Comments

• 

  Lonnell Johnson March 7, 2008 at 8:25pm

  Matt, My Brother, My Friend,
  
  I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your comments. Your recent observations regarding Melissa and her business were especially meaningful, as you revealed a series of commonalities that seem to draw us closer as brothers. This evening as I was was busy in the kitchen after most satisfying meal of homemade vegetable soup, I happened to think of my lifelong desire to connect with brothers, since I only have one sister by blood. I pledged a fraternity during my freshman year in college, revealing a search for the true brotherhood which I embraced fully when I became a part of The Way International, ultimately joining the Second Way Corps, way, way, back in the day. As I was marveling at our bond as brothers who have so much in common, I happened to think of you in light of one of the poems in STONE UPON STONE. If you were here, I'd probably put on some light jazz, maybe a little Grover Washington, Jr. or Kenny G or Angela Bofield or better yet, I wish I had some vintage Skip Mesquite and I would recite for you "We Be Brothers":
  
  We Be Brothers
  
  “Spirit is thicker than blood.
  Oh, yes, it is, brother.” Skip Mesquite
  songwriter, saxophonist
  
  
  men born again in brotherhood
  beyond thin skinship of the soul
  not blood but spirit makes us kin
  we be true brothers, brother-man
  
  I dig your gig, so rap to me
  and play the sounds I need to hear
  tune me in and play my number
  just call me on your saxophone
  
  soothe my soul with those mellow notes
  flowing from your horn of plenty
  man, make your heartsong melt my dark
  and paint my skies in sunrise hues
  
  I can escape the basement gloom
  to scale the palace stairs with you
  we climb to where the air is rare
  we be true brothers, brother-man
  
  Lonnell E. Johnson
  from Stone upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance
  
  As you were sharing some of the research you are doing I thought of your studies as material for a dissertation or some kind of published work, particularly in light of the present "Apostolic Reformation" that is transpiring in these electrifying times. Last year marked the 490th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation and Luther's nailing of his 95 theses on the door of the Cathedral at Wittenberg. There is a currently an Apostolic Reformation which will drawf what Luther initiated, as the Church moves into the prominence that God designed for Body of Christ to radiate. I will email you a recent "prophetic word" regarding this movement. I'm not sure if you are familiar with "The Prophetic Dimension of the five-fold gifts and callings mentioned in Ephesians 4, which are remarkably enumerated on the pentagonal design of The Way Corps seal, which just happens to be on my desk and which I am looking at as I write. I am saying that your research interests may have particular application in light of some of the occurrences within the Body of Christ with regard to the ministry of the apostle. The church where Brenda and I are ministers is currently establishing an Apostolic Resource Center, which is distinctive from the local church which is known as Ambassadors for Christ. There is much more that I could say, but take a look at our website to get an idea of our ministry: http://www.ambassadorministries.org.
  
  By the way, the founding Pastors and current Apostles are Eric and Carolyn Warren, both of whom are graduates of The Family Corps (I forget which one). I'm not sure if you know them, but Brenda and I moved to Columbus 14 years ago to work with them in ministry here.
  
  With regard to your research, have you considered publishing it once it is complete? I firmly believe that there are many books implanted within every believer, beginning with one's own personal testimony, aside from the many subjects inspired by God and by life itself. The scripture on the website for Ambassador Press, LLC is "Of the making of many books there is no end." I see myself as an "accoucheur", a male attendant at a birthing--a kind of "mid-husband" as opposed to a "midwife." That's a joke, in case you didn't get it! I am in the process of revising my website for Ambassador Press and hope to offer some additional packages for publications, other than the current "deluxe model." Check it out--http://ambassadorpressllc.com. Let me know what you think.I am also developing a personal website which will make known some of the areas of interest and expertise, as I apply some of the principles Melissa unfolds in her book Brand Me, etc. I love your reference to the brand that the Lord Jesus Christ places on us. It, of course, brought to mind lines from "This Year of My Jubilee": . .
  
  Pierce my ear, place your brand upon my soul
  Enlighten me so that I may understand
  That to run to serve is life's highest goal.
  
  Let me draw this to a close. I seem to get carried away once more, and I have written more than I had planned but not nearly enough to catch up from the last time we corresponded a couple of weeks ago.
  
