Surprised? Many are. Because many falsely believed what they read and what they were shown on their television screens without even questioning it. That talk then went to the water cooler and/or coffee machine gossip at work, became lively banter between friends and family…mocking another human being that in essence, they knew nothing about, relying on hearsay.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” ~ 1 John 4:1
We are also asked to:
“Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.”–1 Thessalonians 5:21
This includes being able to recognize the media stories as false and seek the truth, which too many didn’t and still don’t do. That’s one reason I think that this video is so important to spread far and wide.
“Like the old Indian proverb says, do not judge a man until you’ve walked 2 moons in his mocassins.Most people don’t know me, that is why they write such things in which most is not true.I cry very often because it hurts and I worry about the children, all my children all over the world. I live for them.If a man could say nothing against a character but what he can prove, his story could not be written.Animals strike, not from malice, but because they want to live. It is the same with those who criticize. They desire our blood, not our pain.But still I must achieve. I must seek truth in all things. I must endure for the power I was sent forth. For the world. For the children.But have mercy, for I’ve been bleeding a long time now.MJ
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
“…But I will never stop helping and loving peoplethe way Jesus said to.”Michael Jackson
“I gain strength from God. I believe in Jehovah, God, very much. And I gain strength from the fact that I know that I am innocent. None of these stories are true. They are totally fabricated. It’s very sad and it’s very, very painful. I pray a lot and that’s how I deal with it. I’m a strong person. I’m a warrior, and I know what is inside of me. I’m a fighter, but it’s very painful and at the end of the day, I’m still human, you know? I’m still a human being, so it does hurt very, very, very much.”Michael Jackson in his interview with the Rev. Jesse Jackson during the 2005 child molestation trial
“Know, in the end, I’ll be vindicated, I pray, because I know the truth. I am an innocent person and I believe in God and love God.”“My level of trust will change. There’s a lot of conspiracy going on, I’ll say that much. A lot of it. All around me….It’s a very, very serious thing……It’s a delicate area. It’s very delicate where we are now.“Michael Jackson speaking to Rev. Jesse Jackson during his 2005 child molestation trial on what he wants his fans to know.
“I believe in the Bible and I try to follow the Bible. I know I’m an imperfect person… I’m not making myself an angel because I’m not an angel and I’m not a devil either. I try to be the best I can and I try to do what I think is right. It’s that simple…I don’t just pray at night. I pray at different times during the day. Whenever I see something beautiful, I say, “Oh, God, that’s beautiful.” I say little prayers like that all through the day.”1979 JET Magazine
“…Look, we don’t have control over the grounds, they can shake. We don’t have control over the seas, they can have tsunamis. We don’t have control over the skies, there are storms. We’re all in God’s hands. I think that man has to take that into consideration.”
“We would work on a track and then we’d meet at his house, play what we worked on, and he would say, ‘Smelly, let it talk to you.’ I’d go, ‘OK.’ He’d say, ‘If the song needs something, it’ll tell you. Let it talk to you.’ I’ve learned to do that. The key to being a wonderful writer is not to write. You just get out of the way. Leave room for God to walk in the room. And when I write something that I know is right, I get on my knees and say thank you. Thank you, Jehovah!”Michael talking about working with Quincy Jones and how God was behind his creativity, from the Ebony magazine 2007 interview
“Each day I take time out to study the Bible, no matter where I am. The teachings of the Bible have added a new dimension to my life. It, somehow, makes me whole.”Michael Jackson1976 “Black Stars” Magazine interview
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To make a statement that one knows is false, especially with the intent to deceive.
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To give a false impression or action or false statement, especially with the intent to deceive.
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To make a false statement in order to evade the truth.
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The invention of a false story or excuse in order to deceive.lie2lie) (
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A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.
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Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.
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To cause to believe what is not true; mislead.
