FOOLS NEVER RAISE THEIR THOUGHTS SO HIGH: The Wisdom and Wit of a Window Washer

This new biography details the life of a dedicated father of four and the lasting effect his lessons have had BRONX, NY– A 20-year span in the life of a devoted father raising a family in Harlem and the Bronx, NY, in the mid-20th century is immortalized by his son in Fools Never Raise Their Thoughts So High: The Wisdom and Wit of a Window Washer (published by AuthorHouse), the touching new collection of memoirs by Lloyd R. Johnson that pay tribute to the memory of his father, Robert Lloyd Johnson. “Reflecting on life with my father, as I grew from infancy into adulthood, is relaxing, amusing and stress relieving,” Johnson writes.  “There are times when I’m brought to tears, times when I laugh out loud, and other times when all I can say is, ‘Wow! He really had insight.’”  Fools Never Raise Their Thoughts So High takes its title from a line in the Isaac Watts hymn, “Sweet Is The Work, My God, My King”, that Robert would often quote.  His frequent recitation of poems, quotes and other literary works were always peppered throughout his conversation, imparting his appreciation for the arts in his children. Beginning in the 1940s and chronicling the subsequent 20 years, a bygone era of New York City is brought back to life in the pages of Fools Never Raise Their Thoughts So High.  Robert was a window washer in midtown Manhattan, although Johnson is quick to point out that the job didn’t define who he was. Rather than focus on Robert’s professional life, Johnson instead chooses to share the more intimate details of a father who was deeply devoted to instilling values and morals in his children, all while maintaining a positive attitude and showing the benefits of laughter and lightheartedness.  Johnson recalls anecdotes that serve as a testament to his father’s sense of humor and wisdom about the world. “When people talk about my father, there is always a smile on their face,” Johnson writes.  “I sincerely hope you can say the same about your Dad and the men who influenced your life.”  Fathers everywhere can learn a lesson or two from Robert Lloyd Johnson and take inspiration from his loving, empowering parenting style.  Discover more in Fools Never Raise Their Thoughts So High. About the Author Author LLOYD R. JOHNSON Lloyd R. Johnson was born in Harlem Hospital and is the oldest of four children.  He has contributed articles to business, financial and Christian publications and is retired from a career selling insurance, mutual funds and providing financial planning services.  He plans to write more in the future and currently resides in the Bronx with his wife, Dora, where they are active in their church and other Christian ministries.  For more information, please visit his website www.LloydRJohnson.com created especially for the launch of this book.

You can order copies of FOOLS NEVER RAISE THEIR THOUGHTS SO HIGH from any of the following online book providers: www.huemanbookstore.com www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.authorhouse.com

Merry Christmas 2010

To all of our Family and Friends:

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We sincerely hope Christmas brought tidings of comfort and joy to you and those you love.  We pray that 2011 will be marked with health and happiness.

On Christmas Raymond and Nikki announced they are expecting a child June 30, 2011.

On New Year’s Eve we enjoyed the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company accompanied by the gospel/folk singing group Sweet Honey in the Rock.  Wow!

Then we attended the Watch Night Service at our church which was tremendously joyous and spirit filled … best way to bring in the New Year.

We extend warm wished to all whether you celebrate Christmas or not.  We value our relationship with you.

We love you and God bless you,

Lloyd & Dora Johnson

The photo is from our family cruise August 30 through September 2, 2010.  Across the top are our daughter-Ericka Blake, Dora’s sister-Louise Robinson of “Sweet Honey in the Rock,” grandson-Ameer Blake, son-Raymond Johnson, daughter-in-law-Nikki Johnson (they were married February 22, 2010), DORA, Dora’s mother-Vivian Robinson look sharp as always, below are four more grandchildren Na’im Blake (red shirt), Bilal Blake (shades), Nadirah Blake with Nadjah Blake just below her and LLOYD kneeling in front.

BACK ON THE BLOCK

Wow! I can’t believe it is August 2010 and I haven’t submitted an article on my own blog since January. Quite a few exciting things have occurred since then. This past Spring I completed all of the required courses to become a Commissioned Lay Pastor. July 28th was the one year anniversary of my heart attack. My son Raymond got married in February. My wife, Dora retired July 9th. Kairos Outside NYC had its Weekend #2 in July. I finished writing a book. And more.
As far as becoming a Lay Pastor is concerned, I presented my Statement of Faith to the Committee on Preparation for Lay Ministry. Remaining requirements are an examination by that committee, examinations by the Committee on Ministry and by the Presbytery. Then I can be commissioned to pastor one of our congregations or assist a pastor in a congregation.

