Friday, April 9, 2021

Interview with Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnson #interview #blogtour


 Rev. Dr. Johnson attended Evanston Township High School. From there he went on to study at Illinois Wesleyan University.  His professional education for his Doctor of Optometry degree was completed at the Southern California College of Optometry, now known as Marshall B. Ketchum University.  Rev. Dr. Johnson received his Master’s degree at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. “I plan on leading a crusade against blindness due to age related cataracts. I’m able to do all these things because I serve a great God who does great things and He has allowed me to do great things,” commented Rev. Dr. Johnson. He has set up a foundation known as the Rev. Dr. Leonidas The Optometrist and The Miracle Eyes Foundation. See this web site for more information www.revleonidastheoptometrist.org. Due to his work demands – Dr. Johnson lives in both Chicago and Los Angeles.

Visit his website at Books | Christian Faith Publishing | Free Publishing Kit | Christian Faith Publishing and www.revleonidastheoptometrist.org.


About the Book

“I’ve spent my life helping people to see, both as a licensed optometrist and also as an ordained minister,” said author Rev. Dr. Leonidas Johnson. “Vision, what is it? I discovered that physical vision is very similar to


spiritual vision and the mind is the bridge between the two.”

In Rev. Dr. Johnson’s book, readers will experience a concept called learning by comparison. Comparing physical vision with spiritual vision will help the readers see themselves and the world God created in a whole new light. Readers will see the world God created from a physical, mental, and spiritual vantage point that will enrich their lives, Rev. Dr. Johnson says. These vantage points help build a foundation for developing a decision-making strategy that is both liberating and biblically sound.

Rev. Dr. Johnson went on to say “The title of my book – – Phenomenal Vision: Eyesight To Life Sight – – came after contemplating the impact vision has on one’s life, not just physical but eternal. It leans into the concept of one’s worldview. A proper view of oneself and the world can deeply impact the outcome of one’s life. Jesus said I come that might have life and have it more abundantly. How can you see physical beauty if you are physically blind? Conversely, how can you have an abundant life if you are spiritually blind?  Vision should never be taken for granted and vision that incorporates physical, mental and spiritual vantage points is not ordinary but phenomenal and lead to a phenomenal life.”

Praise

I just read Phenomenal Vision Eyesight to Life Sight by Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnson.  It is a delightful book written thoughtfully.  He linked the physical aspects of vision with the metaphysical aspects of vision in a creative way.  I share a common perspective as Rev. Dr. Johnson because I am also an Optometrist and a Christian minister.  He has captured both the physical science of vision and the metaphysical science of vision.  I am confident that there will be “aha moments” for readers who may not have a foot in either area.

This author so wonderfully explained the spiritual nature of vision.  His linking of disorders or disease to both the physical and spiritual makes it easy for the reader to “get it.”  His use of graphs, diagrams, pictures, and charts is also very creative.  Often books are “dumbed down” and don’t trust the intellect of the reader.  This book soars in bringing light to something that has often been opaque.  This book is a must-read.  It will be a blessing for those who desire to have a more in-depth understanding of the link between the physical and metaphysical aspects of life.

— Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr.

The title of this book, Phenomenal Vision: Eyesight to Life Sight, written by Rev. Dr. Leonidas A. Johnson, is one that entices the reader’s curiosity towards further exploration of its content. The author is an Optometrist and an Ordained Minister, therefore, this book is a valuable resource for various professional and religious environments, i.e. universities, colleges, seminaries, along with local churches for both clergy and laity. It is an insightful reference for readers interested in the relationship between eyesight and life sight. In other words, the reader will gain a wealth of knowledge concerning physical, mental and spiritual vision.

Rev. Dr. Johnson presents a thorough explanation regarding the connection between the mind, body, spirit and soul. His approach is holistic as he delves into the medical terminology towards understanding physical vision and creatively references biblical scriptures and stories to engage the reader in components of spiritual vision. Furthermore, Rev. Dr. Johnson has included several graphics, i.e. diagrams, charts and pictures to assist the reader “to see” and comprehend the three major areas emphasized in the text: 1.) inter-relatedness of physical vision, 2.) mental vision cognitive, and 3.) spiritual vision.

