Whenever someone close to us or famous passes away, we are reminded of how precious this gift called life can be. We are reminded that we are on borrowed time and to cherish every moment. Michael Joseph Jackson, God bless his soul, lived August 29, 1958  to June 25, 2009. His time here on earth, was a gift to not only his family and friends, but to an entire generation many generations. His life was a gift to the history of music…to our own personal histories. Most of us can recall a memory linked to at least one Michael Jackson song. We remember watching the full length Thriller video and imitating the zombies dance routine; loving how he glided across the lit-up dance floor in Billie Jean; feeling awestruck by little Michael and his brothers while he showed why he was the lead singer; learning the new dance step he introduced in Remember the Time; or countless other songs and memories. Even my 10 year old daughter was moved by his life and music, and he hadn’t produced a record since she was 2.

When I think of the life and times of Michael Jackson, I am led to the lesson I think we learned from his lifetime. It’s a lesson in LEGACY, the effect and impact left behind.

His legacy is both positive, and unfortunately negative. He was known as the King of Pop. He was more than likely referred to as a King because of his longevity in the music industry as well as his success. His 1982 Thriller album sold over 50 million copies and is the world’s best-selling album of all time. Four other solo albums of his are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

Along with the success of his albums, Jackson was also an innovator in the music video industry. His attention to detail, creativity, and dance skills changed the way music videos were used. They went from promotional tools, to a true art form.

Michael Jackson forever changed music, videos and dance.

He is also remembered for his differentness. He did some things in his personal life that are like his 1979 album, Off the Wall. In the last decade or even longer, he received a great deal of attention regarding his lifestyle choices. This is also part of his legacy. The good and the bad, his legacy will live on.

This leads me to think about my own legacy, our legacy.

In what ways have you affected the lives of those around you? Are you remembered for your good deeds, or for your negative energy? Do people speak highly of you, or whisper your name with disdain? This is the question his life has asked? How are we ALL remembered?

This leads me to a quote my sister told me in which I never knew the original author.

Be mindful of your thoughts because your thoughts become your words
Be thoughtful of your words because your words become your actions
Be careful of your actions because your actions become your deeds
Be watchful of your deeds because your deeds are your DESTINY!

Just a thought for you to ponder as you also mull over the life and times of the late Michael Jackson, the King of Pop and maybe even your own life and times. His history is woven into our own, we are woven into one another’s. What thread are you weaving?

It starts with our thoughts, words, and actions. Our destiny, our legacy.