michael jackson and what it is

I finally got to experience the Michael Jackson film, This Is It but I’m not gonna review it, per se. That has already been done and many of you have already seen it and more than likely was just as blown away as I was. Honestly, I can’t find any better adjectives to describe the genius of this man. Suffice to say, the film was phenomenal and Michael Jackson is/was a phenomenon. Without a doubt, the concert Michael had in store for us was going to be absolutely out of this world and this film only gave us a mere glimpse. It was just a rehearsal, folks. At first thought, it would seem as though his death cheated everyone that was part of that production and most of all-us-the audience that was to be the receiver of the gift. Moreover, it seems his death cheated us of Michael himself. But it is times and things like this when we realize that there are no easy answers. We have to dig deeper to find meaning and purpose when the unthinkable happens.

Last night as I lay in my bed trying to fall asleep, I was still a little wound up and I kept repeating the words This Is It…This Is It…This Is It in my head and when I woke up this morning the song Heal The World was also stuck in my head. I think that must have been the song playing as I exited the theatre yesterday. But back to the words This Is It. There is seemingly such finality in those words.  It’s over. There will be nothing more. Zilch. It’s the end. But what if you placed more emphasis on the “it”? What is IT? It hit me. IT is really the beginning. IT is the charge Michael left us as we move forward. Michael brought us as close to perfection as he was destined. We saw it in the rehearsals but more importantly, we saw it in his life work. He always wanted to create and deliver something that had never been done before, something bigger and better, higher and brighter.  But now it is up to us to perform the actual show that he is no longer able to perform. Michael has challenged us to do it even better than he did IT. We are the ones that are coming to the stage now. The teacher has taught and the student must now demonstrate what he/she has learned.

So when you hear someone say that there will never be another Michael, that is true, But there are several “someones” that embody and will embody  Michael’s talent, work ethic, passion, sense of purpose, generosity, and humility. And Michael will be there in spirit giving a leaping ovation with a couple of “hee hees”, a triple spin, a perfect landing on his toes, and a crouch grab! But before you take that bow, what is it exactly that you’re gonna do when you come to the stage to give the world the show that Michael intended?

• Will you tell a story that has never been told in a way that that has never been done?
• Will you lead a movement to get something done that needs to be done?
• Will you let go of a fear and come into your greatness?
• Will you heal the sick, protect the innocent, and comfort the broken–hearted?
• Will you make a sacrifice that will cause a seismic shift?
• Will you make an effort to translate your vision into a plan and then implement it?
• Will you defy logic and expectations?
• Will you speak a truth loud enough to drown out a chorus of lies?
• Will you love yourself wholeheartedly and then love others in the same magnitude?
• Will you find a solution and not another problem?
• Will you invent a better and simpler way?
• Will you use your art form as a platform for excellence or change?
• Will you not let adversity define you or anything or anyone for that matter, except for your most strong, determined and beautiful self?
• Will you share your wisdom, your gifts, and your passions so that others might be inspired to do the same?
• Will you dream a world while others doubt its infinite possibilities?
• Will you save this planet from environmental destruction or at least try?
• Will you not commit or permit violence with words or actions?
• And when the time comes, will you step aside and let someone else shine as brightly as you?

Or when your name is called and the curtain goes up, will you be lurking in the shadows, forever the onlooker, non-participant, or critic and not heed the call? The rehearsal is over. Take a good last look in the mirror and hit stage. It’s SHOWTIME!

And so it seems, once again, IT is all up to you and me and this, my friends, is what IT is!

And that’s a wrap!