the controversy that followed him most of his life? How will this “idol” be remembered?

I have to admit that I stopped listening to Michael’s music after all the pedophile charges. I occasionally listened, watched a video or two on youtube, and would sing along to one of his tunes on the radio but I always felt conflicted about it. I felt a hesitancy or perhaps guilt because of the child molestation accusations against him. I felt like I was somehow supporting him if I listened to his music. As a passionate lover of children I am always infuriated when I hear of any situation where a child is harmed in any way. A holy anger arises within me. And so because of this I laughed at Michael like the rest of the world.

After hearing of Michael’s passing I tried to figure out how to process it. It was hard not to think about it when he was on every television channel I turned to and all the streets of South Florida where I was vacationing played his music. A man had died after all and not just any man but an innovator, someone who changed the style of music and in some ways created a genre. He was one who although obviously troubled did do many positive things and through his music highlighted social issues such as poverty, racism, and homelessness. But I’ll tell you what broke me. It was the repetitive images of Michael as a five-year-old boy singing his heart out. One look at that and I was reduced to tears.

Whatever you believe about Michael Jackson I think we can all say that we lost someone who was unique. Michael was also a little boy in a man’s body. This observation by many who briefly encountered or personally knew him shed a different light on this man for me. It made me wonder about him and all the allegations against him. I decided I would watch the famous interview with him in 2003 where he discussed sleeping with little boys and the abuse he received from his father. As I watched this video I realized that Michael was a very fragmented man. I decided to try to look at the circumstances through his eyes and I came up with the conclusion that we may have dealt with a grown man who felt he had to create a fantasy world for himself because he felt lonely and misunderstood. With that said I believe that because Michael saw himself as a child and because of this he didn’t see anything wrong with him sharing a bed with other children. Perhaps in some way he felt like he was one of them. You may disagree with me and that is fine.

I will say that our world doesn’t cater to the needs and hurts of the broken famous or not. It nearly teaches us to survive. I think that Michael Jackson felt a compassion for the hurting because he looked at them through the filters of his own pain. Something I believe MJ taught us is to dare to be a voice for the voiceless and forgotten. I think that he often lifted himself high to feel a sense of importance. Did he have pride? I’m sure he did. But from my experience those who speak too highly of themselves are often the most insecure of all.

I watched the memorial service for him and was touched by the music and words. But I couldn’t help but think that no one in that room really knew Michael. Even Brooke Shields whose words were perhaps the most honest, real, and heartfelt out of everyone seemed to be somehow dated. Her memories of Michael all seemed to be from the late 80s and early 90s. I don’t believe that she was in contact with Michael in his later years. I don’t think I would be too far from the truth if I said that Michael Jackson died a lonely and broken man. All the money and fame never brought him healing or restitution.

We live in a world where idols are lifted high and later broken down. The media lifts these public figures up to unreachable places and later laugh when they fall. In reality we were never meant to be famous. Man was never created for worship. That’s God’s place. At the end of the day we are all merely people. God is no respecter of person’s so to Him Michael Jackson wasn’t exceptionally special. He was merely another one of his children gone astray. A prodigal son if you will. Michael Jackson stood before God like the rest of us will and had to give an account for his life. I hope that he made peace with God and himself.

Lynda

A Wish on a Dandelion

Since I was a little girl I have always loved picking dandelions out of the ground and putting them in my hair. I think dandelions are pretty. Sure, they kill grass and they can make a mess on your lawn but there is something sweet about them.

I have good and bad memories of dandelions. I remember blowing on them as a little girl and thinking of peace, joy and laughter. But I also remember being told to wish scary things. So when I look at a dandelion I have bittersweet memories.

Today I picked up a dandelion and I made a wish for my future. I wished for hope.

Forgiveness can be a hard pill to swallow

By now the world has heard of the first ever face transplant woman whom in 2004 was shot in the face by her own husband. For years Sherry Blank lived with a terribly disfigured face often scaring children on the streets and labeled a “monster” by strangers. This year she was introduced to the media as the first ever face transplant patient woman.

Blank has spoken about the traumatic day she was shot on several interviews and press conferences with unusual optimism. In a recent interview as she described the trauma she has experienced since the day of her shooting Blank shared something that has shocked many. She forgives and still loves her husband.

Now, she’s using her experience to inspire people to not only forgive but to use a traumatic, life changing experience to motivate and to challenge people not to judge others by face value.

How could she forgive the man who has scarred her for life? How could anyone forgive someone who caused them physical or emotional harm?

Darell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott who was shot and killed in the Columbine tragedy had a choice to make after losing his daughter and watching his son suffer the trauma of surviving. It was an essay titled, “My Ethics, My Codes of Life” about kindness and forgiveness written by Rachel a year prior to her death that caused Scott and his family to forgive the shooters. He is now leading thousands of youth and even adults by his example of extending kindness and mercy to others.

