The Michael Jackson Memorial Service

I just saw the Michael Jackson memorial service from Staples Center as it was carried on ABC. It was incredibly moving. And for all the worries and concerns that 1 million fans would storm the Staples Center/L.A. Live area, none of that ever materialized. It was orderly, respectful and dignified. And rightfully so, since even though 11,000 people packed the arena, it was a memorial service. It seemed everyone heeded the calls of the LAPD to watch the event at home on TV.

Right now KNBC reporter Patrick Healy at its News Raw digital subchannel 4.2 is getting reactions from those just leaving the arena. None of these folks are acting like weirdos; they are all respectful and complimenting of the whole event. Again, none of the zoo atmosphere the tabloid media was whipping up and hoping would erupt.

For me, the high points were when Stevie Wonder sang at the piano, Usher breaking down at MJ's casket while singing "Gone Too Soon", Brooke Shields remembering her childhood friend's favorite song "Smile" written by Charlie Chaplain, which Jermaine Jackson then sang; the Jackson family huddled on the stage, Marlon Jackson grieving.

And then suddenly MJ's daughter Paris Jackson was given the microphone, sobbing as she said she loved her dad so much. This was the first time Michael's kids have been seen in public without masks or coverings, and to hear one of them speak, then cry and grieve, was incredible. I did not cry at the whole coverage until then; it was the capstone of the memorial. For all the controversy and hype about their conception and future custody, three kids have lost their father, and Paris brought that reality home.

I was bothered when the Rev. Al Sharpton tried to politicize the event in making reference to MJ's well-known eccentricities and accusations, under the guise of telling his grieving kids his daddy wasn't strange, but what he dealt with was. But thankfully, all of the aforementioned high points drowned out that low point.

Clearly, Michael Jackson's music and philanthropy have touched many people around the world. And yet Motown founder Berry Gordy stated that MJ was only happy when he was performing on stage. A reference, perhaps, to his private loneliness despite all that fame, fortune and adoration.

MJ was indeed an incredibly talented entertainer; that cannot be denied. But as his casket at the memorial service made clear, he has died. Once again I am reminded that one day my own day will come when I will die, expire, "go mahke", and then be buried or cremated. And what will it profit me then if I gained the whole world and lost my soul? None of the treasures of this world will matter.

But what does matter is that there was another king, the King of Kings, came to this earth and died for my sins, so that I would inherit eternal life by accepting His finished work in the place of my sinfulness and righteousness. He has taken my sins, my crazy doings, my stupid attempts to gain God's favor on my own... all out of love for the whole world (John 3:16).

One of MJ's signature songs is the peace anthem "Heal the World", which was sung at the memorial. The only way that nations will beat their swords into plowshares, make this world a better place for you and for me, will be through the Prince of Peace.

Thanks for hearing me out.