What’s Up with this Oprah Interview?

I have so many mixed feelings about Mama Katherine allowing Oprah and her crew to set up camp at the family’s Encino estate for an interview. After all, we know that Michael is not one of Ms. O’s favorite people. So why  is she showing all this interest in Michael again? Could it be that her ratings for her final season are in the pits and she wants to go out on a high note? Or is she having a change of heart and wants to set the record straight? I pray it is the latter. Having a change of heart is a good thing.

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Where was Oprah, when Michael Jackson died? She did not speak out on his behalf.  Her silence was deafening and people certainly took note and exception to that. Remember back on February 10, 1993, when Michael allowed her to interview him? We know for a fact that for Oprah it was “the highest-rated single episode ever…when Michael Jackson made a rare appearance on the show…[and] the episode was watched by 36.5 million viewers” in the US alone, and more than 90 million worldwide. [Side note please: Help me understand why it is that since Michael’s interview was her “highest-rated single episode ever,” she did not see fit to include that interview in her “The Oprah Winfrey Show 20th Anniversary Collection” DVD? What’s up with that Oprah? That is really a rhetorical question. Just another one of those things that make you go “hmm.” SMDH. Pssh!]

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So what’s up Ms. O? Are you looking to gather the masses for another block buster episode? Please do not use Michael’s family for the sake of ratings the way you used Michael back in 1993. Or your half-hearted, less-than-sincere episode that aired on September 16, 2009, “Remembering Michael Jackson.”

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I have to trust that Mrs. Jackson is doing what she thinks is the right thing to do to get her message out about her dear son, Michael. I know that there are some Jackson family members who do not agree with Mrs. Jackson’s decision. I know that there are MJ fans who are so against this and some who support her. But at the end of the day, this is Michael Jackson’s mother and she will have her say whether we like it or not. I know that her intentions are all for the love of Michael and for the love of Michael’s beautiful children. Mama Katherine is keenly aware of the reach and scope of Oprah’s audience base and perhaps she (Mama Katherine) is using this “opportunity” to her advantage. I’m just sayin’.

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So here’s my challenge to Oprah: Oprah, you have one again been afforded the honor to go inside of Michael’s family. Please be mindful of the delicate nature of this interview. Whichever family members you interview in addition to Mama Jackson, please show some L.O.V.E. and R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Please keep your interview comments/chatter on the positive and uplifting side of things. When editing the footage for airing, please do not twist it around and cut and paste segments to present something that is less than favorable to Michael or respectful to Mrs. Jackson. And remember, Ms. O, that in the grand scheme of things, this episode is not really about you…it is really all about Michael…it is about you using your influence and reach to help and restore his good name. You have the power to influence. Take a look at that woman in the mirror…do the right thing. This is your chance, Oprah Winfrey, to “make that change” on behalf of the life, love, and legacy of Michael Joseph Jackson.

♥ Michael, you are the song that I sing each day ♥

Where There Is Love

Where there is love, you will find Michael’s spirit.
Where there is caring, you will find Michael’s heart.
Where there is hope, you will find Michael’s courage.
Where there is truth, you will find justice for Michael.
Where there is healing, you will find Michael’s warmth.
Where there is L.O.V.E...he’ll be there in our hearts.

A Deeper Appreciation for the Meaning and Purpose of the Life of Michael Jackson

In his death, I think many of us are learning more about Michael’s life and experiencing a deeper understanding, appreciation, and perspective of his purpose for being.

As painful as it was for Michael to miss out on his childhood, perhaps that was part of God’s master plan. In Michael’s lifelong search to reclaim the childhood that eluded him, he maintained the childlike qualities that kept his heart pure and gentle. We do not always know why God does things the way He does. However, we trust Him because He is God. Because of his faith, I believe that Michael knew that no matter what he faced in life, God would not leave him or forsake him (Hebrews 13:5). Even in his deepest despair, in his trials and his tribulations, through his doubts and frustrations, in his violence, in his turbulence, through his fears and his confessions, through his anguish and his pain, through his joy and his sorrow…God was always there. No doubt.

It is truly apparent that God sent Michael to us for a specific purpose, as He does for each one of us. Do we have the courage and strength it takes to step up and fulfill our purpose, to “make that change” in the world, in spite of the hurdles and challenges we will face? Do we have what it takes to press on in spite of adversity and hatred? Let Michael’s life as a loving humanitarian, a generous philanthropist, and an advocate for the preservation of our planet’s resources be an example for us to follow.

While Michael was entertaining us with his dance and his music, he was also teaching us how to love and care for others and our precious Earth. While he was accepting awards, he was giving to the needy. While the media and the haters were doing everything they could to bring him down, he continued to try to “heal the world.” Michael brought a message of love and hope to this planet. However, he was keenly aware that he could not do it alone, that he needed each one of us to do our part.

These words from the song “Cry” from Invincible sum it up:

You can change the world (I can’t do it by myself)
You can touch the sky (gonna take somebody’s help)
You’re the chosen one (I’m gonna need some kind of sign)
If we all cry at the same time tonight

I believe that on June 25, 2009, when the angels came to usher Michael into the presence of the Lord, God welcomed Michael with loving arms, restored him to eternal glory, and said to him: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

I love you Michael Joseph Jackson, with all my heart. I miss you, but I find peace in knowing that you are finally at peace.