Urban Thought Collective

Naked I came into this world, Naked I will return to it. (Job 1:21)

“This is the final curtain call. This is it!” those were the words of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson at a press conference to announce his 50 show tour. Who knew those words would prove to be more prophetic than not.

Like many, I tuned in as the news unfolded about Michael Jackson’s death. What stood out most profound to me in all the reporting, was not the crowds that gathered at different sites, nor the words of sympathy from celebrities who poured out their bereavement sentiments; but what arrested my heart was the Arial shot of his body being transported off the coroners chopper into this very simple white van. The van would make its way to the coroners building. In a white plastic zipper bag was the body of the greatest entertainer in the world, ever. It was at this point that Michael Jackson with all of his exotic personality and eccentric living became most common. In a white zipper-bag, in the back of the coroners van…he was taken away, like everyone else.

It was then that the words of Job penetrated my heart, “Naked I came into this world, Naked I will return to it.”

No amount of wealth, possession, celebrity and achievement could go with him. The fans couldn’t go and nothing he owned could go; not even the so-called debt he owes. We come into this world with nothing and when we pass on, we take nothing with us. All of our valuables are non-transferable! Yet our culture places so much emphasis on massing possessions, as if somehow someone one day is going to figure out how to take it all with them to where ever place they go after death. There was not another white van marked “Michael Jackson’s things!” No, it’s been left behind for family and businessmen to figure out, who is going to receive what. He worked & died so hard to have “it all”, yet “it all” is left behind.

Mr. Jackson’s passing is heart wrenching and I can only imagine the grief that his family is facing at this time. And while our prayers and sympathy go out to them, there is a life picture being painted for us as it relates to worldly possessions; and that is simply this: things, success, and achievement are to be enjoyed and should enhance our present day of living and not become the prisons of our souls. Things and success cannot replace the basic need of the human soul, which is love and joy.

So while we say good-bye to a great entertainer and Icon. Let us commit for the rest of our days to have a healthy perspective on possessions and success. Job had a healthy perspective on worldly possessions and success and when he got the news, he had lost it all he spoke those words “Naked I came into this world, and Naked I will return to it! Let us set as a priority things that really matter which is to Love deeply. Live boldly. Be happy anyhow. Enjoy each day. Breath in and out enthusiastically. Smile genuinely. Give relentlessly. And Have Fun!!

Najuma Smith is a preacher, world traveler, writer, and proud parent. She currently serves as the full-time Sr. Pastor of St. James AME Church in Los Angeles. Unapologetically saved and full of purpose, she enjoys sharing words of encouragement with anyone who will listen, bringing a fresh look at life in light of the Word of God. Her collection of motivations and observations are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. Visit her at www.myspace.com/revjuju.