M.J.: A Child of God by Elaine Broaster-White

Many things come to mind as we celebrate the life of Michael Jackson. He was “The Greatest Entertainer of all Time”, a father, son, brother and friend to many. Most of all, he was a “Child of God.” Many religious folks would undoubtedly argue that he wasn’t. However, the Bible states: “For God so loved the world that he gave he only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Michael believed whole heartedly in God. Some would put him down and say that he had issues; however, we all have issues. We are all looking for or have looked for God in all the wrong places just wanting to be loved.  Contrary to what many people believe, Michael Jackson had a strong spiritual foundation.

While growing up, Michael Jackson was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness along with the rest of his family. He and his family would take part in missionary work every Saturday going door to door passing out Watchtower magazines and attending church on Sundays. This was not only done on Saturdays and Sundays, this was a lifestyle for the Jacksons. In an article Jackson wrote in 2000, he revealed that he was most happy during these times. He felt the most free. He stated, “Church was a treat in its own right, a time for me to be normal.” This was a time that he could be that 8 or 9 year-old little boy, a normal boy. Up until 1991 Michael would dress up in a “fat suit” and go to the mall and go door to door and hand out Watchtower magazines. He enjoyed spreading the message of freedom. He believed that all people were children of God. When Michael became a father, the awesomeness of God became more clear to him. At times, he would stare at his children and see God through their innocence.

Truly Michael was a child of God. He blessed those that cursed him and prayed for those that despitefully used him. One way that Michael showed his love for God and humanity was through his charitable giving. Michael was one of the greatest philanthropists of our time, making it into the Guiness World Book of Records for the most charitable contributions from a celebrity in 2000.  But Jackson did not wait until he became rich to start giving. When he was a little boy, he would buy candy and distribute it to the less fortunate kids in his neighborhood. He would later go on to donate millions of dollars to many charities, organizations, and individuals. He cared about people from all different ethnic groups. Michael had a heart for all people not just his people. He exemplified his love in songs; in particular “We are the World.” Being in the spotlight could not have been easy when all he wanted was to be free, free like that 9 year-old -boy handing out Watchtower magazines.

I will never forget how much sympathy I felt for his children during his memorial service. You never know how God can use children to teach adults lessons on life and His love. Jackson’s daughter Paris taught us all something that day when she gave an impromptu speech from the stage surrounded by the Jackson family, “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine,” she said through tears. “And I just want to say I love him so much.” After a lifetime of searching for love that eluded him, it seemed Jackson had finally found true love in his children.

Today, he is celebrated for his humbleness, love towards mankind and the earth, but most of all because he was a “Child of God.”

Why do you think Michael Jackson felt such a strong urge to give back to the world?

Elaine Broaster-White is the mother of two wonderful, intelligent children and the wife of the most perfect husband, whose absolutely perfect for her. But most importantly she is a child of the King, the most High God, Jesus Christ.

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