The heart attack anniversary passed uneventful. Praise God! I’ve been watching my diet (haven’t tasted ice cream). I go for a brisk walk most mornings and Dora and I recently joined Silver Sneakers.

Raymond and Nikki’s wedding was televised on TLC’s “Four Weddings.” (Wedding Pictures) The wedding was held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY on February 22, 2010 and was televised on TLC in March. My new daughter-in-law was competing with three other brides. They had to vote on each other’s wedding in several categories. We won. That is, Ray and Nikki won. They won a week at an all-inclusive resort on Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean (More wedding pictures).

* Hats off to Raymond for another accomplishment ... Raymond graduated from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University with his Master of Social Work degree on July 22, 2010.  Congratulations Raymond S. Johnson, MSW.

Dora retired July 9th. It’s taking some getting used to by both of us. I’ve been retired for five and a half years. We have been busy. There’s no rocking in the rocking chair around here.

Both of us served on the Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend, Kairos Outside NYC #2. That was the weekend of July 16, 17 & 18, 2010. Dora was music director for the weekend. KO NYC is a Christian ministry for women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration. The ministry team consists of about thirty women and 6 men. The men prepare and serve the meals and pray. There are approximately twenty-four guests on the weekend. Several women on the ministry team give talks and meditations on various topics. The men are in another room praying during the talks.

We attended the Dyson Family Reunion in Petersburg, VA the weekend of July 23, 24 & 25, 2010. That's Dora's family on her mother's side. Her mother, Vivian (Mary Vivian Dyson Robinson), is the matriarch of the family and her uncle, Joseph Dyson, is the patriarch. It was a wonderful gathering. Family members came from all over the country and Toronto, Canada.

I finished a book I’ve been writing for over a year. I finally sent the manuscript to a publisher two weeks ago. The book is a humorous memoir about my father. It’s not very long and I hope a few folks will enjoy it. Now I can get back to the blog and other things.

Watch for the book later this year. I’ll send out announcements via email, snail mail, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Can I have a book signing at your place? I told the publisher that I was originally looking to present something for family members to enjoy. I also wanted to create something for our children and grandchildren to cherish. If there is even a modicum of commercial success, I’ll be greatly surprised. What’s the title? It might change, but right now it’s, “Fools Never Raise Their Thoughts So High.” That’ll keep you guessing for a while.

It’s good to be back on the block. Thank you for checking in and God bless you. <>
*Added 8/15/2010

I Woke Up

At the New Year’s Eve Watch Night Worship Service at our church, I was among those asked to give a testimony during the worship. This is what I used:

This is an excerpt from the book, “Same Kind of Different as Me,” by Ron Hall & Denver Moore with Lyn Vincent. It’s a true story and a modern day story. The story is about a Black man who used to be homeless and a wealthy White man who was an international art dealer and how they became genuine best of friends. It’s a book I highly recommend. Actually, I’d like more people to read it so that I can join a discussion group on the book.

Here is what Mrs. Barbara Bush, former First Lady, said about the book, “Denver Moore and Ron Hall’s story is one that moved me to tears. The friendship that forms between these two men at a time when both were in great need is an inspiration to all of us to be more compassionate to everyone we come in contact with. This is truly a wonderful book!” –

I read from the bottom of page119 through page120;

There, under the giant and ancient elm that shaded the benches, she always found some pearls hidden below the amber sea of crushed beer bottles and syringes.

The pearl she found one day glistened in the smile of a grizzled street veteran who lived under a railroad trestle in a cardboard box shaped like a casket. This man ate from garbage cans, an unpleasant truth you knew automatically if you had a nose. His beard was matted with dried vomit and the remains of his last few meals, and he reeked so strongly of booze that it seemed he might explode if someone got too close and struck a match.

Here was a man whose life seemed disposable. Yet he found a reason to smile. Drawn to him, Deborah offered him a plate of home-cooked food and a prayer. Then, truly puzzled, she asked him, “Why are you so happy?”

“I woke up!” he replied, eyes twinkling in his haggard face, “and that’s reason enough to be happy!”

