By Bernard E. Johnson
Most of these columns garner limited response from readers. One exception is one from 2007 that simply listed some things I believe. A few (OK more than a few) people have asked if I would run this piece again. So, in a slightly updated version, I offer it as my first entry for 2011.
I believe Jesus was the son of God and died for my sins.
I believe forgiveness may be the costliest of all human transactions
but I believe that carrying a grudge is much harder on a person.
I believe bad things happen to good people for no reason at all with the possible exception of providing an opportunity to experience the grace of God and the triumph of the human spirit in the midst of adversity.
I believe staying married is more admirable than getting married. I believe that raising children is a commendable calling and that raising them well is a noteworthy achievement.
I believe Ted Williams had the sweetest swing in baseball. I believe
Bob Cousy had the smoothest moves in basketball and that Mario Lemieux had the greatest moves in hockey.
I believe heaven is a larger place than many people want it to be. I believe God hangs out at the end of my rope. I believe I am free to choose to go to hell instead of heaven if I want to.
I believe in forgiveness. I believe that even good people can make tragic mistakes. I believe in a second chance and that a person should not be defined by his or her worst moment.
I believe a soft winter snow, a warm fire and a good book make winter a good season for the soul. I believe good writing is hard work, hard reading is good work and not reading doesn’t work.
I believe Mother Theresa deserves to be a saint along with everyone who ever taught junior high. I believe that Jimmy Carter is a good example of what to do as an ex-president and that Habitat for Humanity is an inspired mission.
I believe I should have taken piano lessons as a boy. I believe that rap music is not music and that Harry Chapin and Paul Simon were among the greatest troubadours of my generation.
I believe that holding your newborn child is life-changing and that
holding your newborn grandchild is even more so.
I believe few things are more exhilarating than being on a sloop under sail, skiing down a mountain or riding a motorcycle. I believe that making par in golf is difficult and that not cheating at golf
is also difficult when you are having a bad day on the course.
I believe James Forbes (Riverside Church, NYC) is the best preacher I have ever heard and I believe there are as many great or greater ones that I will never hear. I believe Billy Graham spoke the truth.
I believe snakes, lizards and fish are not pets and that a Bichon Frise may be the sweetest pet of all. I believe everyone should have a pet.
I believe it is good to read the Bible every day, that the Psalms are unmatched sources of wisdom and comfort and that the teachings of Jesus are an inexhaustible source of insight for living.
I believe Garrison Keillor is a better theologian than many who hold theological degrees.
I believe that first-born children deserve extra credit for enduring their parents’ rookie years. I believe we all need to forgive our parents’ imperfections … for our own sake, not theirs.
I believe that once in life everyone should catch a fish, steal a kiss, go skinny-dipping, visit another country, study art, attend a symphony, eat escargots, watch the sun set over the ocean and wake up to a sunrise in the mountains.
I believe everyone should milk a cow, attend a circus, build a snowman, go camping, climb a mountain, swim in the ocean and give away something you wanted to keep.
I believe that nationalism is dangerous and that it is time for America to clean up her act. I believe the same is true for the Christian church.
I believe my parents did the best they could and deserve a place of honor in my thoughts and memories.
I believe that I am going to die one day. I hope a few people will remember something good that came from me to them. Most of all I want to hear heaven’s voice say, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home.”
Dr. Bernard E. Johnson shares this space with the Revs. Rod Anderson, Timothy A. Johnson and Michael Miller as well as spiritual writer Lauren Carlson-Vohs. “Spiritually Speaking” appears weekly.