  Before I go another further, find out from your friend with the restaurant if he has any good recipes for cod, a favorite of yours. I bought some and plan to have it for dinner on Sunday, maybe. Since my diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2007, I try to avoid "deep fried" foods ( although I do succumb to fried chicken from time to time and fried turkey which has become a Thanksgiving treat for our family. See what the chef recommends and I'll give it a try or maybe just check out some recipes on the Internet. I'm sure it will be delicious. Here we go again, with the fish connection--like Peter and Andrew "nem" (meaning "and them"). Yes, I show nuff got to go this time.
  
  It is always a joy to commune with word, my brother, my brother in truth, my true brother.
  
  Always,
  
  Lonnell
  
  We
• 

  Lonnell Johnson March 6, 2008 at 4:17pm

  My Good Brother,
  
  Once more I open with the lines from Dunbar, one of our mutually favorite poets:
  
  Long silence does not mean neglect.
  It only means we can trust to friendship
  to reflect on the inbetweens.
  
  I continue to be edified and strengthened and encouraged by your comments. Although our current rhythmic responses seem to flow in a more disjointed manner than the previous spontaneous sequence that flowed from heart to heart, as we commented freely back and forth after initially communicating about many things.
  
  By the way, my daughter, Melissa's book is at the publishers as we write. It's called BRAND ME. MAKE YOUR MARK: TURN PASSION INTO PROFIT. I have the honor of publishing it through my business, Ambassador Press, LLC. Remind me to get back to my business with regard to you in a moment. To say that I am proud of my daughter's accomplishments is quite the understatement. To learn more about her and her enterprises check out her websites: http://www.velvetsuitemarketing.com and http://www.brandmelive.com. I am not all surprised by her accolades and her being ushered into spotlight in a number of arenas. I'm not sure if you recall the baby who was born at PFAL '77, the monumental teaching event held at Ball State University, way back in the day. Melissa made her debut (she came early, and we didn't have time to get back to St. Marys) and thus she was born with immediate "celebrity status." As the thousands at the Ball State University celebrated her arrival back in 77, even today the world recognizes the favor of God upon her life. Her book ministered to me in so many ways, as I edited Melissa's work. I recognize that I too am in transition, as my life unfolds like a lovely rose.
  
  There is so much I desire to say, but I can't say all that is in my heart at this time. I simply wanted to let you know that I appreciate so much our friendship which has been made even more secure in our mutual love for God and His Word and His people. I have to go for now, but I hope to write again in an even more substantive way soon, and very soon.
  
  Your brother and friend,
  
  Lonnell
• 

  Lonnell Johnson February 27, 2008 at 5:51pm

  My Good Brother,
  
  Your comments are always so inspiring, so stimulating, and in some instances, provocative. Generally the exchange is wonderfully satisfying and a mutual joy. Currently I am working on finishing the editing of my daughter's book, whcih should be out in the next week or so, and that is demanding my time. In addition, teaching continues to be a challenge. I hope, however, get some more extensive comments this weekend.
  
  So much to say, so little time.
  
  God bless,
  
  Lonnell
• 

  robin schalich February 24, 2008 at 5:29am

  Thank you Matt.. My daughter took that picture down my the river close to the house.. Me just resting up for the work week ahead.. So what do you do?
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  robin schalich February 24, 2008 at 4:45am

  Hi Matt
  So How are you doing..
• 

  Lonnell Johnson February 23, 2008 at 4:24pm

  Matt, My Man, Matt, Mighty Man of God,
  
  I started a comment a few moments ago, and I left your site to refer to your last comment to me, and when I returned the earlier comments were nowhere to be found. I was talking about the mutual blessing our correspondence has been. Actually I was mixing metaphors while talking about words being like tungsten steel swords that strike in an iron-sharpening-iron manner while also being a heart-warming exchange, much like the disciples on the Road to Emmaus after their encounter with our Lord as he talked with them by the way. I was in the process of making reference to some of the specific things you had said that brought to mind works of my own or works by others or simply words that come to mind as I read from the scrolls of the depths of your soul. In the past I've referred to our being "equal-souled", a quality that is indeed rare these days.
  
  First of all you mentioned that winter weather and the conditions in Minnesota. As you were writing, we in Ohio were under a winter storm advisory. In fact, the public schools were closed yesterday. God answered the prayers of both students and faculty in this instance. Your mentioning that Spring is always forthcoming brought to mind some of the poems that I had written with a winter theme, some of which I shared with my sister who once lived in Michigan and moved to Atlanta with absolutely no regrets. I thought you would appreciate "Even in Winter" in light of the comments you made.
  
