A THRILLING LEGACY: Inspiring ACTION through the life of legendary entertainer MICHAEL JACKSON

Like the rest of the world, today I am deeply saddened by the death of Artist, Entertainer and Philanthropist Michael Jackson. I can remember my bedroom wall plastered with Michael Jackson posters from magazines like “Right On” and “Ebony”. I can remember going to Disneyland as a child and taking a picture with Minnie Mouse in my “Beat It” jacket while my brother sported his “Thriller” jacket. I will never forget watching the Motown 25 special on a floor model TV (some of you still remember these…lol…mother, please let yours go!!) with my family while Michael Jackson moonwalked across the stage!! For me, I can’t forget my Michael Jackson doll (which I still have..smile). That doll replaced Ken! My Barbie was in love with Michael…lol!!! Most of all, I realize that Michael Jackson’s life was inspiring on so many levels. Despite what others may say, what he gave to the world outweighs any negativity surrounding his life. He was a THRILLING LEGACY who inspired and continues to inspire ACTION through his life and music. Most of us will never be able to say that we have given that much of ourselves EVER!!

With that being said, I choose to pay tribute to Michael Jackson by leaving my own THRILLING LEGACY. What are you going to do? It is time for ACTION and not talk. It is time for people to stop living selfish lifestyles and recognize that we reap so many more rewards when we give to others. How many times can you say that you have volunteered your time and/or talents this year? Or how about within the last 5 years!?! We all want the basics in life…love, happiness, family and financial stability but what are we willing to do to get those things? You can’t have love, happiness, family and financial stability without sharing yourself and your gifts with others. You can’t ask for a more stable community if you don’t even say “hello” to your neighbors. You can’t complain about the state of the youth if you have never taken the time to talk to a teenager who has been in trouble with the law. You can’t condemn the school system if you have never attended a PTA meeting, play, high school basketball game or just popped in to see what your child is doing. Have you ever volunteered at your child’s school? What type of THRILLING LEGACY will you leave?

“And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the ecstasy of divine union through my music and my dance.” Michael Jackson

In the fall, I would like to start a mentoring group that meets once or twice a month in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. I would also like to see more I AM Michelle Obama.com members volunteering within their own communities. Please decide TODAY to leave a THRILLING LEGACY. Don’t be selfish with your God given talents…share with the world so that the world will continue to share with future generations!
I LOVE YOU ALL and I will pray for the Jackson Family…Michael Jackson and friends said it best…

WE ARE THE WORLD
WE ARE THE CHILDREN
WE ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE A BRIGHTER DAY
SO LET’S START GIVING
THERE’S A CHOICE WE’RE MAKING
WE’RE SAVING OUR OWN LIVES
IT’S TRUE WE’LL MAKE A BETTER DAY
JUST YOU AND ME…