Dear George Michael,
Recent events involving your car and drugs have forced the British legal system to incarcerate you. I suppose we are all relieved that no one was hurt. And as you are no doubt aware, you will have some time to reflect not only on this incident, but on the general direction of your life. As one optimistic friend once said, "There are no problems, only opportunities." I might only interject that there seem to be both, and this is fitting for the merciful God to allow.
I would not dare to judge you, or claim to know exactly what you must do. That said, I wonder if your remarkable and full life up to now is all that you had hoped. Is it abundant in the true sense? You have explored every human avenue of pleasure that exists on earth. You've worked hard, and played harder. Perhaps even now, those things are revealed as cruel masters indeed. Others looking in might say that I've no standing to say such a thing; 'tis true, my path has been mercifully safe. But the difference between us is only in degree, if there is one.
Do you remember when Diana, Princess of Wales, died? I remember you and Sir Elton John (with one other man) singing "The Lord Is My Shepherd" at her funeral. I remember how you and all the world barely could contain your sadness. Have you ever wondered at this Shepherd? Who is He, that he could inspire us to enter a holy place and invoke his help when death overtakes even the best of us? I know Him. Remember when you sang "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin? Whatever it is actually about, it sure sounds like a gospel tune to me. Then again, everything she sings takes me to church. Your first hit was called "Faith." Have you ever pondered beyond the vague allusions? What is it about God that so clearly captivates you, in spite of what griefs you may carry against "organized religion"?
As much as it may annoy some, (even you) I have to speak of the love and mercy of God found in Jesus Christ. As one hopelessly lost fool to another. I have always liked your music and respected your talent. And now, if I could in some alternate universe be counted a friend of yours, I would plead with you to turn away from the path of self and emptiness which has led here. Not because I am better than you, but because I have tasted emptiness and tasted Good, and I shall never give it back, God help me. If you have found love or good or joy in this life, dare to scratch below its surface, and you will find Almighty God as the source. You once sang a remake called "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." One thing I know for sure is that God never does. He delights to extend the light of day until we all bask in the light from his beloved Son. You may have a great deal of time or a little, but you must ask how much more delay you can afford. I'll be praying and hoping for you.
A fan in the USA,
Jason Kettinger
Recent events involving your car and drugs have forced the British legal system to incarcerate you. I suppose we are all relieved that no one was hurt. And as you are no doubt aware, you will have some time to reflect not only on this incident, but on the general direction of your life. As one optimistic friend once said, "There are no problems, only opportunities." I might only interject that there seem to be both, and this is fitting for the merciful God to allow.
I would not dare to judge you, or claim to know exactly what you must do. That said, I wonder if your remarkable and full life up to now is all that you had hoped. Is it abundant in the true sense? You have explored every human avenue of pleasure that exists on earth. You've worked hard, and played harder. Perhaps even now, those things are revealed as cruel masters indeed. Others looking in might say that I've no standing to say such a thing; 'tis true, my path has been mercifully safe. But the difference between us is only in degree, if there is one.
Do you remember when Diana, Princess of Wales, died? I remember you and Sir Elton John (with one other man) singing "The Lord Is My Shepherd" at her funeral. I remember how you and all the world barely could contain your sadness. Have you ever wondered at this Shepherd? Who is He, that he could inspire us to enter a holy place and invoke his help when death overtakes even the best of us? I know Him. Remember when you sang "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin? Whatever it is actually about, it sure sounds like a gospel tune to me. Then again, everything she sings takes me to church. Your first hit was called "Faith." Have you ever pondered beyond the vague allusions? What is it about God that so clearly captivates you, in spite of what griefs you may carry against "organized religion"?
As much as it may annoy some, (even you) I have to speak of the love and mercy of God found in Jesus Christ. As one hopelessly lost fool to another. I have always liked your music and respected your talent. And now, if I could in some alternate universe be counted a friend of yours, I would plead with you to turn away from the path of self and emptiness which has led here. Not because I am better than you, but because I have tasted emptiness and tasted Good, and I shall never give it back, God help me. If you have found love or good or joy in this life, dare to scratch below its surface, and you will find Almighty God as the source. You once sang a remake called "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." One thing I know for sure is that God never does. He delights to extend the light of day until we all bask in the light from his beloved Son. You may have a great deal of time or a little, but you must ask how much more delay you can afford. I'll be praying and hoping for you.
A fan in the USA,
Jason Kettinger
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