Two pop culture icons of my formative years died on the same day this week: Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Farrah’s famous swimsuit poster sold millions of copies, when it hit peak popularity in 1976. I was a freshman in high school that year. I always wanted one of those posters in my room, but my traditional Southern mother would say in her typical drawl: That poster is just “vulga.” (That is Southern for “vulgar’” by the way.) And then there is Michael Jackson. I am old enough to remember 12 year old Michael singing with the Jackson 5 in the early ‘70’s. My reaction to both of these deaths is likely different than most people.

My first reaction was a stark reminder of my own mortality. Michael Jackson is only three years older than me. Farrah was several years older, but she was a member of the infamous Baby Boomer Generation, that I too am a part of. It seems strange that both of them are gone.

My second reaction is that both of them ultimately led very sad lives. I would even go as far to say that both of them led tragic lives. News reports today regarding Michael Jackson were very revealing. One article stated the following in regard to Jackson: He felt very alone. Michael had no close friends around him and he always harbored miserable feelings with his father. He was always sad that his family was not with him.

Michael Jackson is commonly referred to as the “King of Pop.” The king led a miserable and unhappy existence. Addiction was the controlling factor in his life. Popularity cannot provide peace. Apparently Michael never found peace.

In reading today’s news report regarding his death, I was reminded of the importance of being a good father. I pray and hope that there are never miserable feelings between my sons and me. We have our moments today, but in the final analysis my prayer is that peace and mutual love will reign. I really don’t desire fame and fortune for my boys, but I do desire that they have healthy relationships with mom and dad, with each other, and with their friends.

Finally, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have a circle of trustworthy family and friends. The same news source today stated this in regard to Michael:
Jackson tried to replace his missing family with hangers-on… He surrounded himself with people who used him, and he was terribly paranoid about people using him, so he fired staff constantly. It was just nonstop people in and out of his life. I am so thankful today. In fact, I feel very humble. I have a great family. I have the most loyal friends imaginable. That is not something to be taken for granted.

Perhaps my mother was right. Farrah’s swimsuit poster probably did border on being “vulga.” Maybe she was really trying to get me to focus my attention on people who could be real role models. When you are 15 years old, the young woman in a swimsuit poster sure looks more appealing… 33 years later I am reminded that we are all mortal. Even Farrah Fawcett is mortal. We will all have to answer to God for our lives. I hope these deaths this week will inspire me to reach out to those around me who are experiencing profound loneliness. May God touch the hearts of those who have no peace.