In several interviews throughout his career Tyler Perry, has spoken about the importance of forgiveness. Famous for writing, directing and acting in films that star Madea a feisty grandmother with a whole lot to say. Perry has often credited the start of his success to the time he decided to forgive his father for the physical abuse he inflicted on him throughout his childhood. Perry has appeared and shared his story of forgiveness on shows like “CNN,” “Dr. Phil” and “The View.”

I once heard a minister describe forgiveness like playing with a Yo-Yo. When after you have forgiven you feel the emotions return you extend the Yo-Yo (forgiveness) another time? Sometimes you may have to forgive a person multiple times. Forgiveness can be hard especially when you feel you have not received justice for the harm done to you but in forgiving you are setting yourself free of the emotional burden. “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Lewis B. Smedes

Suspended for Dancing? The Art of Christian Legalism

It’s not every day that you hear about a student suspended for wanting to go to a prom but that’s exactly what happened to Tyler Frost from Heritage Christian School in northwest Ohio. Apparently, Frost wanted to go to his girlfriend’s prom and was threatened by his school with suspension. The school has a rule about dancing, rock music, and even hand holding on or off campus.

When I came across this story online my heart went out to this poor kid. You see I went to a private Christian college in Nyack, NY where we weren’t allowed to dance either. We were asked to sign a contract where we were forbidden to dance on or outside of school premises. Being young to the faith and wanting to stay at my school I signed. I remember a girl who had to give up her beloved ballet classes because of the rule.

Keeping young Christians from all that is secular is like forbidding a lion from entering a forest. Animals and people have to experience life and trying to keep them in some bubble will only create frustration. This is called legalism and legalism will only create rebellion in the end.

I thought not being allowed to dance was a big joke since I grew up in a family of dancers. My mother is Cuban and we were raised with Salsa, Merengue and a whole lot of Gloria Estefan. Our holidays never had a dull moment. And when Hispanics have parties we’ll start at 3 p.m. and end at 3 a.m. The motto for my college was “social dancing equals babies” which always made me laugh. I remember the look of horror on a friend when I told her that I broke the rule and went to my sister’s “Autumn Soray.” She looked at me like I had committed the unpardonable sin.

In John 2: 1-11, Jesus went to a wedding at Cana in Galilee where he performed his first miracle. Jesus went to a wedding and I highly doubt that he sat in the corner watching everyone laughing and dancing. I bet you Jesus enjoyed himself and may have even had a dance with the bride herself.

One thing we all know from history is that unreasonable rules will always be broken. When people feel forced to comply with absurd rules and regulations they will rebel against them. This is why it is widely known that the first kids in the church to stumble are often the pastor’s kids. We are susceptible to trouble in one way or another but keeping people in a bubble won’t make them compliable.

So my words to Tyler Frost good for you for determining to go to your girlfriend’s prom! Enjoy yourself. These are the best years of your life. And shame on Christian institutions that think that holiness means you can’t wear any makeup or have to walk on the opposite side of the street of the opposite sex or that you can only listen to Praise and Worship music to be holy. Hopefully the Christian legalists will one day learn that having a little fun and dancing won’t send you straight to hell. Now, I’m going to listen to some “Nightwish.” I love their version of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Eagles Soar...and Sometimes Crash

A few nights ago I was getting ready for bed when my dog was acting funny. "What Basco?" I said to him. I followed him out of the bedroom trying to figure out what this anxious animal was trying to tell me. Then he led me to my "office" where my computer is. He opened the door with his nose and settled down on the floor beside my desk. Well, I turned my computer on wondering if there was something I should look at. Okay, you may think I'm crazy but remember the post below this one. I'm always open to signs, okay? I never overlook things that could lead me to an answer especially when I'm seeking them. Well, I go to www.yahoo.com to check my e-mail when I come across a very unusual story.

According to a news story on www.yahoo.com a golden eagle crashed into the windshield of a tractor-trailor in Nevada. While the two drivers, one dosing off on the passenger seat, drove on U.S. Interstate 80 an eagle crashed into the windshield landing on the floor. The men, including the officer who arrived at the scene were so taken aback by the unusual situation that they waited for a specialist from a nearby Wildlife Center to care for the bird who had a swollen head. The eagle was apparently "feisty" and upset for his unexpected fall and crash. The owner of the trucking company was quoted as saying, "Never in trucking history." : )

I thought this story was amusing. Here are these two tough guys driving their tractor-trailor when out of nowwhere they're startled by none other than a big beautiful eagle who literally crashes into them. As they went about their business on an ordinary day the last thing they expected was this beautiful endangered bird, that you have to travel to Alaska to get a really great shot of to suddenly end up in their truck. How hysterical!

The reason why I was touched by this story is that I have always loved eagles. My life verse is actually Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This passage has been a source of hope and encouragement to me for years. And just recently as I have encountered some difficult situations in my life I have revisited this verse and its meaning. It never seizes to renew hope in me.

