LIFE & DEATH: What Really Matters

I know many of you have seen my responses to the death of Michael Jackson. No, I was never a fan.

Some of you may be saying, "D! She's a cold-hearted B%$%$!" Rest assured, I am not. I just live in the real world where people - celebs or not - die everyday. It is the way of life.

I felt this same way when I heard of the death of Elvis and other "icons" throughout my life. I don't get all "choked up" because I realize we all have to die.

Yes, some deaths, like Michael's, come unexpectedly. and I am sure much of what is being expressed is shock. But we all need to understand: his life is over. His soul is at rest - wherever it may be.

WHAT ABOUT YOURS?

He lived his life according to his rules, and did what he did because he could. He left his mark in places we may never know.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Put his death, and the deaths of Farrah Fawcett, John Calloway, Ed McMahon and so many others, in their proper perspective. They lived and did what God had given them to do, and did it to the best of their ability. Are you doing the same?

In a time where celebrity goes as quickly as it comes, and today's headliner is tomorrow's landfill, we need to say or prayers and offer our sympathies to the families of those who have died. But after this, we MUST begin to take stock of our own lives and discover what God's plan is for our own life.

You are not here to follow, but to lead. But how can you lead when you are so concerned with that which you have no control over - the death of another?

In the books of Matthew (8:22) and Luke (9:60), Jesus says, "Let the dead bury their dead." This means put mourning in its place in your life - the past! Shed your tears and carry on.

The person has done what you someday will do - die. But they have left behind legacies and memories, have you done anything anyone will remember? Any impact on the lives of others? If not, I pray that today you get your reality check in your inbox or mailbox.

Michael Jackson had no idea that he would die of cardiac arrest on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 2:15 pm Pacific Time. He showed this by preparing himself to go on tour. He was living his life the best way he knew how.

Revelation 3:3 - "'So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you."

Your time may be next. Are you ready?

Do you know the Lord in the pardon of your sins? have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?

If you have, then rejoice! You have your heavenly home waiting for you. But while you yet live, you have work to do. Wipe your weeping eyes and get to work!

If not, I implore you now - accept Him and receive the gift of Eternal Life with him. Jesus died to pay the cost for all of your sins - past, present and future - don't let it go to waste.

We all celebrate the gifts Michael had. Now it's time you discovered, and more importantly, developed and use the gifts you have. They weren't given to you for your own amusement or self-promotion, but to better the world in some way, be it large or small.

Michael, Farrah, John, Ed and the many others who have died, held true to their faith, whatever it may have been. And in doing that, they died in the grace of their god, and did so in peace.

Rest In Peace all who have died. Both known and unknown.

Let's get back to living, there's not a lot of time left...