Let Your Light Shine: A Tribute to Michael Jackson and Others That Gave it Their All

" This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..." I used to hum this song almost everyday for a season. This classic gospel song was featured by The Steeles in the Soundtrack to one of my favorite movies Corrina Corrina starring Whoopi Goldberg. Its been a few years since I've seen the movie but the chorus from that particular song finds its way back to me once in awhile. Last night, as I watched the media pay tribute to Michael Jackson I realized that this man had truly let his light shine on the world in the brightest way he could. Michael Jackson, for many of us had been an icon and then through the years had slowly drifted away into the background and was even made the pun of many jokes. I actually had no idea he was releasing a tour in Europe until the media was covering his death. Watching the pictures from his life on the screen there was no doubt in my mind that this man had a light, had a passion, and was determined to let it shine. While he was growing up his talent cast him into a world of child stardom he was unprepared for. Many famous parents today have learned the damaging affects of world fame upon children and wisely teach these children to pursue their dreams while still remaining humble and grounded. Michael Jackson was without a doubt an amazing entertainer. I remember as a small child in the early eighties having a Michael Jackson Barbie doll complete with glove and red leather jacket. We rocked to his music on our record players and were scared to daylights when Thriller was featured for the first time on MTV. Micheal Jackson was introduced to the entertainment industry at a young age but unlike many people, he thrived in the position he was in. It was reported that just days before his death he rehearsed for hours,those that watched him were convinced that it was his best performance yet. It said he was a perfectionist and it showed. Last week I had the privilege of attending a church service where the subject of "gifts" was part of the message. In the recent years I've come to believe strongly that God gives us each unique talents. The message I heard last Sunday truly sank in when Michael Jackson's life was highlighted by images before my eyes in a one hour television special. This man had passion and if you fall under the category of not knowing what your passion is, I believe that you're not seeking hard enough. While that statement is blunt I'll explain the reason why. We are very limited on this time on earth and while you many not achieve the global status that Michael Jackson did, the time that you are alive on this earth is extremely valuable. Many people don't enjoy what they do. The wake up in the morning, drive to work, do their job, drive home, watch television, chat with their family and go to sleep, only to find themselves in the same routine for the next five, ten, twenty yes, even thirty years. I've met many people like this. A wasted life, a wasted soul. The only thing that sets you apart from people like Michael Jackson and Mother Theresa is passion. If this sounds like too much work I assure you that once you discover your gift, nurturing it will not be as bad as you think. I once read a book on a woman that adopted an entire kindergarten class from an underprivileged neighborhood in California and sent nearly the entire class to college, paid for! This woman was not rich, but she was creative and she began a non-profit organization for these children because no one believed in them but her. She was their light because she believed in the power of education. Michael Jackson did only one thing, create music. He loved music and whether his audience was one person or thousands, seeing him on stage you could easily tell that his drive came from wanting to do his best not from the size of the crowd. This blog is an encouragement to all of you to let your light shine. The song says, " this little light of mine..." and as I hum the rest of the verse I am absolutely sure that you have a light within you. It would be a shame to let it go to waste.

You can find me on Facebook under "MassageMe" and comment on this blog or simply leave your comments here. I welcome them and would love to know how you're letting your light shine.
I would also like to introduce my friend Ivan Corraliza's blog. This is a man gifted with many talents but his ability to write is very impressive. He truly lets his light shine!
I urge to visit his site at http://heartendev.blogspot.com/

Daring Dads: a celebratory blog from a massage therapist

You're a master at changing dirty diapers, a disciplinarian to screaming kids and you're on top of all the latest Disney movies. Seems like the picture of a devoted mother doesn't it? How about a picture of a devoted dad?
In comparison, Mother's Day is highly celebrated internationally, mother's worldwide are expected to be doted upon with flowers, chocolates, manicures,pedicures, mimosas, cute greeting cards....should I go on?
As a Massage Therapist I've worked in the spa industry and I assure you, Mother's Day is a big deal, not to mention extremely busy for us. Anyone who absentmindedly forgets this day is in my prayers, and please don't be naive enough to fall for the "no, don't get me a thing" from your mom during this time of the year; believe me, it will be launched unexpectedly like a verbal grenade in some argument. However, as adored as our worthy mommies are during the month of May , its the month of June that I will highlight for some very special people as well; Dads.
Did you think Moms are the only ones that receive pedicures and massages during the year? Men are seeking these relaxing treatments year after year and not always for special occasions. As much I love to cater to the relaxation needs of mothers , being a man in today's society is no easy task. The temptation to abandon your home, to not be faithful to your wife and the lure of bachelorhood is a reality for many married men, almost on a daily basis. Integrity, nobility, courage and strong values are not something easily found on the menu when a man's character is sized up. In 2006 the U.S. Census recorded that there are 2.5 million single fathers! Currently 19% of those are single men that are living at home and caring for their children.

