“2300 Jackson St.” by the Jackson Family

Well, here’s the video that SHOULD have made the show. Perhaps it MIGHT have reduced the level of disgust that I have towards BET to this very day. BET = Epic FAIL!

Am I alone in this feeling? Sometimes I think that I am. I know other people feel similarly, but I am trying to determine if it’s “normal.” I really and truly miss him. FOR REAL! I think that the world loss THE GREATEST entertainer that I will ever see in my lifetime. Beyond that, I am sad because I know that there was SOOOO much more to Michael than what we all know. You can tell that his spirit was crying out, but whatever he was seeking seemed to be unattainable in this life. I often wonder how things could have been different…. However, with that comes the knowledge that things are exactly as they are supposed to be. God has a reason for everything.

Michael Jackson’s life (and death) shall serve as a lesson to all of us. We need to nurture one another and love one another. We need to recognize that we all are individuals with unique needs. We should be more accepting of others that are “different” and embrace them for who they are. We need to see to it that our own lives serve a greater purpose and should try to effect change within our world so that when we leave to go to that “Upper Room” (as Martin and Eddie called it in the movie “Life”), we leave a lasting legacy… just as Michael has.

I pray for his soul and I look forward to seeing him on the other side. Rest in peace, dear Michael…

There is NO denying this man’s talent and his legacy. I will miss him for the rest of my life….

“Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson

This move back home has been bittersweet, as I was absolutely IN LOVE with Atlanta! It was the city for me. However, I just didn’t have any luck on the job front. So… here I am, back in the boot. However, all is not lost. I went on TWO job interviews today and I am confident that something will pan out for me. Once I start working, I’ll be on the grind to (1) save money for a home and (2) study for the GA bar. Yeah baby! (said in my best New Orleans accent–LOL!) I WILL be back in GA in one year… two years tops. Trust me!

In the meantime….

WRONG!

Instead, what we got was a shitload of shuckin’ and  jiving’, mixed with a little bit of skinnin’ and grinnin’, capped off with a big ol’ dollop of ignorance and “niggatry,” as Miss Jia called it. It did almost anything BUT honor Michael’s memory. I could not let the moment pass without letting B.E.T. know that I was PISSED with the antics and want so much more from them. Therefore, I am attaching the email that I sent to them on Monday.

Dear BET,

I would like to inform you of my thoughts on last night’s 2009 BET Awards.

Black Americans know what to expect from BET in terms of awards shows, and I’m afraid that’s exactly what we got last night. I’m sure it’s no secret that many Black Americans take issue with the programming featured on BET, as it often fails to stimulate us intellectually. The 2009 BET Awards were no different. My expectations for this show were very high, considering that we lost THE GREATEST star in music history–Michael Jackson–this past week. Instead, I was met with an award show that fell short of giving honor or paying tribute to his memory.

Had this merely been the BET Awards, I would NOT be as disgusted. As stated, we already know what to expect. However, it was repeatedly stated over the course of the past three days that BET was working hard to rearrange the show in order to pay tribute to Michael Jackson. I commend BET for ATTEMPTING to pay tribute to Michael Jackson during certain segments of the show. However, in total, the show failed to show any reverence to him AT ALL! Considering Michael Jackson’s impact on entertainment at large and Black entertainment specifically, I wish that there would have been a better showing in honor of his memory. While I commend all those that tirelessly worked behind the scenes to put the show together, it fell horribly short in terms of being a “tribute.”

There were several moments in the show that made me cringe and gasp, most notably the performance by Lil Wayne and the “skit” performed by Ving Rhames and Tyrese. To request the audience repeat after him that “Guns is (sic) Michael Jackson” was the lowest moment in the show. For a man that fought against injustice and violence, it was a direct slap in the face to his memory. As for Lil Wayne, the overwhelming majority of his performance was beeped out and otherwise laced with inappropriate content. Where there no “PG” versions of the song that could have been performed for the national audience? I find it hard to believe that BET would approve this performance to be televised.

Thank God for New Edition, Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Maxwell, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, and Eddie Levert for their performances and individual tributes to Michael Jackson. They were appreciated and brought smiles to my face. Even Beyonce, Marlon Wayans and Taraji P. Henson had heartfelt words for the Jackson family. However, it seemed as though Michael Jackson’s spirit was forgotten throughout the remaining portions of the show. There were barely any mentions of his name by the number of artists that crossed the stage over the course of the evening. In fact, I saw more promos for foolishness like “Toya & Tiny” and “Frankie & Neffie” than I saw people paying respect to Michael Jackson!!

I was lost throughout most of the show and actually felt duped. I waited with bated breath, hoping that each subsequent segment of the show would be the one that featured the tribute. Alas, it wasn’t until the last 5-10 minutes of the show when we FINALLY got anything that resembled a tribute to Michael Jackson when Janet Jackson bravely took the stage, followed by a lovely duet by Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo. The song was beautiful and fitting as a tribute to Michael. Too bad we had to sit through almost three hours of “What in the world…?” moments in order to witness it.