Deborah rushed home to tell me what he’d said, as though she’d been given a treasure that needed to be deposited immediately in my memory bank. From that day on, three words – “We woke up!” – were the first to come out of our mouths, a tiny prayer of thanksgiving for something we’d always taken for granted, but that a derelict had had the wisdom to see as a blessing fundamental to all others.

We greeted each other that way every morning, never suspecting that each morning would soon be a precious gift we could count on one hand.

Then I said to the congregation, “When I originally finished reading that page I cried and I prayed. You see, this past summer on Tuesday night, July 28th I suffered a heart attack. On Wednesday morning, July 29th … I woke up! I said a prayer and called Dora, my wife. Most people would say, “Well, Lloyd, you survived because God isn’t finished with you yet.” I actually reread that page about five times before I moved on.

What most people miss is the FACT that God isn’t finished with the street veteran (homeless person) yet either. Even from his seemingly low position, this man was able to impart wisdom to a wealthy American and the wisdom was appreciated. When I finished reading the book, I realized that the authors caused me to look at homeless people through the eyes of Jesus. As one of the co-authors, Denver Moore, said, “You never know through whose eyes God is watching you.”

We all have our lists of things we will do in 2010 … our New Year’s resolutions. Let me make this suggestion. Every morning when you wake up … say, “I woke up,” and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Some people woke up today in a cardboard box clutching a plastic bag that holds all of his or her worldly possessions. Others woke up between satin sheets to the aroma of freshly brewed Columbian coffee prepared by Jeeves. Most of us woke up somewhere in between. God is not finished with you, me, Jeeves, or our neighbor currently living on the street … not yet anyway.

What will you do with the largest denomination of money you have in your wallet the next time you pass your neighbor who lives on the street? Really? Why? Is it because he’s not exactly like you? He’s different … same kind of different as me. Read the book, then come back to this blog and comment.

Merry Christmas

I once heard a story that went something like this: A woman was Christmas shopping in a department store with her little son. During the shopping she inadvertently let go of her son’s hand and he wandered off. Frantically, she looked all over the store calling his name. She finally found him. He was looking through a glass at the nativity scene. “Johnny!” she called. “Look mommy. It’s the baby Jesus!” he said to her, excitedly. “Come on here Johnny,” she yelled grabbing his hand. “I have too much Christmas shopping to do. I don’t have time for Jesus.” They disappeared into the crowd.

This is a joyous, joyful time for Christians. What’s also good about it is that joy can be contagious. It’s a good time to say to others before they disappear into the crowd, “Look, it's the baby Jesus." Let’s keep Jesus visible. I recall a time when the nativity scene was what people put up on their lawns or in the open garage for the public to see. My church used to have a life sized nativity scene on the old church lawn. It was lit up and because it was on a busy corner it added to the real meaning of Christmas. I don’t know why we stopped. Today, people's homes have lots of lights, Santa Clauses, reindeer, snowmen on the lawn, and decorated Christmas trees. Nativity scenes are hard to find. They've disappeared from some church lawns. The nativity scene seems to have been replaced by the Christmas tree and boughs of holly ... even in Holy places.

It’s been a long time since I went caroling. Back when I was a teenager, the young people in our church used to go Christmas Caroling in the neighborhood and visit nursing homes. After caroling, we would come back to the church for a Christmas party. A highlight was the hot buttered cider that was always served. Do people still go caroling? Please let me know through comments below. I’d love to see young folks doing that here in the northeast Bronx.

Here in America in addition to Christmas, during this season Jews celebrate Chanukah, Muslims celebrate the Islamic New Year and some African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. So, there should be lots of smiles on the faces of the people we pass on the street, and in the shopping malls. Much will be said about the lack of reverence and the commercialism during our season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. Although not everyone we meet is celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let everyone know where your heart is with a cheerful Merry Christmas.

Look, brothers and sisters, it’s the baby Jesus! Do you have time for Him?

Congratulations Mister President

The Nobel Peace Prize Committee recognizes that when Barack Obama was elected president he ushered in a new climate in international politics. He ushered in a new climate of expectation. Obama’s lack of experience in international politics was nullified. World leaders sensed that Obama was a person they could trust. He is a man of integrity. It is important to note that the new climate began on November 5, 2008, not January 20, 2009. By the time his name was submitted for the prize on February 1, 2009 it had been about three months.

