| Written by Niele Anderson, (Sentinel Religion Editor), on 07-02-2009 00:00 |
|
|
There is a story in the bible taught by Jesus that gives an example of what it means to truly love your neighbor beyond religious belief, ethnicity or gender. Michael Jackson not only revolutionized music, erased color lines he also loved his neighbor.
The story of the Good Samaritan is found in the book of Luke Chapter 10 starting with verse 25 when an expert asked Jesus "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied in verse 27 " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself".
Michael Jackson spent his adulthood helping and remembering the forgotten. Not only with words but with deeds of contributions to various organizations that include AIDS Project L.A., American Cancer Society, Angel Food, Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, BMI Foundation, Inc., Brotherhood Crusade, Brothman Burn Center, Camp Ronald McDonald Childhelp U.S.A., Children's Institute International, Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund, Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Dakar Foundation, Dreamstreet Kids, Dreams Come True Charity, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Love Match, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Minority Aids Project, Motown Museum, NAACP, National Rainbow Coalition, Rotary Club of Australia, Society of Singers, Starlight Foundation ,The Carter Center's Atlanta Project, The Sickle Cell Research Foundation, Transafrica, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope, Volunteers of America, Watts Summer Festival, Wish Granting, YMCA (28th & Crenshaw) plus many more. Michael Jackson also helped set up Heal The World Foundation just to name a few.
Later in the Good Samaritan story in verse 29 the expert asked, "Who is my neighbor"? Jesus replied "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." _ Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Not only did Michael Jackson do likewise, he brought people together to help on world issues. He never saw color; he never let religion become a barrier to help others.
He often times was persecuted for his unique way of showing love and helping others. Michael Jackson humanitarian endeavors reached all seven continents and brought so much joy and love to all people. Michael Jackson's favorite Disney Character was Peter Pan who lived forever in Neverland. Michael Jackson returns to Neverland today and his legacy will live forever. RIP MJJ!
Last update: 07-06-2009 10:04
Users' Comments (2) 
|
|
|
