The only words I can find

For the last month I, as many people in this world, have been struggling to understand the death of one of our heroes, Michael Jackson. I know that in the last few years I have kept it under my hat that he is one of my biggest inspirations. I thought that if his music or he, as an artist had fallen out of popularity that I would be judged for still admiring him and loving his music. I no longer feel afraid of that judgement. Whether you were born in 1926 or 1975 you knew who Michael Jackson was. You had seen the music videos and heard the music. You knew that he didn't grant interviews as much as you would have liked and that you were always wanting to see and hear more when you did get to see him in an interview. He was very closely scrutinized for his appearance and often criticized for his actions. He took that criticism and let it roll of his chest, knowing that he knew the real truth, whether the world believed him or not. He continued to push through the controversy and make music that touched the deepest emotions and could also make you dance. Even though I am a classical musician by trade, my heart has always been in pop and R&B. The majority of that is due to Michael Jackson. I didn't really know the possibilities until I saw him perform. Like many of us who admire and strive to be like our heroes, I wish I could have met him just once to let him know how thankful I am for his talent and the influence he had on me, and still has today. His death reminded me of what we will be missing; of how wonderful it was to witness his rise to fame and see the growth of his work. It goes without saying that he will be missed; that generations will never know the work ethic and creative genius behind those moves, that voice and those videos. I may not understand death but I do know that God always has a reason. Only God could give someone that much talent and the grace to withstand so many years of adulation and critique. I thank God that He brought Michael Jackson into my life through music and I thank Michael Jackson for using the talent he was given to give back. These are the only words I can find. God Bless, HB

I am always inspired

I am always inspired by those around me. I know that when people first meet me they may see me as stand-offish or even a bit cold, but what I am really doing is learning and listening. I have always been a shy person until I get to know someone well enough to really be myself. Sometimes I feel this holds me back in my professional life, but I eventually break through. What I am most inspired by is the way people interact, the way they speak to one another and the way they create....be it a meal, music, movies, photographs, finger painting with their kids or just holding a conversation. I find as I have gotten older that conversation often turns to politics and the "now" of the world or it is about the past and what you were doing back when you were younger. I have a hard time keeping up with all of the "now" of this world, especially in the world of politics. I often get sad when I think back on the past because those are times I hold so dear to me that I would love to go back a relive them...not to change anything, but just to experience those things again. What I am most inspired by are those who live their life by giving to others whether it be music, ministry, poetry, movies, being a wife or husband, being a parent or taking care of a parent. Relationships are the most important and without those relationships we wither away. I find that I can accomplish everything I want to both personally and professionally but still have an emptiness because I have not continued to cultivate relationships. It's almost as if you become a dusty book that no one reads anymore. It is important to dust yourself off and continue cultivating those relationships. Inspiration is never far behind! God Bless, HB