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ArchaicWhat the Bible says about lying and deception:Col 3:9-109 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,
10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him
Lev 19:1212’And you shall not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the LORD.Prov 25:1818 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.Zech 8:1717’Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the LORD. “Prov 14:55 A faithful witness will not lie, But a false witness speaks lies.1 Kings 22:1616 Then the king said to him, “How many times must I adjure you to speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?”Prov 19:55 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will not escape.Deut 19:17-1917 then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days.18 And the judges shall investigate thoroughly; and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely,19 then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do to his brother. Thus you shall purge the evil from among you.Rev 21:88 “But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”Prov 19:99 A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who tells lies will perish.Prov 24:2828 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, And do not deceive with your lips.Ps 58:33 The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.James 3:1414 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.Ex 23:11 “You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.Prov 12:1919 Truthful lips will be established forever, But a lying tongue is only for a moment.
I pray a lot. I see a beautiful sunset and I say “God, that’s beautiful…Thank you”, or a baby smile or butterfly wings or anything like that.”1987 Ebony/JET TV Interview
I’m just a person who wants to be honest and do good, make people happy and give them the greatest sense of escapism through the talent God has given me. That’s where my heart is, that’s all I want to do. Just let me share and give, put a smile on people’s faces and make their hearts feel happy.”1999 The Daily Mirror Magazine
“I believe in God…..I gain strength from God. I believe in Jehovah, God, very much…..I believe in God and love God.”Michael Jackson“There have been many lies written about me and I want people to know that unless they hear it from me, don’t believe it. I’m just a person who wants to be honest and do good, make people happy through the talent that God has given me.”Michael Jackson
“It’s not true. It’s like looking at a fictitious movie because it’s fiction. It’s science fiction. It’s not true. I know myself and it’s sad when other people have to read those things and they believe it. I know eventually the truth will prevail and I’m about truth.
People come at celebrity. We’re targets. But the truth always prevails. I believe in that. I believe in God. (when asked if that faith sustains him….) “Of course it does.”Geraldo interview before the 2005 trial
“Don’t judge a person by what you hear or read….there is so much tabloid sensationalism. Don’t fall prey to it. It’s ugly. I’d like to take all of the tabloids and burn them…..Some of them try to disguise themselves, but they are still tabloids.”
“It’s a complete lie, why do people buy these papers? It’s not the truth I’m here to say. You know, don’t judge a person, do not pass judgement, unless you have talked to them one on one. I don’t care what the story is, do not judge them because it is a lie.”“Just because it’s in print doesn’t mean it’s the gospel.”“The bigger the star, the bigger the target, and the more popular I became, the more rumors were created, none of which were true. The moment I started breaking the all-time records of the biggest selling albums of all time, they called me weird overnight, strange, whako. They said I’m a girl, homosexual, ‘he wants to buy the elephant man’s bones, he sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber.’ None of that stuff is true. They just really go too far. They simply go too far.Does it hurt? I’m human. I am human ~ Michael Jackson
“Caring. And reading the Bible, learning about God, Jesus, love. He said, ‘Bring on the children’, ‘Imitate the children’, ‘Be like the children’ and ‘Take care of others.’ Take care of old people. And we were raised with those values. Those are very important values and my family and I we were raised with those values and they continue strong in us today.”2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
The Source of his compassionate nature:“I truly think it comes from my mother and God. The way we were raised. The values my mother instilled in us in youth. She was always with the Bible teaching us – we’d go to service all the time. Four times a week, and I’m so glad we did that because those values are very important. I don’t know if I could have done as well without them.”How he views himself:“I try to be kind and generous and to give to people and to do what I think God wants me to do. Sometimes I pray and say “where do you want me to go next, God? What do you want me to do from here?” I’ve always been very spiritual in that way. It’s nothing new.”2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
On Bela Farkas, a 4 year-old patient in need of a liver transplant:“I saw this little kid (at a hospital in Budapest, Hungary), his name was Farkas. He was very sick. He was green in the face. But he had this glow, this sparkle in his eye. I asked his nurse, “What’s wrong with this kid?” She said that he needs a liver. So I said, “Does that mean he’s gonna die?” She said, “Yes, he’s gonna die unless he gets a liver”. I said, I’m not gonna let him die. This sweet, sweet angel. No matter what it takes, I’m gonna find a liver for him. So I sent my (“Heal The World”) organization around the world. We went all over the place and it took a long time. And I said, I’m not giving up. I’m not going to have the child die. I was so happy when I got a phone call. They told me, “We’ve found a liver!” And he has his life. I’m so proud that I could help him. God bless him. I love you, Farkas.”
