Man In the Mirror

I'm starting with the man in the mirror,

I'm asking him to change his ways.

No message could've been any clearer,

If you wanna make the world a better place,

Take a look at yourself and then make a change

--Michael Jackson

One of the most powerful songs, from one of the most influential musicians of all time. Michael made it a point to change the world through love. His love for life translated beautifully in his love of music. The only way we can truly make the world a better place, is if we seek change within ourself--only then will we be able to make a difference.

In this heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson honoring his legacy, Chris Brown made himself vulnerable to the world's criticism. And criticize they did, can't say that I am surprised. Many say it was a publicity stunt, an "attempt to re-vamp his career". Others say it was corny, he ruined an amazing performance by "blubbering" over this song. But has anyone ever stopped and really asked themselves why he would be so overwhelmed with emotion? Perhaps its the lyrics of the song, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways". As someone who has made mistakes in the past, it is understandable to feel a personal connection to the song. I believe that he truly felt this song was speaking to him and his current situation, thus causing his breakdown. Rather than criticizing Chris during an extremely private moment he was forced to share with the world, we should commend him for his efforts. It is clear that he is no monster, he is a young man, asking for forgiveness, asking for acceptance.

It's been a year since the Rihanna incident, and all personal bias aside I feel as though he's extremely deserving of a second chance. He has expressed his remorse in a sincere manner, yet the world still seems to reject him. But who are we to say his career his over? Who are we to say that he is undeserving of forgiveness? The only person that can rightfully judge him is the Lord. It's a statement that has become all too cliche in this society, but nevertheless it remains true. We have all made errors in our life, they may have not been at the same calibur as Chris' but a sin is a sin. Everytime I see a blog bashing him and voicing their unwillingness to forgive, I am reminded of very well-known Bible verse. In this verse a woman is accused of adultery, for she was "caught in the act", yet Jesus refused to condemn her. At the Pharisees' tireless pleas, he stated:

He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her

John 8:7

So answer me this, which one of us is without sin? Perez Hilton? Bossip? Mediatakeout?

True, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live without sin, but how many of us can honestly say we are entirely free of sin? Humans are sinful by nature, but we must look to Christ for redemption. Rather than condemning someone else for their sins, we should look at the man (or woman) in the mirror and seek forgiveness for our own transgressions. It is only then will we be able to become disciples and preach the Word of God, exposing other sinners to His glory, and truly making a change.