It is evident that the author has a passion for the love of God and God’s people as he reveals the depths of his knowledge, research, spirituality and life experiences as an Optometrist and Minister of the Gospel. Rev. Dr. Leonidas Johnson has written a phenomenal book that is a true treasure as each written page is most enlightening!

Rev. Dr. Venus L. Butler

Associate Minister,

Second Baptist Church, Los Angeles

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/38lIKiK



Can you tell us what your book is about?

My book is about how the miracle of vision can help you live a life full and free, full of gusto and free of unnecessary strife, a life that can simply be described as phenomenal.

Why did you write your book?

I believe I discovered something that’s valuable, potentially lifesaving, life altering and vitally important. I felt it was incumbent upon me to share what I learned.

Someone once said, “Next to life itself God’s most precious gift is sight.” I believe I understand the depth of that statement and its value to help people live more fulfilled lives by helping them view themselves and the world God created more clearly.

I believe what I have written will help many readers live a wonderful life and help prevent them from making foolish decisions in life. We all make mistakes, some are avoidable.

What kind of message is your book trying to tell your readers?

My book gives a message of hope.  A hope for a better way of understanding oneself, the world in which we live, and hope for a better way of life. Life can be so confusing, especially the way things are going in and around the world. This book will help the reader see and understand what life is all about.

Who influenced you to write your book?

I would classify my book as inspirational. Quincy Jones wrote a song titled, “What Good is a Song” and part of the lyrics of that song went like this, “What good is a song if doesn’t inspire?” I believe all inspiration comes from God. As in many other art forms, like painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, drawing, illustration, mixed techniques, installations, comic strips, textile arts,  architecture, music, the performing arts, film stories, animations, oratory and of course literary, I believe God gives special inspiration to these powerful forms of communication that tap into the very depths of our soul to help uplift and inspire us to creatively look beyond our frailties and the darkness of our faults and rise above the level of mediocracy and live phenomenal lives that not only honor God but help us to better understand the beauty of life and marvelous wonders of God’s creation.

Which holiday is your favorite and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas but not just the day. I enjoy the whole Christmas season. It’s not the gifts that I like about Christmas, it’s the joy and cheer that the Christmas season brings. People tend to be a little gentler and kinder at Christmas time than at any other time of year. People of all nations, tribes, languages, and belief systems seem to be affect by the spirit of Christmas.

Can you tell us about your family?

My dad was a minister. His name was Rev. Leon Johnson. When I was a child he served as Director of the United Christian Fellowship and University Minister for Central State University located in Wilberforce Ohio. My dad’s dad was also a minister. His name was Rev. Herbert L. Johnson. He was the founder of the Gloryland Mt.Gillion Baptist Church located in New Orleans, Louisiana. My grandmother lived to be very old. I remember she always had food on the oven, things like red beans and rice, gumbo, smothered chicken or smother pork chops and rice. I enjoyed going to store with her to get the live blue crab or freshly boiled crawfish. There was always food in the house ready to eat. My mother died from the complications of a broken hip. My mother made the best gumbo I ever tasted. She was a strong woman, a pioneer. While living in New Orleans, she took a bookkeeping position at Allen’s Shoe store on Canal Street. She was listed as a maid because at the time, no Blacks were allowed to work in a professional capacity on Canal St. She was the first Black woman to hold this position.

What kind of advice would you give other non-fiction authors?

I advise non-fiction authors to lean in on your area of expertise or special knowledge but also try to remember what it was like to be a child full of imagination. As we transition into adulthood and learn to deal with the harsh realities of life, we have a tendency to forget what is was like to be a child and we lose our sense of imagination. Do something that you use to do as a child, something you have not done in a long time. Try to remember the different things that amazed you as a child. Go somewhere that reminds you of the wonder years of your youth. Read your favorite childhood book. This may help you tap into your creativity. The Bible says that when God created us, He created us in His image and we know God is a creator.

Try to be creative and imaginative in the way you present your material, not only in terms of your writing style but also in the way it is laid out visually. Add illustrations and color if feasible. Communicate as though you are communicating with children. It is easy to make a simple subject sound complicated, it is much harder to make a complicated subject sound simple. The use of drawings and illustrations often helps to simplify and summarize complexed subjects. Oh, and before going into too much detail about a subject make sure you try give the reader a good view of the big picture of your subject for context. Its easy to get lost in the details of complexities of different subject matters.

 


 

 

 

 

 

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