2003 Private Home Movies TV Special
“I don’t criticize other entertainers, but I don’t see any reason for singing songs that are vulgar and sexually explicit…. I think entertainers are in a position today to change a lot about certain things, especially young people’s minds.”Michael Jackson1979 Ebony Magazine
Man in the Mirror:“It is my philosophy, too: “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change”. People don’t look at themselves honestly. They don’t look at themselves and point the finger, it’s always the other guy’s fault. You should change yourself. Look at yourself, make better of yourself….I’m never totally satisfied, I always wish the world could be a better place. No, not at all!…Hopefully, that’s what I do with my music, and bring happiness to people…and to bring joy and some peace in their lives.”1987 Ebony/JET TV interview
“It brings tears to my eyes when I see any child who suffers….If I am guilty of anything, it is of believing what God said about children.Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”Michael Jackson
“My bliss is in giving and sharing and having simple, innocent fun.”Michael Jacksonin his 2005 interview with Geraldo Rivera
Coping with Fame and Respecting & Having Time for His Fans:“I cope with it in a way – and I’m not calling myself Jesus, because I would never even look at myself on the same level – , but I’m comparing it to Jesus, because what God gave to Him was for a reason, and he preached, and people came about him and he didn’t get angry and push them aside and say leave me alone, I ain’t got time.”1984 Ebony Magazine
His reasons for inviting inner-city children to Neverland and winning God’s smile of approval:“I’ve traveled the world over 8 times. I do as many hospitals and orphanages as I do concerts. But, of course, it’s not covered (by the press). That’s not why I do it, for coverage. I do it because it’s from my heart. And there are so many children in the city who haven’t seen the mountains, who haven’t been on a carousel, who haven’t pet a horse or a llama, never seen them, so if I can open my gates and see that bliss, an explosion of screaming laughter from the children and they run on the rides, I say “Thank you, God.” I feel I’ve won God’s smile of approval, because I’m doing something that brings joy and happiness to other people.”2005 At Large with Geraldo Rivera TV Interview
“God has always been in my heart and a part of my life and my family’s lives,” he continued. “It is through Him that we draw our strength. As a child, my mother taught me the value of prayer, and today it is still a part of my daily life.”Michael Jackson, 2005
“Michael had a never-ending ability to surprise you with his honesty and his unique approach to life.”Patrick Treacy
“Michael was deeply Christian and believed that private acts of charity were considered virtuous only if not done for others to admire,” stated Treacy. “We should be reminded of Matthew 6:1 when Jesus says “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”Patrick Treacy
I’ve never met anybody who was more well-adjusted or more normal. He was just such a normal guy. So intellectual and so bright and so normal.
“Michael told me, ‘we’re all put on earth to do something’ He said ‘I was put here to help children.’ Which he did from the time I met him, he was 29 when I met him, that was what his life was all about. It was that way all the way up to the time he died. Michael never changed. Michael had incredible empathy, especially (for) children that were injuried or sick or neglected. There were people that were hungry and homeless and that was always in the front of his mind his whole life, and then to be accused of something so horrific, it just stopped him in his tracks and then when it happened again 10 years later, the man was devastated, absolutely devastated.”
“I asked him, ‘Michael, how can you do that? How can you spend the time with these children who are dying and then go from that, on stage and give that kind of performance?’ He said, ‘How could I not? If these children want to see me. I know I’m not important, but Michael Jackson the superstar is, and if I can make a child live an extra minute or an hour or a day or a month, then wouldn’t that be worth it?’Michael was always that way. If he would get a call from somebody and a child was dying, he would get on a plane and go and he would tell them, ‘I’m going to be back in 2 weeks to see you,’ and a lot of times he extended little kids’ lives that way. It gave them something to look forward to down the line. You have to admire something like that.”
He wasn’t a “me” kind of person. He was always thinking about other people“I never, ever heard Michael complain about himself, about his health or anything else. Any concerns he had were always about his kids. Even when he was facing prison in the last trial, any time he talked about that, he was so concerned, ‘what’s going to happen to my kids.’ But never once did he say ‘what’s going to happen to me? how about me?’ He wasn’t a “me” kind of person. He was always thinking about other people.”
