Pure In Heart
July 18, 2009
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8)
I read this passage in my hotel room right before the memorial service. I thought about Michael. I thought about how pure his heart was and how he was able to bless so many people with that purity. And yet ridiculed, accused, and abused, he still managed to maintain the pureness of heart so that everyone who crossed paths with him felt his love. He warmly welcomed all of us on the “This Is It” tour. His disposition was so genuinely sincere. That’s what I focused on during “Heal the World”. Looking into the faces of the children, I remembered Michael’s love for them. I looked up to the heavens and knew God was smiling down on us at that moment. Nothing else mattered. Cameras, media, and business all became a faded echo drowned out by the overwhelming presence of God’s love. Not sure how I ended up closing the service, but I understood it in my heart. It wasn’t showtime; it was ministry time. As the King of Pop, as a legend of our time, and as the first and last of his kind, Michael’s message was even greater, “There are people dying, if you care enough for the living make a better place for you and for me.” This message gets right down to the truth. Death has a way of leveling everyone out so that the rich man holds the hand of the poor man. Though we live our lives chasing after other things, we all understand the importance of relationships, especially when a life is terminated. I was so blessed to see how every person came together at the service. What better legacy to leave than the gift of love?
After Michael’s death, my heart was paralyzed. But now, I’m starting to come out and realize that Michael may have left us, but God hasn’t left us. And God is the reason why Michael was so special. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” James 1:16. As long as I’m living, I want to appreciate the people around me and use my gifts wholeheartedly. This life goes by so fast. It’s painful, but often times pain is beautiful.
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Comments
Mae from Australia | July 19, 2009 7:10:47 AM
Hey Judith
All I know is that God has brought you into Michael's life for such a time as this.... I could feel the anointing / God's presence when you sang that song... I was truly blessed and I know many others were blessed too!
Michael | July 19, 2009 11:53:27 PM
Hi Judith, thanks for the performance at Michael's memorial. HEAL THE WORLD is truly a wonderful and inspiring song, and you sang it beautifully. Michael was vilified in life but in death he rests in peace, forever unreachable to his detractors. Good luck, and GOD BLESS! In me, you have a new fan.
Jay | July 20, 2009 9:18:13 AM
It seems that many christians are conflicted about Michael Jackson. I was somewhat conflicted myself. But, I watched the memorial service and I watched you close the service so beautifully and watched Paris speak so heartbreakingly, and then something within me shifted. I went back and looked at the past videos of Michael Jackson and his life, and I come to realize that he really meant well. In the end his body gave out...he was only a man. I haven't been close to God for a while now and frankly some of these self-righteous christians have stumbled me in the past. Now with this inner shift, I realize I need...we need God more than ever. You said that life is short and pain can be beautiful. How in the world do you understand that at your age. That's amazing.
Rich | July 20, 2009 6:32:32 PM
Your's is the True Spirituality. Uniting All in the Spirit of God's Love.
Sarah from Madagascar | July 21, 2009 11:05:16 AM
Thank you so much for performing so well during Michael's memorial service. Good luck to you and may God bless you and your family in abundance. Much love.
Burt | July 23, 2009 4:41:53 AM
It's wonderful to just discover your recent post! Thanks so much for sharing about before, during and after the memorial service. I very much look forward to your next update.
Mitsuko | July 24, 2009 12:28:42 PM
ジュディス様
日本からお便りします。
あなたが半分日本人であること、私はとても自慢です。私好みのソウル・シンガーでいらっしゃるので、マイクルのメモリアル・ショウでの発見はとても衝撃的で嬉しくもありました。 一番に私は
Aretha Franklinが好きなアーティストです。
そして新たなアーティストを知り、その方が
Ａretha を好きだと知った時、その嬉しさは爆発します。
どうか、soulfulなアルバムを私たち日本人に下さい。Jennifer Hudson の
昨年リリースされたアルバムはとてもナイスでしたから、どうぞsoul/R&Bの路線で進んで下さい。
お母様に訳していただくのでしょうか？
お母様、よろしくお願い致します。
Judith様、健康でお幸せに
soul 一直線でお願い致します。
Laura | July 24, 2009 11:02:52 PM
Hi Judith, Thank you for singing from your heart and letting the light shine. I think everyone who saw or heard you at that memorial learned or remembered something about joy.
| July 25, 2009 2:06:13 PM
I appreciate your sentiments. Creatively MJ's legacy is secure: his artistry, his oeuvre is unmatched. I'm not family or friend, so I'd refrain from judging the more controversial aspects of his life, too.
