Michael Jackson and GEM

Some people can LITERALLY feel the pain of others – something beyond sympathy. They are called empaths (I think). Michael may have had this gift (or curse depending you your view). Considering how much physical pain he endured – his body in open rebellion most of the time – his little nerve endings never at peace, I’d say he was a prime candidate for empathy.

Any of you Original Star Trek fans may remember a singular episode called Gem – about a very sweet humanoid creature being challenged by her gift of empathy. In her case, she had a choice to give or withhold her gift. Her ‘masters’ (so to speak) are testing the limits of her willingness to absorb the pain of others in deep physical and emotional distress. Captain Kirk sustains serious injuries on the planet and Gem naturally draws near to him – but is also repelled by his searing pain and sense of abandonment. Nonetheless, she WILLINGLY embraces and absorbs his pain –

and his life is restored.

She is completely ‘spent’ in the process – but has proven herself worthy of her name –

Gem, a pearl of great price!

I don’t know if Michael had a choice, as Gem did, to withhold empathy. But, the important thing is that he (and Gem) did not withhold their gift – regardless of the cost to themselves.