  Even in Winter
  
  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
  That brings forth its fruit in its season,
  Whose leaf also shall not wither;
  And whatever he does shall prosper.
  Psalm 1:3
  
  
  
  Mournful dark notes of the wind’s contralto solo
  Pierce the heart and chill the soul with its somber tones.
  Shrouded in widow’s weeds all of creation groans,
  Bemoans winter’s wilderness, lifeless and hollow.
  Tall stark naked trees where nothing appears to grow
  Bend in the wind, vacant lodges closed for the season.
  To find life in this dead time seems beyond reason,
  Yet tender buds sleep in blankets of ice and snow.
  Though leaves once green have faded, fallen to frostbite,
  Leaf buds cluster in secret places to keep warm;
  Buds wrapped in snow are stronger than before the storm.
  Soon the voice of the bridegroom will ring in the night.
  The time nears when the turtledove returns to sing,
  When ice-covered buds will blossom: firstfruits of spring.
  
  
  
  
  Lonnell E. Johnson
  revised February 21, 2004
  
  I just noticed that the poem was written four years ago, the number four being representative of the earth, the world and its elements.
  
  I was also deeply touched by your comments regarding coming home to a place where you are loved and embraced for who you are. As you so aptly stated: "It is not enough to come home it is the thrill of the welcome and the joy of being greeted by the ones you love." I immediately thought of the my poetic rendering of the Parable of the Prodigal Son which I entitled "Homecoming." Many times when I recited the poem I am moved to tears, as I realize that the parable is really about the forgiving father moreso than the wayward son. I believe you'll also appreciate the sentiments expressed in the poem which is also in the collection that I put in the mail for you yesterday.
  
  Homecoming
  The Parable of the Prodigal Son
  Luke 15:11-32
  
  I prodigalled
  and partied
  and boogied my
  nights away.
  
  I humped and bumped
  and stumbled
  till I found myself
  in a ditch.
  
  I squandered all
  of my bread,
  down to my
  very last crumb.
  
  I had no friends
  to turn to
  I had no place to go
  but home.
  
  I tried to sneak back
  unnoticed,
  but Daddy ran
  to meet me
  and greet me with
  open arms
  (like I’d been down
  the road apiece,
  or just got
  back from town,
  or never been
  gone at all).
  
  He didn’t ask me
  where I’d been,
  didn’t ask how
  much I’d spent.
  
  He forgave me,
  just forgot
  all the times I’d
  plumb missed the mark.
  
  He spread the
  welcome table
  and had a
  family feast
  to satisfy
  my hunger
  and meet my
  every need.
  
  Later on in the
  midnight peace
  when Pa and I
  were alone,
  we said nothing,
  yet so much;
  then through tears
  of joy he said,
  
  “It’s all right, son,
  it’s all right, now.”
  
  Several minutes have elapsed since I completed reciting the poem which I know by heart. I am once more so overwhelmed by the love of God that I cannot even talk, let alone write. A couple of times, I seemed to gain my composure, but I was once more swept away in a cascade of emotions of deepest gratitude that overflowed and flooded my soul. Pardon the digression, but I seem to be back on track now.
  
  The final point that I recall from your comments was the profound discussion of the distinction between the conscience and remorse.Your penetrating comments were particularly insightful and they revealed the heart of the matter in a situation that currently confronts me. It was as if you provided a lense and a light whereby I could not only see but understand is going on in this particular case. Thank you so much for words of wisdom.
  
  May you have a blessed remainder of the weekend. It looks as though tomorrow will not be a fish day for me since I'll be preparing chicken breasts with cornbread dressing. As I mentioned I really enjoy cooking, especially on Sundays which have been special since "childhood days in Gary." I trust you will be blessed.
  
  Let's keep in touch.
  
  Your friend and brother ,
  
  Lonnell
• 

  Lonnell Johnson February 21, 2008 at 6:22pm

  Good Brother and Dear Friend,
  
  I cannot express to you in words just how much your last response blessed me. God is so gracious in inspiring you to minister to me with words so fitly spoken. That you chose to comment on Dunbar is even more remarkable in light of what had most recently transpired with one of the Chapel Services at Sonshine Christian Academy, where I teach. We have been celebrating Black History Month, and I shared with our 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students some of my poetry and some of the works of African American poets who have influenced my writings. One of the most notable influencer has been Paul Laurence Dunbar. In the collection that I sent to you today there is a section called "In the Vernacular" which contains pieces written in contemporary black speech similar to the dialect style of some of Dunbar's works. One of the highlights of my career as a poet was to recite some of my poetry at the Dunbar House in Dayton, the place where the poet lived for a number of years. I especially appreciate the lovely closing poem "Lily of the Valley." I was also deeply touched by the comments you made regarding Dunbar's life and the impact of the Wright Brothers and others who contributed to this most treasured writer whose young life ended so tragically.
  