But I'd also hesitate mixing our own adorations for his musical genius and celebrity with the scriptures. In this zeitgeist of felt-experience, universalist spirituality, pick-and-choose truths seem to reign. We feel better about ourselves that way. But Gospel reconciliation, I think, is even more radical and brazen than that. For those who encounter this bit of good news, we dare to leave our own conceptions and feelings of spirituality behind, cast our efforts, even our best ones, at emmanuel, and kneel in our own pain and brokenness. And--grace and love come rushing in. We do it for this prince of peace because he's already done it all for us.
Jay | July 25, 2009 3:37:55 PM
"oeuvre"?! "zeitgeist"?! Wow, you really are full of yourself aren't you? You said you don't want to judge, but you are judging from your limited life experience. Why don't you live a little more and then try to cram your doctrine down your own throat. let me assure you it'll taste foreign...know it all!
Jarrel Jett | July 25, 2009 11:36:10 PM
Hi Judith, and thanks for sharing some rather insightful reflections and contemplations regarding your MJ tribute/celebration experience. It is quite evident that you are earnestly, devotedly, trying to come from a truly loving and pure heart space, yourself. As evidenced by your deeply heartfelt and sincere sentiments expressed in this recent post, as well as throughout your other blogs and website.
It is so very refreshing, heartwarming, and uplifting to encounter such a positively sensitive loving heart, spirit, and soul, as yours, Judith - - - yes, merely confirming what I had intuited earlier, that MJ had to have sensed somewhat, this kindred spirit upon your meeting. Though I now realize that your soulful & stirring rendering of "We Are The World" and "Heal The World" would not have been the closing climax of the "This Is It!" tour, I still feel and see/sense how Spirit definitely moved/worked to have you leading those at Staples Center and throughout this whole world with your so soothing, so soulful voice as your "purity of heart & spirit" (...truly, could not possibly have been any lovlier!) was, indeed, so palpable - - - and by virtue of such annointed ministry through song, a most marvelous (miraculous!) "healing balm" wondrously manifested!
Yes, seemingly "some touch" of similar magic MJ conveyed through his legacy of ministry thru music & song. "No Doubt," MJ's spirit was smiling joyously & so proud of you, Judith - - - how you likely, by virtue of your dynamic heartfelt feminine force & energy (under Spirit's annointing) transported those songs to some "higher plane" than he himself likely had or could! So, in essence, it was as if MJ had somehow bestowed & blessed us with a last most beautiful & loving gift in you, Sweetheart! Yes, I can still imagine/envision how your rendering of the "I Jus' Can't Stop Loving You!" duet with MJ would have remarkably been quite the exclamation point of "This Is It!" Thanks again, for allowing Spirit to use/move through you so very beautifully, and may you continue on with your uplifting ministry of music & song. With God (Love) as your ongoing foundation, inspiration, and guiding force, Judith, your journey (Matt. 6:33) is bound for abundant beauty & blessings! Namaste, Jarrel
Candi | July 26, 2009 6:13:47 AM
U most deff said it all ri here & I kno Michael was watch'n wit such a pride, dat we could neva kno! The King of Entertainment went home 2 da King of King'z bcuz he taught us as much as he could, now it'z our turn 2 use these lesson'z & run wit um'! I kno it'z start'z with me take'n a look @ myself & make'n a change 4 da betta! "Life iz a Lesson if ur not learn'n ur not livin'!" Over da year'z I hav learned SO much 4rm Michael & I promise 2 try & be da BEST me I can b, n order 2 heal da world!
Neil - Melbourne, Australia | July 26, 2009 8:07:13 PM
Hi again Judith, I wrote an early note back on 7 July then left a subsequent one a few days later after I watched in happy amazement at how the world had responded to your magical performance in closing the memorial. It seems those in the USA have been lucky to see more of You on ET etc since - and here in Australia (and elsewhere), there are soooooooo many new fans just waiting to hear You and catch a glimpse of You some time in the future. Thank YOU also so very much for your personal Thank You message.
You are blessed with amazing beauty and love in every respect. Neil
Jeff | July 27, 2009 1:26:26 PM
Judith.