Reading this story brought a smile upon my face. It was sort of a "wink" for me. After reading it and e-mailing it to myself I went back to my bedroom where I settled quietly to bed and Basco lay contently on the floor beside me. Now, how's that for a sign! : )

I Believe in Signs

“During times of great uncertainty, coincidences are signs of comfort and personal reassurance.”
-Squire Rushnell, “When God Winks”

I believe in signs. I believe that sometimes God uses signs or coincidences in our lives to get our attention. The quote above is from a book written by author Squire Rushnell, called “When God Winks.” The book holds stories of coincidences in ordinary lives as well as in the lives of celebrities. The author explains coincidences as a wink from God meant to encourage and guide. I believe that there are times when God will go the extra mile to get an important message across to us. In a loud world God will use silent clues to communicate with us.

Hollywood has played with this notion as well. In the 1997 movie, “Fools Rush In” starring Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry, Hayek’s character believes in signs. Perry’s character is skeptical until he begins to see signs after she has left him. As he walks down the street searching for Isabel he hears a priest say, “There are signs everywhere.” After this he encounters a series of events that make him a believer in signs. In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the ring of the bell signifies Clarence getting his wings. In “Patch Adams” the butterflies represent the woman whom Patch Adams loved who passed away. Signs are everywhere if we choose to pay attention.

For instance, when I was graduating from college and making major decisions about my future I called a friend whom mentioned to me a school in Virgina Beach that I was already doing some research on. I remembered her telling me about this school years ago and it seemed to have the programs I was looking for. Well, I continued to play with this idea as I began to see more and more about Virginia. I ran into a girl who I hadn’t seen in a long time and she happened to be wearing a shirt that said Virginia Beach on it. More “signs” continued to play out in my life as I decided to apply to the school. I was accepted and low and behold I met my husband who happened to have parallel dreams as me. How’s that for direction.

These sorts of things happen all of the time in my life. Like a friend that I had in college that was from Queens like me, whose mother’s name was also Elsa, who was also very petite and who had scoliosis like me. Another coincidence in my life was when I took a magazine writing class in college, which was taught by a woman who looked just like my 5th grade teacher who inspired me to write. On a class trip we went to Manhattan to see a scriptwriter by the name Linda Seger, my maiden name was Seijas. I ended up concentrating in script/scriptwriting in grad school.

Before I met my husband it seemed that every man that I came in contact his name started with the letter “J.” I told my sister that I was going to marry a man whose name began with “J.” I kept meeting these “J” guys so often that I called it the “J factor.” Low and behold after entering school in Virgina I met a man by the name of Joshua. We got married in 2006. God has a funny way of directing our path.

I like a quote I heard on the show, “Touched by an Angel,” that said, “A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous." The next time you see a coincidence or a series of signs in your life don’t just write them off. Play close attention because God may be trying to tell you something. Don't miss out on your wink. WINK.

The Healing Power of Words

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, a day after Valentine's Day Miep Gies, the last living survivor, one of Anne Frank's "helpers" when she and her family were in hiding turned 100 years old. This extraordinary woman, who helped provide food and books for the Frank family as they hid celebrated her special day with her son and three grandchildren.

Though Miep humbly denies making a great difference it was she whom gathered up Anne's scattered papers and notebooks after the "hiding place" was raided in 1944. She hid the writings in a desk drawer for safe keeping until Anne's return. After Anne's death Miep gave the collection to Anne's father Otto, who published it in 1947. It became "The Diary of Anne Frank."

These seemingly simple pages written by a young girl survived beyond the horrors of the holocaust becoming a best seller, selling millions of copies and inspiring millions of people. Though her words did not erase the evil actions of the Nazis it did encourage those who survived. Thanks to the courage of one woman a young girl's journal by the name "Kitty" became a light in the midst of a devastating time. Years later Miep protected Anne's writings by defending its validity from those who accused it of forgery. She also answered letters sent from around the world from those who were inspired by Anne's writings.

I remember reading "The Diary of Anne Frank" in high school not wanting to put the book down. Though the writings originated from the hands of a girl who barely reached puberty and never saw womanhood there is wisdom, and an innocence and beauty about it. I remember wishing that my journals would one day be read by someone and I often wrote entries with an invisible audience in mind. I must admit that I still do this at times.

It's amazing what words can do. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, that "the tongue holds the power of life and death." Anne's words were a source of hope and healing for many. I recently came across a quote from the film, "Schindler's List," which I found parallel to this notion. "There will be generations because of what you did." Hitler birthed death with his words Anne sowed life with her journals. Our words and actions breed destinies. What kind of legacy are you leaving behind with your words? May the words you speak or write inspire hope like Anne's in a dark and scary world. This is a prayer for me as well.

Lynda