That's why this Father's Day, I'd like to pay tribute to the importance of fathers in our society and a warm "thank you" for those who have stuck it through. The reason I even state the phrase" stuck it through" is this; as my of us know most households sadly consist of single mom homes. As devastating as it is, the term "single mom" is a norm for us and has been for the past recent decades as more women struggle to find a balance between work and career.

We can thank companies such as Hallmark and their marketing teams for unique holidays that most people wouldn't think of celebrating; but Father's Day is actually an honorable holiday. In 1972 our former president Lyndon Johnson declared this holiday throughout America to be celebrated the third Sunday in June. The idea was originated from a woman (Sonora Dodd) in 1909 who wanted to honor her father, a veteran, who raised his six children on his own.

Aside from what statistics tell us, there are fathers out there who are either solely responsible for their children or have taken the role of marriage seriously and chosen to uphold the two parent home. In 1991 the Current Populations Report noted that there are a total of 2,907,000 custodial fathers in the United States. In an article written by Rebbecca O'Neill in 2002, she wrote the following, "

For the best part of thirty years we have been conducting a vast experiment with the family, and now the results are in: the decline of the two-parent, married-couple family has resulted in poverty, ill-health, educational failure, unhappiness, anti-social behaviour, isolation and social exclusion for thousands of women, men and children.

There are no doubt very unpredictable and unfortunate circumstances in life which lead some of us into an obligatory status of coming from a single parent home. But this Father's Day I hope you join me in celebrating those Dads which have made the effort to be with their children, to check report cards, pose for silly family photographs and tuck their children in to sleep. We are in need of more responsible Father's in today's era more than ever.
In conclusion I want to thank all the fathers out there that have taken their role as husbands and fathers in a way most pleasing to God. I urge you to encourage the men around you this Father's Day and make them feel appreciated.
God wants the best for the men in our lives and although they may not always voice their stress, fatigue and weariness it is very present in their lives. Pray for these men, support them and believe in them.
Have an amazing Father's Day!

references: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/009879.html
http://fathersforlife.org/divorce/chldrndiv.htm

The Power of Emotions

Body, Mind and Spirit. Our bodies and our very essence as human beings are a complex maze of twists and turns. We have folds of memories long repressed, disturbing traumas that hide within the layers of our muscles and long forgotten secrets we'd rather keep kidden away. Lack of forgiveness is also a powerful fodder to what can maifest in our bodies. Our emotions consist of anger, happiness, confusion, saddness, resentfulness, envy, lonliness, joy and many others. If you carefully observe, most of our emotions are not always verbally experessed but can take on forms through facial expression and body language. Our bodies, the vessels that we use on this earth, hold fast to negative emotions and revel in the positive ones. As a Massage Therapist I have been able to witness that the majority of the stress held within us, are often the result of internal angst and frustration. More than once have I had a person cry on my table, partly because they are experiencing pain but the other part is unspoken...trouble in their marriage, a painful divorce, lack of direction in their lives or a mediocre view on life. These emotions are indeed powerful and when these issues are not addressed, it doesn't matter how deeply I use the pressure in my hands to massage away the tension, it will return. This is why I feel that mental health professionals are needed in our community. God has given each one of us a gift and for some it is the gift of encouragement and counseling. Romans 12:8 speaks about the gift of encouragement, as well as the gift of contributing to others' needs. I believe this can be done in the area of emotional counseling. I do not claim to be a professional counselor nor have I received training in this area, but I feel comfortable in saying that many times I have provided a touch of compassion through my hands as well as through my voice. I strongly believe God places people in our lives in exact moments, for an exact purpose. Now, the beauty of therapeutic touch is the following: nonverbal comfort. Has there ever been a moment where you have needed to grieve without speaking a word? Whether you've experienced it or not, it is a reality that the human touch can, at times provide the kind of solace no words can reach. When I was in Massage Therapy School, I distictly remember being taught how to perform a massage on someone fully clothed. When I inquired why, I was told that victims of sexual assault or rape could often times not feel comfortable with the idea of skin on skin contact. At the time, the idea shocked me but during my years as a therapist I have seen that when I person lies on the massage table they carry many burdens from their past. Mental health, emotional stability and a healthy self-esteem are vital components to a healthy lifestyle. I feel that massage therapy is a compassionate and nurturing profession but I also recognize the need to speak to a professional on these issues. The two therapies (massage and counseling) combined could allow a person to emerge with a fresh new mind, a hopeful view towards life and hopefully from my end, a more relaxed body. Mark 12:30 sates " Love the Lord with all your soul, with all your mind and all your strength." In these verse we can clearly see that a human being is composed beautifully of all these important aspects; spiritual health, emotional and mental stability and my personal favorite- physical health. I hope you enjoyed this reading, stay healthy and God Bless!