I'd be lying if I said that the passing of Michael Jackson hasn't affected me. I really am saddened about his death so much so that I'm not even planning to watch the memorial service airing on TV next Tuesday. I, like millions of others, really liked him and thoroughly enjoyed his music and showmanship. Despite the never-ending scandals surrounding him and the relentless scrutiny of the media, I always thought he was an innocent man, troubled perhaps, but innocent. It's still unbelievable that he's actually gone. I'm waiting for some breaking news headline to pop up saying that the media found him hiding out on some remote, unoccupied tropical island, but I know that won't happen. Anyway, I think the world in general is suffering a huge loss. Because of his far-reaching influence the world is sort of at a stand still right now and I think that the stage has been set a man or woman of God to stand up and direct focus to the Lord during this time when everyone is listening. Michael's death was certainly shocking, but was it untimely? No one's death is truly untimely and now is a time as good as any for people, everyone to realize that it is God who controls the next and last breath we take. It's kind of scary to know that we're not truly in control of our lives, but the very best we can do is to accept God's sovereignty and commit our lives to His will. No one ever thought that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, would die at the age of 50. He probably thought he would succumb to old age, but that wasn't the plan.

Folks, let's make our peace with God today, right now. It could be our last chance to.

"Death is untimely only to those who are restrained by time."--Miss Major Substance