Author name: Carl Johnson

“I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.” These are the words of the mighty warrior Caleb, who was 80 years of age when he made this proclamation(!). This guy is one of my heroes. […]

Ten years ago, my amazing artist friend Jvo released a book called Quirky Leadership. It was the subtitle that grabbed me. “Permission Granted.” In essence, he was letting us know that YOU HAVE PERMISSION to be a quirky, eccentric, unconventional leader. You don’t necessarily need to fit in, follow a specific mold, or be like

A few years back, I read the Boss’ (AKA Bruce Springsteen) autobiography, Born to Run. This 500-page rock ’n roll memoir was striking in the recounting of details. The vivid remembrance of the walls and furniture in the home he grew up in. The colorful cast of characters during his early music development. The scent

“Alas, most men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them.”—Henry David Thoreau These were the words on the opening page of my very first book, Doldrums and the Divine Breath. This quote grabbed a long time ago, and it still hasn’t let go. It continues to

Many years ago, a very simple quote came to me. “Any progress is progress.” Then, just last night, I heard it put this way: “Progress is better than perfection.” These wise words came from Greg Harden, the mental fitness coach of Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and many other exceptional human beings. I was invited by

I’m sitting here in my living room, listening to my favorite non-Christmas hymn song. “Happy Xmas (War is Over).” I love the fact that Lennon was the first Beatle to submit his Christmas song out into the world. It has his signature lyrical themes all over it. Classic Lennon. Political, social, cultural, universal. An anthem

We often think of meaningful, memorable or “real life” moments when they happen on a grand scale. They would appear less frequent. What we could call “mountaintop moments.” Like literally standing on top of a mountain and soaking in the panoramic view that lies before you, the sun cresting over another distant peak. The scenery,

Years ago a read an interview with guitarist Carlos Santana. There was one part that stuck out to me, still to this day. The interviewer asked him, “Have you ever experienced a miracle?” His response was unusual. “Yes. I think it should be mandatory that once a year, you have to see a baby being

Our relationship to God is certainly not like a magic genie, where we get to ask him for whatever we want, whenever we want. I can’t find the evidence where he affords or allows us three big requests, and is obligated to answer/perform. It doesn’t work like that. And yet, prayer, and our attached petitions,