We Are The World

In 1984, famine ravaged most of Africa and artists, initially in the United Kingdom, put out a single, "Do They Know It’s Christmas" to raise funds to save lives of people dying. US singer Harry Belafonte took the initiative in the other end of Atlantic inviting the hottest American acts of the time..

The response to the invitation to join the cause was overwhelming with a super group of 50 lending their voices to a song called "We are the World". It was a who’s who event that included Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.

The recording was done immediately after the American Music Awards of 1985 – and one major artist had to skip the ceremonies to put out the vocals as a guide to the rest of the group. That artist was Michael Jackson who together with Lionel Richie composed the masterpiece that won four Grammys including Song of the Year, Record the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. More importantly it raised $63 million for the famine relief in Africa. It was a truly remarkable effort.

Michael Jackson died on June 26, 2009 at the age of 50 and he was in the midst of preparing for 50 major sold out shows in London. Though he may have had many issues that tarnished his image, Jackson did his share to alleviate poverty, and at the same time developed God given gifts in song and dance to perfection.

God gives every individual a gift or gifts. Some discover this early (like Michael Jackson), while others much later in life. "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." (John 3:27) For a moment, look at yourself in a mirror and reflect on what you are really good at. Have you used this to make someone feel better? It is in the sharing of our gifts that we become true Christians. "But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you." (Luke 11:41)

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Michael Jackson. To remember him, you may hum the words of the timeless anthem: "We are the World."  

by Mel Libre

(See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clZE4Wrrw_w )

There comes a time when we heed a certain call

When the world must come together as one.

There are people dying and it's time to lend a hand

To life - the greatest gift of all.

We can't go on pretending day by day

That someone somewhere will soon make a change.

We are all a part of God's great big family

And the truth You know

Love is all we need.

We are the world

We are the children

We are the ones who make a brighter day

So let's start giving.

There's a choice we're making

We're saving our own lives.

It's true Well make a better day

Just you and me.

Well send them your heart

So they'll know that someone cares

And their lives will be stronger and free.

As God has shown us by turning stones to bread

And so we all must lend a helping hand.

We are the world

We are the children

We are the world

We are the children