Perhaps a lot of us got our hopes up by anticipating a more fitting tribute to Michael Jackson from BET. That is our fault. As an award show, I will not overlook the hard work that the BET staff may have put into it. However, in terms of it being a “tribute” to Michael, I will forever be disappointed with the 2009 BET Awards. I do hope that BET is preparing a more fitting tribute to Michael Jackson to be aired in the very near future. If not, it will be another missed opportunity by BET to bring back the essence of what Black Entertainment Television USED to be….

I also came across this WONDERFUL video on YouTube that sums up EACH and EVERY one of my thoughts! Check her out! (Shout out to Miss Jia!)

Tonight, while reading a blog, I ran across a familiar topic that I was recently discussing with my cousin. The blog was discussing why marriages don’t seem to last today. The blogger mentioned how his/her aunt and uncle were divorcing after 20+ years due to infidelity. The blogger went on to ask why people seem to be more inclined to divorce these days as opposed to “sticking it out.” The blogger noted that couples of days past seemed to survive issues better than present day couples.

There are several things that struck me with this his/her blog posting, but I will only touch two of them.

(1) The blogger stated that over the course of time, it is “inevitable” that one or both spouses will cheat.

(2) He/she wondered why the couples aren’t “sticking it out” after infidelity and other major issues.

Both of these topics have come up repeatedly in the past and I think they are worth addressing…. for the 174,398,051,260,472th time.

First off, I am in no way, shape, or form buying the bullisht about it being “inevitable” that one or both spouses will cheat during the course of a marriage. I believe that’s some foolishness that has been cooked up by cheaters to help “soften the blow” for the persons being cheated on. Point blank. We are all humans and have been created with free will. He have the option to act and think in the manner in which we choose. Cheating is a CHOICE. Regardless of how you slice it, you must make the CHOICE to cheat. Period.

With that said, each choice must be made with greater issues in mind. Is this “episode” more important that the covenant that you made with God? Contrary to popular belief, marriage is a covenant with God. With that, He should be FIRST in your marriage, above ALL things, including your spouse, kids, money, career, home, etc. Without Him, none of the rest would be possible. You must decide if you are a man or woman that loves and respects your relationship with God enough to honor your vow of fidelity. Next, you must decide if you respect and love your spouse enough to honor your vows to him or her. Last, you must decide if you respect YOURSELF enough to be an upright man or woman. If not, then do you, homie.

I don’t buy all that jive about “It just happened…” Please. Spare me. Earthquakes “just happen.” Tornadoes “just happen.” Heartbeats “just happen.” Random sex doesn’t “just happen.” Therefore, before anything goes down, you have time to decide what type of people you are and choose to be. Then, you must decide if you are ready to deal with the consequences that will flow from your actions, thus, bringing me to my next issue.

“Sticking it out” is not as easy as it seems. Yes, everyone uses the example of how couples of generations gone by stuck it out and faced whatever was thrown their way. However, let’s be realistic. There are several issues at play. Back in the day, women were more inclined to stay in “bad” situations because they didn’t have a ton of options. They were less educated and/or skilled, so they couldn’t just pack their stuff and start from scratch, taking care of business on their own. Today, we don’t have those issues. We don’t have to stay in unhealthy situations for security purposes.

Next, when we use all of these examples, we never look at the bigger picture. How many of these couples that stayed together PHYSICALLY and under the binds of matrimony were really together MENTALLY and SPIRITUALLY? How many of these couples slept in separate beds (even rooms)? How many don’t do ANYTHING together except celebrate holidays with family and give off the appearance of “happy couple?” How many were married, but EVERYONE knew Paw-Paw or Uncle Jim had a woman–even a whole FAMILY–on the side? Most women today would prefer to “do bad by herself” than to be the butt of the joke. You sit around playing the role of Happy Housewife while your husband is running amuck in the streets.

So, share your thoughts with me. What do you think? Is cheating “inevitable?” Would you “stick it out?”

LOVES IT!!

First, I’m thinking about moving back to the Big Easy for a while. It WILL NOT be a permanent move, but something to get my feet wet in the career. I have a few leads and options that I can explore there and it will be much easier for me to find a job in the state in which I’m licensed. While working, I’ll study for the GA bar. When I pass, I’ll head back to the A and start up an office. I’ll be able to practice between Louisiana and Georgia. I’m already creating my business plan. Hopefully everything will work out.

Also, I’ve been building my spiritual foundation and working on my relationship with God. I’ve challenged my friends to join me in reading the entire Bible in one year. So far, so good. I’ve started reading the Bible so many times before, but could never get past Day 4 or 5. I’m already on Day 8! Talk about progress! In addition, I’m also reading “Start Your New Life Today” by Joyce Meyer and “Your Knight in Shining Armor” by P.B. Wilson. I know that it seems like a lot, but my Bible reading/devotion only takes up about a half-hour. I read one chapter of the other two books per day. They are really short chapters, so I’m done rather quickly. Besides, it’s not like I’m working, so I’m good. I’d rather read than continue to waste away my time on Facebook like I have been doing. Sigh… So no a good look….

So, there you have it. Lots of issues going on in my life, but nothing the Lord can’t handle! I’m trying to get back to a “regular” (whatever that it!) posting schedule starting on tomorrow, so stay tuned for updates! *muah*