5 Lessons We Can Learn from Michael Jackson

Yesterday was a day I will probably remember for the rest of my life. I had the very special privilege of attending the beloved King of Pop, Michael Jackson's memorial service. Approximately 1 billion people all over the world watched as we bid farewell to the greatest entertainer the world has ever seen. All over the world, we got chills as they brought his coffin in, applauded when Al Sharpton put all vultures in their place, smiled when Brooke Shields shared her sweet memories of their youth, laughed when Magic Johnson told us the KFC story and wept when Paris Jackson told her daddy how much she loved him. It was a beautiful service and experiencing it first hand was just something else. Michael's family, friends and fans shared a beautiful energy of sorrow, love and celebration. Like the memorial program said, it wasn't a funeral - it was a celebration of Michael Jackson's life and work. There were thousands and thousands of people who came out bright and early to say goodbye. I was bracing myself for an absolute chaotic madhouse but what I found was something entirely different. There was a sense of calm all around. There were crowds and crowds of people but everybody was calm and respectful. People were most definitely sad but still joyous, remembering all that Michael had given them. They found solace in his music and the fact that even though his body has left us, what he gave us will be immortal. The world will always remember Michael Jackson. The beautiful energy of the people once again reminded me of what a wonderful soul Michael Jackson was. No matter what people say about him, one thing no one can deny is that he wanted to make the world a better place. Through his music, his life and all the work he did - here are 5 lessons he taught us: 1.) Heal The World There are children crying and people dying and our world is suffering. It is up to all of us to heal our world of global warming, poverty, disease, education and all other things that plague us. Only this way can we make it a better place for our children and the entire human race. 2.) Man In the Mirror Our world isn't perfect but if we want to change it in anyway we have to start with ourselves. Start with the man in the mirror and ask him/her to change their ways. If we want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change. 3.) Don't Stop Till You Get Enough Michael achieved enormous greatness in his life. His list of achievements is never ending. But the key to his success is that he did not stop. He worked very had. One of the things MJ's life and work teaches us that if you want something - you can have it as long as you are willing to work for it. So keep on with the force and don't stop 'til you get enough. 4.) Black or White Everyday in our world people fight over things that make them different. Race, religion, sexual orientation, culture etc keeps on dividing us. But it doesn't matter if we are black or white, we should all unite and love one another as fellow human beings. Are you listening Kim Jon Il? 5.) We Are The World As much as we'd like to think so sometimes, we are not alone. We are neither islands nor can we sustain on our own. The only way we can all prosper is if we all work together. One person's suffering is all our suffering. One nation's sorrow is all our sorrow. We are all connected in our humanity and therefore when one is hurting, it is the other's duty to help. We are the world, we are the children and we are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving. Rest In Peace, Michael Jackson. (See more of my photos from the memorial)