I expected negative rhetoric from the Republican Party but from different people. My biggest disappointment was with Michael Steele; Chairman the Republican National Committee and his response to Obama winning the prize.

Steele really disappointed me when he said, "The real question Americans are asking is, 'What has President Obama actually accomplished?' It is unfortunate that the president's star power has outshined tireless advocates who have made real achievements working towards peace and human rights. One thing is certain - President Obama won't be receiving any awards from Americans for job creation, fiscal responsibility, or backing up rhetoric with concrete action." He doesn’t even realize that if Obama had not been elected President he wouldn’t have become RNC chairman. He doesn’t realize that he is just window dressing. Every time he opens his mouth he turns off other African Americans from even thinking about joining the Republican Party. The RNC is a magnate for the ignorant but they can’t sway smart people. To his credit he did criticize Rush Limbaugh.

John McCain was much more magnanimous. Here is what he had to say, “I can't divine [the Nobel Committee's] intentions, but I think part of their decision-making was expectations. And I'm sure the president understands that he now has even more to live up to. But as Americans, we're proud when our president receives an award of that prestigious category.” Thank you, John McCain, for taking the high road.

It’s sad that a prominent African American finds reason to criticize the fact that President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. And he has the audacity to presume to speak for Americans. Although Steele has the right to say what he said, a simple, “Congratulations Mister President,” would have shown that he has some class.

Indeed, all Americans should be proud that our President was selected from among 205 nominees from around the world. We must also understand that a call to action comes with the award. That means we must pray for President Barack Obama. The Nobel committee cited Obama’s vision. I believe the prize is meant to help manifest a vision that many of us feel has begun to emerge because Obama has created that new climate of international politics. When Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America, the world … not just America, sensed there was something to look forward to. There is a real possibility of living in a better world with friendly neighbors.

The following is excerpted from an email I received via the Democratic National Committee sent to President Obama’s supporters:
“This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you; the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.” – President Barack Obama.

You believe the committee made a good decision don’t you? It is your faith in God that causes you to believe that the Nobel Peace Prize Committee made a good decision.

Americans, and particularly our two major political parties, need to stop acting ugly and constantly criticizing each other. If Obama steps off the curb with his left foot first, that to Conservative Republicans, proves he’s liberal and 100 percent of Republicans would demand that he step off with his right foot. If he steps off with his right foot, he would still be criticized. Fortunately, McCain usually speaks from his heart. Steele has to filter everything he says through political ugliness. He’s trying too hard to please the ultra right who will keep him sitting in the window.

If you are guessing that I don’t vote Republican you’re partly right. I have voted Republican. But, I usually vote Democratic. My preference is to be independent. My perception is that Republicans think they own the flag and the cross. They believe they are morally and intellectually superior to everyone else. Although I generally vote for the individual and not the party, in the rhetorical comments of Republican politicians there is a paucity of civility and a general lack of compassion. That causes me to lean to the opposite direction.

President Obama joins many other Americans who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize including former presidents of the United States and two African Americans, Dr. Ralph Bunche in 1950 and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1964. None of them sought the prize, campaigned for the prize or expected to receive the prize.

Congratulations Mister President. <>

Kairos Outside in New York City

The weekend of July 24-26, 2009 is a weekend that I’ll always remember. I was part of a team of 28 women and 4 men hosting 20 female Guests for a weekend called Kairos Outside NYC #1. It was an awesome weekend. It was a weekend prepared by God for 52 of His people. Blessed doesn’t adequately describe what we all experienced.

Kairos Outside is one of the prison ministries of Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. The ministries address the spiritual needs of incarcerated men, women, children and their families and those who work in the prison environment.

The three main ministries are Kairos Inside which ministers to incarcerated men and women, Kairos Outside which ministers to women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration and Kairos Torch Youth Ministry which ministers to youth age 24 and younger who live in juvenile detention or correctional facilities. The initial introduction for the invitees is to participate in a Christian weekend similar to one of the Cursillo movement. Kairos has received blessing and encouragement of 4th Day movements such as Cursillo, Via de Cristo, Walk to Emmaus and Tres Dias. However, Kairos Prison Ministry is a ministry rather than a movement. It’s a ministry of the church. Following the weekend, invitees are encouraged to participate in reunions or support groups.