Michael would say, ‘I’m so fortunate that God chose me to have this talent and I have to use it in the right way.’ He always said, ‘I could be working at a gas station.’ He always was (in awe he was given that) and always grateful and felt priveledged that he was given this talent and so wanting to use the gift that he gave the right way, which he did and he did it his whole life.”“Michael spent a third of a billion dollars on helping children, paying for surgeries, building hospital wings, orphanages, a burn center and on and on and on. The good things he did he would never talk about them. You’d always have to hear it from people who were around him because Michael always thought if you did a charitable act and then you talked about it or bragged about it or something, all of the good you’re trying to do, that it negated all of that. So he never would talk about those things.”
He was just so genuine and so warm and so caring. All of the time I knew Michael, almost 20 years, I never ever heard him raise his voice at anybody. Never happened. He was just such a good person. Just a really deep-down good person.”David Nordahl
Seth Riggs, a vocal teacher who worked with Michael for two hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week while Michael was recording Thriller and also on subsequent projects, commented on Michael’s character in a Time Magazine article. “Michael is a very special man. He would come in for his lesson and sit down and we would have a prayer and then read the Bible and then have another prayer and start to work. That’s the way he liked to begin his day. Can you imagine a performer as big as Michael Jackson turning around in a lesson and discussing how wonderful God has been to him and how much he loves God?“
Michael’s vocal coach and friend for 21 years, Seth Riggs, speaks about one of Michael’s spiritual moments and his communication with God:“You know, there was one moment. I was playing a piano, and he was standing next to me. All of a sudden, he stretched his hands, looking upwards. It seemed to me that it was very important to him. That’s why I left the room and switched the light off. After half an hour I came back to the room. He was whispering: “Thank you for my talent. Thank you for everything I’ve got. Thank you for all the people who love me. Tell me what I should do, and I’ll do it.” It seemed to me that it was the moment of his communication with God.”
Michael’s lawyer Tom Mesereau speaks about Michael:“Michael Jackson was one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever met. He really wanted to do more than just be a musical genius. He wanted to heal and change the world through love, through kindness, through art and through music and I do believe the world’s a better place because he was with us.He was very gentle, very kind. There was, I sort of describe it as a universal Michael and Michael the individual. There was the universalist Michael who wanted to change the globe. Wanted to see the entire world focus on children and he felt that if children were properly loved and cared for that we would significantly reduce the violence in the world, significantly reduce the meanness in the world, significantly reduce poverty, and all of the world’s most important problems. He felt that the way to do that was to focus on the world’s children. So that’s the universalist Michael who thought he could heal the world through music, through love, through humanitarian measures. He was one of the greatest humanitarians in world history. He actually is in the Guiness Book of Records as one of the largest donors to children’s causes.There also is in the individual Michael, who I dealt with, who was a person, and he loved to see a child smile. He built Neverland to see children happy. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He could have spent all of that money selfishly. Instead he had a zoo, he had an amusement park, a theatre, he had statues devoted to the world’s children. If you looked at the artwork in his house, a lot of it centered on children and seeing them happy and respecting them for who they were. Their race, their religion, what part of the world they were from, what kind of native traditions they had. This was someone who as a person, loved to see a child smile. Loved to see a child from the inner city who was growing up in poverty and violence come to Neverland and look at a giraffe and smile and look at an elephant and smile. Get some free ice cream and just be happy. It just meant a lot to Michael because he was a very good person.
Steve ManningTito Jackson’s manager speaking with Larry King“First of all, he was a very kind soul. A humble guy. Very Jesus in spirit who was caring, loving. A true person….he was just a very humble guy. For all his success, he was very, very kind.
“This was someone who as a person, loved to see a child smile. Loved to see a child from the inner city who was growing up in poverty and violence come to Neverland and look at a giraffe and smile and look at an elephant and smile. Get some free ice cream and just be happy. It just meant a lot to Michael because he was a very good person.I happen to know there were kids all over the world he did this for. Disabled kids, children with illnesses and disabilities. Michael would write checks for them and nobody publicized it. He didn’t do it to become well known for doing it. He did it because that’s what his heart wanted him to do.”Tom MesereauMichael’s attorney in the 2005 trial