Tag Archives: Michael Jackson

S.A.N.S. Episode 325: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Posted on December 23, 2022 by expressyourself4him

For a couple of decades, Whitney Houston became the female version of Michael Jackson, the most popular female singer of her generation. Blessed with an amazing voice and able to hit high notes that few will even try, Whitney was able to speak to and touch those who listened to her music. While there were several Christmas songs that I could have chosen from Whitney who died way too soon in life, O Come O Come Emmanuel seems fitting for this occasion.

Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel—which, when translated, means, God with us, Matthew 1:23.

Depending upon the translation of the Bible that you prefer, Emmanuel is spelled with an E or an I. What makes the word Emmanuel special is that God’s promise of sending a Savior in the form of a human being arrived as Mary gave birth to Jesus. Although there were no rooms available in local inns due to the Census, Mary and Joseph had to settle for a vacant barn with a manger. As Christmas day approaches, may you rejoice in God with Us, now in the form of the Holy Spirit.

by Jay Mankus

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A Not So Trademark Move

Posted on December 6, 2017 by expressyourself4him

During a Major League Baseball game, players get to select the song played each time that they walk from the on desk circle to home plate.  This blurb is usually the chorus or the most popular part of the song, playing for five to ten seconds.  While you won’t see this on television, a similar process occurs when relievers enter the game.  In the classic 1989 film, Major League, Charlie Sheen played Ricky Vaughn, a hard throwing closer.  Upon entering the game in relief from the outfield bullpen, the song Wild Thing blared until Ricky made it to the mound.  Music has a way of inspiring trademark moves.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin, James 4:17.

A trademark refers to a brand, logo or sign that is legally registered as a symbol that represents a company or product.  In the entertainment business, music and videos featuring an artists’ new song features choreography.  This dance, move or step often becomes a known as a trademark move.  For Michael Jackson, it was the moon walk.  The pioneers of hip hop and rap developed break dancing, becoming a cultural phenomena.  Marcia Griffiths and Bunny Wailer’s 1976 song “Electric Boogie,” inspired what is known today of the Electric Slide, a memorable dance at any party or wedding.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23.

The group Reliant K gives a different interpretation of trademark moves.  The lyrics of their song entitled Trademark focuses on human nature.  While everyone wants to paint a rosy picture on life, Reliant K sings about falling apart and running away from God.  The prophet Jonah once took a boat in the opposite direction of where God called them to go, ending up in the belly of a whale due to disobedience, this was his trademark move.  The apostle Paul reminds all human beings that no one is innocent, but all are guilty of sin.  This painful reality was the trademark move of Adam and Eve, hiding from God in the Garden of Eden.  Anyone who follows in these footsteps, emulates a not so trademark move.  In view of this fallen state, make sure the legacy you leave behind results in positive impressions.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

 

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Remembering a Prince

Posted on April 29, 2016 by expressyourself4him

Not many people know that Prince Rogers Nelson grew up in a Methodist church in Minnesota.  Rather, this individual who pop culture came to know simply as Prince was an icon in the music industry.  While there are several memorable songs the world will remember, Purple Rain became to Prince like Thriller was for Michael Jackson.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Unfortunately, fame and fortune can took a toll on the human soul.  Although autopsy reports are not complete, some in the media are speculating Prince’s death may have resulted due to an addiction to drugs.  When tragedy takes the life of a star, there is a tendency to reflect upon the legacy of a person rather than what led to their downfall.  Therefore, unless you learn from history, people will continue to make the same mistakes time after time.

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise, Proverbs 20:1.

After a while, some longer than others, the mourning process for Prince will end.  Thus, as people will go back to partying like its 1999, make sure you don’t become ensnared.  Rather,  take a page out of the Bible, be sober and alert so that you will escape an addiction that drags many down to the grave.  As the world says goodbye to an earthly Prince, make sure you don’t forget about the Prince of Peace, waiting to embrace those who call upon His name.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Under a Full Moon

Posted on July 13, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Whether you are star gazing, taking a midnight stroll or finishing a round of golf at twilight, a full moon provides a special aura in the air.  Occurring once a month or every 29.53 days, full moons form on the 14th or 15th day of the lunar calendar.  Well before the days of Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video, the gravitational forces of the moon’s orbit tends to bring out the worst in people, leaving a history of bizarre stories.

Coincidence or not, the term lunatic is derived from the Latin word Luna.  Subsequently, beliefs have formed which attempt to explain unusual behavior under the canopy of a full moon.  Its no wonder that horror movies continue to be inspired by legends of this monthly event.  Although there is no conclusive evidence, hospitals see a rise in accidents, women go into labor at an alarming rate and police departments have their hands full all because of a full moon.

In his book More Than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell examines the life of Jesus.  Dedicating a chapter to one of his theories, McDowell suggests that there are only 3 logical conclusions one can make about his life.  Either Jesus is a crazed lunatic, a habitual liar or the Lord of all?  As another full moon rises above a summer sky, may Josh’s question bring you to ponder the meaning of life, John 10:10.  While secular music embraces the dark side of the moon, come into the light by trusting in Jesus, 1 John 2:6.

by Jay Mankus

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