Facebook statuses really make me laugh.  Last night everyone was talking about the sudden death of Michael Jackson, but I am amused to note this morning that he has been hastily swept aside so that we can all comment upon the brief thunderstorm that the weather brought along this morning.

So what of Jacko?  I, personally was saddened at the news of his death.  People can be incredibly judgemental and condemning of people.  I heard something really good today that is being practiced at St Paul’s Church in Cheltenham.  “give grace always, challenge sometimes, judge never”.  Surely this is how Jesus teaches us to be.

It is certain, that Michael Jackson was a troubled man.  Anyone who is abused as much as he was, by their own father and forced to be a child prodigy is likely to end up thus.  Many allegations were made against Jacko pertaining to child abuse, but none were proven. Maybe he did it, maybe he didn’t.

Plastic surgery, then the vitiligo or skin bleach debate…  It would be easy for me to sit here and say that the whole business is obscene and an offence to his culture, but I do not know him personally.  I only know what is filtered through that curtain of destruction which is known as the media.  May God be the judge of us all.

There are a few things that are certain about MJ:

* The boy was talented – he could sing and dance

* He was an entertainer

* He had family

* He had friends

* He is now gone

Now that he is dead, what else is important? My heart goes out to his children and family and the music lives on.  He was part of my childhood. SHAMONE!!!

Tribute: I’ll be there – when Jacko was young. He had a beautiful voice.