Karios Outside is a Christian Ministry that strives to bring healing, reconciliation and forgiveness to women who are affected by the incarceration of their loved ones. Kairos Outside began several years ago by Jo Chapman. She had a vision of expanding the Kairos’ ministry. Guests, as they are called, are the women who attend the weekend. They have close relatives or friends either currently incarcerated, previously incarcerated or have been incarcerated themselves. They serve time on the outside while their loved ones serve time on the inside. They rarely, if ever, tell anyone about their situation. In many cases they don’t even tell their pastor. It’s a painful secret they keep to themselves. Many feel a sense of shame.

There are Kairos Outside communities all over the United States and in Australia, Latin America, Africa, and the United Kingdom. This past weekend, we held the first such weekend in New York City (KO-NYC #1). It was held at the Passionist Spiritual Center/Cardinal Spellman Retreat House in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, NY. It’s a beautiful center on the banks of the Hudson River. This ministry was sorely needed in New York City because 85 percent men and women in the prisons of New York State come from the five boroughs of New York City. There are Kairos Outside communities in Elmira, NY and Mid-Hudson Valley, NY. Both are upstate New York. Until now there was none in New York City where most of the families of New York State inmates live.

Bringing this ministry to New York City is Coralie Joseph’s idea. She is a veteran of Kairos Inside. Coralie, along with my wife and about 50 other women have been participating in Kairos Inside in Fairfield County, Connecticut, for the past nine years. After contacting Jo Chapman about brining Kairos Outside to New York City and vigorously recruiting a team (including me), lots of prayers, two female clergy, more prayers, fund raising, lots of prayers, locating a local retreat site, lots more prayers, team meetings, and going through the process of inviting guests, the first weekend went off without a hitch. It was God’s weekend. The weekend costs $16,000 to $20,000. In the beginning of 2009 we had not one nickel. By the weekend in July 2009 the Holy Spirit had spoken to many hearts and we had the money needed. Our God is an awesome God.

The twenty guests arrived at the retreat center a little afraid and not sure of what to expect. They come from all walks of life. What they received was two and a half days of being treated like daughters of the King. And that’s who they are, Daughters of the King. They heard a series of talks from team members, many of whom have also been affected by incarceration. They had an opportunity to discuss the talks they heard in small family groups. There was plenty of music and lots of prayer. The food was outstanding and there was entertainment by the men on the team. Although the Weekend is Christian in nature religious affiliation is not necessary to attend. It was wonderful to watch the change from skepticism on Friday night to total involvement by Sunday afternoon.

The women learned that they are not alone with their secret. They had the opportunity to form relationships with other women who lived near them. They may choose to form support groups and keep in touch after the weekend. It’s difficult to explain how effective this ministry is to these women. They had an opportunity to share with members of the community that supported them during the weekend and tell what this weekend meant to them. With each woman who shared there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

I was one of four men on the ministry team. The others were Bill Cusano, Bruce Macleod and Robert Mandia. Our purpose was to serve at meal times, help with heavy lifting, decorating and providing entertainment. We told jokes at meal times, sang and did some clowning around as you see in the photo below. Then there was the main reason we were there. During each of the talks given by the women team members, our job was to pray during the talks. We were in another room near the community room where the talks were given. Each speaker was brought to our small chapel/prayer room before and after the talk. We prayed with the speakers before they gave their talks. We prayed while they were speaking in the community room to the guests. We prayed with the speakers after they gave their talks. The talks are not sermons or instructions. They are the speaker’s life journey. They are meant to convey to the listeners that they are not alone in the struggles of their own life’s journey. They are supported by prayer.

The guests had the security of knowing that what’s said on the weekend stays on the weekend. No one asks about their loved one who was incarcerated. The focus is on the guest. The message was, “You are loved by Jesus and by all of us unconditionally.”

This one article doesn’t begin to describe what a blessing Kairos Outside is to everyone who participates … guests … team members … day angels and community supporters. The photos are courtesy of team members Bill Cusano and Elizabeth Pritchard. Only team members are pictured.

We hope you will visit the Kairos Outside NYC website and decide how you will support this important ministry. Starting in 2010 we plan to sponsor two weekends a year. If your church is in New York City or Westchester NY, I’ll be glad to visit and discuss the ministry with your pastor and ministry leaders. <>