Image source-www.michaeljackson.com

I saw the Michael Jackson movie this past Sunday. I had been enthusiastic about seeing the film from the start. But my enthusiasm began to wane as it became dampened and tempered with a combination of somber emotions,quiet reflections ranging from sadness to shock and fluctuating between respectful sorrow, grief, deep regret and a profound sense of loss. These feelings so often experienced with the loss of life, are witnessed and magnified ever so exponentially with the loss of a pop icon for obvious reasons. For so many and in so many ways, Michael Jackson’s death marked the end of an era.

His contributions to what some regard as the fickle and ever changing landscape of pop culture has undoubtedly been enormous, regardless of what opinion you may have formed from the controversy which plagued him and which made a fierce attempt to overwhelm his life towards the end. The stark reality is that pop culture has been known to have eaten a pop star or two alive. And, I might add with a ferocity all too often indecribable, unimaginable and uncontainable (To be continued…)

In the meantime…

Peace,

Cynthia Wilson, Chaplain of Pop

As I was sitting here in front of the laptop screen putting some finishing touches on the concept of this ministry, this thought passed through my mind. What if each day, a person reflected before going off to work or school, what significant thing they could give to someone else during that day to make the person’s life better. What would it be for you? Time or treasure?

Well, while you continuing to reflect, there are several people I know that celebrate their birthdays during this month. So,today I send out birthday wishes to my good friends, a special friend and my family members. My two nieces Jackie and Chastidy. Love you all.

Enjoy the cake:

Cynthia aka Auntie Diane

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Photo Source-Zion Hill Baptist Church  Los Angeles,CA

Today I did quite a bit or should I say more accurately, put some quality time in  developing a more focused web presence. I hope you like the theme. I think I must have gone through about every preview of  themes for WordPress.com.  I finally out of  frustration with not being able to decide,  chose  “Ocean Mist.”  I love the ocean with a passion.  The sound of  rolling waves and the scent of sea misted breezes has always excited me.  So, I was quite relieved to finally find a theme within which my writings and senses could resonate.

Today the theme for reflection…treasuring those things you most admire and showing appreciation, savoring the times spent with favorite people and seizing the opportunity no matter how brief, to make quality connections.  I talk with my mother everyday. But I think a visit is in order. Mom, the Thanksgiving holiday for sure…

Speaking of quality connections, last Friday, I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Ruby Dee, famed actress and social activist. An account of this can be found in my blog “Give Them Their Flowers…”Stating she loves them all, she shared a fragment of her favorite scripture with me, which is “Love thy neighbor…”  She was a guest of honor at the National Newspaper Publisher’s Association(NNPA), New Leadership Reception as one of the honorees.  She was given an award, in the words of  NNPA President Bakely,  as “one who stands as a model for all of us as a mother, as a wife and as somebody, who in spite of all of her achievements, never left her community.’’

Keeping the theme of  admiration and quality connections going,I  spent time last evening talking with my older sister Sharon who is on a mission to lose weight. She had  called me earlier today and informed me that my father had been discharged from the hospital and to give me his new telephone number.  She told me he had asked about me. She also reported on my younger sister and informed me that she was experiencing hard times, as it seems so many are these days.  Rev. Pickens also sent photos of his precious new addition, Zola Patrice… Has a ring to it doesn’t it? I told  Seth she was a star.  And, of course, she is..   Join with me in sending well wishes and felicitations to Seth and Isis, my good friends and proud parents.

By the way, I say,  one picture is worth 1,000 words! Pastor Pickens, looks like your church has the right idea of what being a good neighbor means… starting with the  Food Pantry(See image above). I took the liberty of advertising it by posting. Seth is newly installed Pastor of  Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles and new dad. I am sure his mom,who passed away at the beginning of this year is smiling down from heaven.

Then there is Carma, Myrtle, Charlie and Olivia.  You know who you are. I appreciate you for what you’ve done for me and countless others.

Last but not least, my good friend Donald Temple, who has helped to steer a path landing me back on my feet, is finishing up a trial today.  Wish I could have been there for closing arguments. Attorney Temple, a consummate award winner, trial attorney, advocate and strategic thinker, offers help to many of his friends  similar to Zion Hill’s Food Pantry concept- “no questions asked”.  Thanks again Don for your kindness. I am sure there are many others out there who can testify to this. Had to put it in this blog…Busy,busy,busy… I know. However, he’s never too busy to extend a friend a needed hand.

As Mark 12:31 states:

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (NIV version).

Peace,

Cynthia