You got everything right! It`s having a personal relationship with God and allow for Him to spread His message of love. God is love. We`re blessed that He has used so many to spread His love. Keep using the gift that He has given you. As you know...this is all God's plan. By the way, your sound is refreshing! PS. Support a child in any way you can.(Here or abroad) Peace! :)
Jennifer | July 27, 2009 1:43:47 PM
You did great.
Johann | July 27, 2009 11:15:51 PM
I like the photos in the Gallery section of this website. Your hairstyles stand out prominently in all the pictures. Not that I dislike any style, but I think the way you had your hair done for the MJ memorial suits you best. You looked very beautiful in that style. BTW, I really enjoyed your rendition of Heal the World. God bless.
Burt | July 28, 2009 11:36:10 PM
Here's a spiritual quote that I came across today: "Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be." (Morris Adler) It made me think about how you met the challenge at MJ's memorial service. Way to go Judith!
Juliet King (Atlanta) | July 29, 2009 3:29:02 PM
I just read your "Pure in Heart" 7/18 post. You are so, so, so right in everything that you wrote. I thank God for you and your wisdom. I also appreciate your personal response to our e-mails after the Memorial for Michael Jackson. I have a feeling that God is going to AMAZE you with his many blessings. Stay focused... Many Blessings to you in all that you do.
Michael (Germany) | July 29, 2009 6:30:31 PM
Tears in my eyes.
I can't believe what I'm doing here. I have to confess that I never was a avowed fan, pls. apologize. Stupid grunge-rock-or-whatever-attitude. Just saw this Video. 00:19 CET. Just touches my heart.
Thanks to Michael for giving so many people hope and love, RIP.
Thanks to Judith for letting me know.
Marie | July 30, 2009 1:55:21 PM
Your renditions of Michael's songs still minister to me. I concur that it was not showtime, but ministry time. The lesson for all of us is we all have an appointed time to live and to die. What we do with the time we have is what really matters. Unfortunately, we won't get any do-overs. I pray you have GREAT success in your future endeavors. I'm enjoying your song clips...Nice job!
Kevin Dolgos | October 3, 2009 7:16:28 PM
Judith, your services at the memorial was elevated to that of a prayer. You called humanity to love and unity. You appeared with awe-inspiring nobility. The light of God was shining.
James | November 1, 2009 4:58:42 PM
Judith, your words are so touching, so real. MJ was the greatest. Your conduct publicly has been so inspiring. You deserve every success that comes your way.
Roland | November 2, 2009 12:32:42 PM
judith, just finding out more about you and who you are. I guez i first saw you at michael's memorial and immediately wanted to know more about you. just came back from watching this is it and must say your duet with mj was beautiful and people were just singing along and everyone thought you were very sincere and there is something special about you. i believe God put you in this situation for a reason and only you will know. i think you have got a lot to give to this world through your music and only time will tell. mj inpired all of us to believe in all that we want to be but mj was ispired by the love of god and so we should all look up to the love of god and help changed the world in our own way. just want to say you have just got a fan and will be following all your work and will spread the news around. God bless judith ana hgope to hear from you soon
Vivien | November 2, 2009 2:34:42 PM
Dear Judith, Your words are so touching...
"There are people dying, if you care enough for the living make a better place for you and for me.”
Michael legacy will live forever!
God bless You!!!
Vivien from Hungary
CN | November 8, 2009 10:38:44 AM
Thank you for your heartfelt and sincere comments regarding the memorial service and MJ. Despite many things that have been said over the years about MJ I think that "This Is It" is a valuable visual document that helps to reframe him in the minds of the public in a more positive light. A public he often had a difficult relationship with. It displays his talent certainly but it also shows how he tried to model love by treating others with love and respect. I like how it shows him giving the spot-light to others and encouraging them so that they can shine. Your comments and those of others that were part of the "This Is It" team also reflect that. For someone who craved love this is a wonderfully loving gift to this particularly unique individual. A flawed child of God, but loved by God as we all are. God bless you and I'm looking forward to hearing more from you.
Jim | November 11, 2009 5:47:42 PM
Dear Judith,
That was a great post; I especially appreciate it since I am a Christian. I hope that you will use your talent to service Him in many different ways. Please stay away from any songs that contain sexual innuendos; God will bless you for that.