  Many times I have envisioned the gathering of poets, known and unknown, in the heavenly realm where we will enjoy recitations and reflections and ongoing commentary on the goodness of God which would inspire great works of poetry by artists over the centuries who would participate in an extended "open mike" whereby we would relish their exquisite works as one savors each morsel of a fine meal, from appetizers to salads to main courses to desserts with accompanying beverages and amenities. The lyrics to the contemporary Christian song come to mind at this point: "I can only imagine!" But I have a vivid imagination, and I sense that such occasions are but one of the constant flow of "Endless Lagniappes" which is the title of one of my poems for you to partake of as we continue to fellowship around the Word of Life:
  
  Endless Lagniappes
  
  You will show me the path of life;
  In Your presence is fullness of joy;
  At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
  Psalm 16:11
  
  
  In His presence God affirms and confirms once more
  That the Lord is good and that His mercy endures.
  Abundant favor, boundless blessings I explore,
  As the unfailing Word strengthens and reassures.
  A bountiful table daily set before me,
  Each custom designed and prepared with me in mind,
  As a savory foretaste of eternity.
  I seek to do His will, knowing that I shall find
  Strength to lead and faith to follow the Lord each day.
  The God of all comfort surrounds me and upholds
  Me in peace with His gracious right hand, as I pray.
  Joy beyond words floods my soul, as glory unfolds.
  Our God releases what the enemy entraps:
  The Lord of loving kindness and endless lagniappes.
  
  
  There is so much more to say, but now is not the time for me to go on and on and on and on. . . Like you, I too, will close with this excerpt from Dunbar:
  
  Long silence does not mean neglect.
  It only means
  that we can trust to friendship
  to reflect
  on the the inbetweens.
  
  I think of the same sentiment in terms of the period of time that elapsed between our initial involvement with The Way International and the period of separation or isolation and our subsequent reconnection and the richness of the present relationship. God is truly amazing. Indeed, His ways are past finding out.
  
  Be blessed, my brother, until the next time.
  
  Serving Him with you,
  
  
  Lonnell
• 

  Matt Miller February 19, 2008 at 10:27pm

  10:13pm on February 19th, 2008, Lonnell Johnson said…
  My Brother, My Brother,
  
  As I read your words, I thought of this amazing phenomenon:when cardiac tissue is taken from two different organs and placed in the same environment, eventually these tissues will pulsate in sequence as if from the same heart. Many times as we share, our thoughts flow along the same lines as we commune and share fully around the Word of God. A couple of poems came to mind as you touched upon sparks that generate fires and you further commented on God's calling upon our lives. Both of these pieces are in the collection I am sending you. Let these serve as an appetizer of sorts, couple of sonnets to whet your appetite for more.
  
  Originally written as a tribute to a colleague who retired after 30 years of teaching on the university level, "The Teacher's Task" has been modified and used to celebrate the lives of those "who teach because they love the teacher's task." The other poem "The Call" was originally inspired by one of those life-changing teachings by Vince Finnegan, more than 20 years ago. The words still ring true today.
  
  You mentioned my reference to my experience with writing poetry while at IU, and something else recently occurred which also brought my graduate studies to mind once more. During that time I was introduced to the Harlem Renaissance, a notable time period in African American literature. I discovered Countee Cullen and other outstanding poets of the period whose works I researched and later published some of my findings. Would you believe that I received an email from a graduate student in Iraq, and she is studying Countee Cullen and other Black poets as part of her dissertation. She discovered an article that I published on Cullen in 1991, and she wanted to know my thoughts regarding her dissertation topic. I wrote back to her, and she then responded by saying that she was first in introducing Cullent to academic circles in Bagdad. I was deeply honored that she quoted me in her dissertation and would like me to comment on the chapter she had written on Cullen, one of my favorite poets. In fact, you can glimpse his influence in the two poems I am sending, for Cullen was a masterful sonneteer. I was also attracted to Cullen because of his use of the Bible and his Christian beliefs which make their way into his writings. I just wanted you to celebrate God's goodness with me as I think of that remarkable set of providential occurrences.
  
  Enjoy the poems:
  
  The Teacher’s Task
  For all those called to teach
  
  
  The smallest spark can kindle a desire,
  Ignite a fire to stir and warm the heart,
  And through the years the embers from that fire
  Will glow with light inflamed from that same start.
  In the dark of night should a doubt arise,
  A question of the road less traveled by,
  Recall that same glow in a student’s eyes
  Shall dispel the chill of questioning why.
  You who labored in the classroom have learned
  That rapport with student, colleague and friend
  Offers recompense beyond wages earned.
  You who loved the teacher’s task we commend:
  May joy warm your heart and sustain you yet,
  With memories of success and no regret.
  
  
  
  Lonnell E. Johnson
  from Stone upon Stone: Psalms of Remembrance
  
  
  The Call
  I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
  beseech you to walk worthy of the calling
  with which you were called,
  Ephesians 4:1
  
  The call resounds like a repeated name
  From the lips of a dear friend who knows you.
  I clearly hear my name and see the flame
  That lights the path of those whom God foreknew
  Would hear and heed a higher destiny.
  This calling only God can verify.
  My ear cannot hear; my eye cannot see;
  Yet within my heart I cannot deny
  That I have heard and seen what few will know.
  I must arise and strive to reach the place
  Where the rivers of understanding flow
  And never doubt God’s purpose and His grace.
  I stand in the unbroken line of all
  Those who, having heard, rise to heed the call.
  
  Lonnell E. Johnson
  
  Be blessed, my dear brother and good friend,
• 

  Lonnell Johnson February 18, 2008 at 6:51am

  My Good Brother,
  
  As I read your response to my recent sharing, I rejoiced and wept as we once again connected and ascended to the heights of Mount Zion as we communed and celebrated the goodness of God. There are few things more satisfying than to converse or rather commune with someone who "gets it." As a poet I endeavor, in the words of St. Augustine, "to contemplate the truth and to share the fruits of that contemplation." It is so satisfying to be able to share one's heart and soul with someone who is likeminded or "equal-souled." I appreciate your comments, more than perhaps you realize.
  
  Incidentally, your reference to the Prayer by Philip Appleman brought to mind that I attempted to enroll in a poetry writing seminar that he taught while I was in graduate school at Indiana University, working on my doctorate in English. I had just published EARS NEAR TO THE LIPS OF GOD, my first collection completed as part of a Way Fine Arts Project spearheaded by Beth Lowder, with whom I have recently reconnected with through this remarkable website. I had submitted a sample of poetry, but Professor Appleman indicated that the competition for the slots in the course was particularly intense, and I was not selected. Although we met only briefly and talked casually, I sensed that there was not the kind of connection, at least spiritually, that I had hoped for. In light of my being at IU for other purposes that writing poetry, I didn't think much more about it until you mentioned Appleman's prayer which brought the experience to mind--another aspect of the merging of "past, present and future" which you pointed out as a seeming ongoing theme of mine of late.
  
  By the way, I also sampled some delicious walleye this past week also. My wife Brenda and I had a special Valentine's Day meal at a new restaurant in the area where we lived when we first came to Columbus fourteen years ago. I had Walleye Almondine, served with a light almond butter with almond slivers, wild rice, and a vegetable medley. Walleye is another choice fish in this part of the country. In fact, the last time I went fishing was a few years ago when a group of men from our church went walleye fishing on Lake Erie. It was particularly satisfying to prepare fish that you had actually caught. Someday I'd like to go up to Alaska to fish for salmon, another favorite fish of mine. We know some believers who have invited some of the men in our church to come up to the "Land of the Midnight Sun" for a fishing expedition. I imagine that fishing is abundant in Minnesota for those who care to partake of that sport. Do you also like to fish?
  
  There is more to say, but I'd best close for now. Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the dialogue. Your remarks regarding "thinking" brought to mind Malachi 3:16-18
  which are the opening scriptures to my most recently published collection STONE UPON STONE: PSALMS OF REMEMBRANCE:
  
  Mal 3:16-18
  
  Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
  And the LORD listened and heard them;
  So a book of remembrance was written before Him
  For those who fear the LORD
  And who meditate on His name.
  
  17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts,
  "On the day that I make them My jewels.
  And I will spare them
  As a man spares his own son who serves him."
  18 Then you shall again discern
  Between the righteous and the wicked,
  Between one who serves God
  And one who does not serve Him.
  NKJV
  
  What is your mailing address? I'll send you a copy.
  
  Your friend and brother,
  
  Lonnell
• 

  Kevin & Sara Guigou February 18, 2008 at 1:22am

  Hey Matt,
  
  My sister, Karen Martin, was the editor of my dad's publications. Definitely way beyond my skill level.