God Bless You,
jimsydnor@yahoo.com
okiman | November 16, 2009 5:20:47 PM
Just got back from seeing the Michael Jackson movie.Even in the crowd you truly stood out,that prompted me to find out more about you!Thank God you are a christian,keep shining child of the most high God!!!
Ray Barnes | November 18, 2009 4:20:30 AM
I wish time and space permitted a thorough response to the references from Matthew and James. In general though I agree with Judith that MJ had many very special gifts. I would also add another reference, "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted". Considering the true nature of the Comforter, that is very true indeed.
ritsuki | November 27, 2009 9:50:49 AM
????? ??????????????
Bridget | December 3, 2009 8:30:35 AM
Judith, your words were so sweet and beautiful. I simply love the things that you said there.
You know you have a special gift, to make people happy, just like Michael. Use your gift as much as you can, and I'm sure that in some time you will be more than just a simple artist. Belive me! I can't stop listening to your song "I will always be missing you"! For me, that's the BEST tribute for Michael. The best I've ever heard.
Keep it up Judith! You're amazing :) Lots of love.
gorgod1 | January 18, 2010 1:08:27 PM
When is your CD coming out featuring the song "I'll Be Missing You"?
Sazanese Soul | January 31, 2010 10:11:33 AM
Judith, when I think of you, I think of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego). In the midst of storms, you became excellent. What seemed to be only pain was giving way to purpose. Now, just as these young men did, it's your time to shine. And you shine with excellence. I bless God that you still acknowledge Him even in your excellence. For that, you will be rewarded greatly. God has not forgotten that at all. I bless your mom/parents for keeping God before you and I'm very proud of you.
KUMIKO | February 7, 2010 3:38:29 AM
「THIS IS IT」を観て心が揺さぶられました。
マイケルと歌ってるあの場面で涙があふれてとまりませんでした。
歌で会話をして心が通じ合っているJUDITHさんとMICHAELがとても素敵でした。とても魅力的でした。
MICHAELが亡くなってしまった今、おふたりのデュエットが聴けなくて本当に残念でなりません。
JUDITHさんは偉大なMICHAELと歌で結ばれていました。
私たちMICHAELのファンはの純粋でシンプルなメッセージを伝え続けていこうとおもっています。
誰もが経験できない素晴らしい経験をなさったJUDITHさん！！
私はあなたのファンになりました。
東京のライブ３月１２日行きます！！
楽しみにしています。
ryan1207 | February 27, 2010 12:30:02 PM
雖然Judith無緣和Michael一起在演唱會上合唱"I just can't stop loving you"這首經典情歌，但看了"This is it"這部電影之後；覺得Judith與Michael合唱這首歌非常地棒，也對妳留下深刻的印象！
Babak | May 7, 2010 5:01:14 AM
Hi Judith, thanks for the performance at Michael's memorial
Thank you so much
I love michael jackson
and you
www.babakjackson.blogfa.com
Just michael jackson and judith hill
David | June 2, 2010 3:29:59 AM
Thank You For sharing that with us! God Speed!
Jessie | June 25, 2010 10:23:41 AM
Just want to say that you did great! and you will be great. proud of you
Felicity | July 3, 2010 4:20:31 PM
Michael knew what he was doing when he selected you for the IJCSLY duet. Your spirit comes through in your performances and your words just like his always did. That was no accident. It was preordained. Love your new tribute song to Michael. God continue to bless and keep you.
Tara | July 4, 2010 12:24:14 AM
Judith,
Even though it has been over a year since Michael's passing, I wanted to say that your performance during his memorial service was an inspiration. I know that Michael was smiling down at you. It is amazing how death puts so many things into perspective, but it so unfair for those who leave this world not knowing how much they were truly loved and appreciated. I truly believe that God allows us to see our friends, family, and in Michael's case, his fans, after their death so that can be a piece of their heaven. How much he must have smiled seeing the outpowering of love that he had so longed for. I was never priviledged of knowing him, but just by simply following him as an artist over the years and really searching for him as a person in every means possible after his death, I have only a slight glimpse of what a beautiful person he was. He almost reminds me of a modern day martyr. They are never appreciated in their time and many will do as much as possible to try and destroy them. People hate inner beauty...maybe it's a form of envy. I am just happy to know he is at peace and that someday, you all will see him again. Best of luck to you and your beautiful talent! May he be your guardian angel!
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