Leadership is caring about those who are following you, as well as those you have the ability to impact, remembering you yourself were once the follower. Leadership is sacrifice at its greatest. I’m reminded of Christ Jesus, he was the perfect example in showing us the way, yet it cost Him his life which he willingly gave for the benefit of everyone else.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Juanita Johnson.
Amongst a culture seemingly calloused by global disasters, disparity, and various traumas, awaits change agents fashioned with a sense of matriarchal benevolence relentlessly geared toward transforming the world we know, by intrinsic design. Mirroring this ethic with innate proficiency, is the compassionate leader, Juanita Johnson. Juanita Johnson is an orator, cleric, and multi-dimensional adept, with a mandate to extol the masses by way of an intriguing interpersonal relationship, with the Love of God.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Thank you so much for the opportunity, it is truly an honor! Honestly, I was very fortunate to have a family who believed in God, so at an early age I was introduced to Him. It began with my great-grandmother, I remember climbing into her lap as she sat rocking in her chair, reading her Bible. I was too young to really understand the words, but I remember how her reading intrigued me!
My parents also did a remarkable job steering me & my siblings in the right direction by teaching us right from wrong (according to the Bible) and making sure we were present every Sunday for Sunday school at our local church to learn and grow. I do not recall “sleeping in” on Sunday mornings! Their teachings & instructions carried on throughout our adult lives, and though as teenagers & young adults, we sometimes went astray, the seed had been planted! By Gods’ grace & mercy “Love God” is now springing forth for His glory!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The most interesting story for me is that I finally grasped who I am! I realized that writing has always been a part of my calling! As a preteen I remember receiving opportunities to write children’s books, I never gave it much thought because honestly at the time, i didn’t see myself as being capable. Since birthing “Love God” I’ve witnessed growth in areas that I once felt timid or lacked full confidence. I’ve experienced a greater sense of boldness for who I am in God. Although I’ve been in ministry since 2010, the launching of “Love God” has catapulted both my faith & confidence in the impact that we as people can make for Him in the earth.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Wow… I’d have to say that it was attempting to figure out Gods’ plan! The HUGE lesson learned is that He is infinite & all-powerful, and regardless of how hard we try, aside from Him granting us insight, we will never be able to comprehend what He’s doing!
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Yes. “Love God” is gently, yet boldly, drawing our attention & focus back to Him. It’s reminding us that He still exists, that He loves us, and that He desires us to love Him! It’s causing us to just take a moment to remember and reflect on Him. As society over the years has become bogged down in busyness & meeting the demands of day-to-day life, Love God is our tap on the shoulder to realign ourselves with the creator.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Yes… remember God. Allow Him in your conversations, allow His name to be mentioned. Begin to truly testify of His goodness & faithfulness and allow your light to shine for Him. All too often we are worried or concerned about what others may think if we mention God. We’re worried about what rules we may break, and we’ve seemingly forgotten that it all begins and ends with Him! Whenever He’s not a part of a thing, there’s a great chance it may not prosper. I pray that as a community, society, and even politically, that we will begin to revere & honor Him more.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
In defining leadership I take notice of the first 4 letters being “lead”. To lead, one must first step up & step out. In doing so, they must be aware & willing to take on whatever they are faced with. Leadership is not only a willingness to lead & face obstacles, adversity, and the like, it’s also a commitment to learn & grow, being as knowledgeable as possible about the task, mission, etc in which you are leading. Leadership is caring about those who are following you, as well as those you have the ability to impact, remembering you yourself were once the follower. Leadership is sacrifice at its greatest. I’m reminded of Christ Jesus, he was the perfect example in showing us the way, yet it cost Him his life which he willingly gave for the benefit of everyone else.
Leadership is having insight & vision as opposed to going with the flow, it’s being focused on the mission and not allowing oneself to yield to distractions. Leadership is humility because although leaders have authority, they are not always right & are very capable of making mistakes. True leadership is humble enough to apologize or ask for help if need be. Leadership is possessing character, integrity, and grit. Lastly, leadership is leading the “ship” in the right direction. It’s steadily steering through every storm and arriving successfully at the intended destination.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why.
- Consistency is key!
- Allow yourself GRACE!
- Don’t procrastinate!
- Use what God has given you!
- YOU are making a difference!
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
“Love God”! This is my movement! To spread this concept throughout the world has become one of my greatest desires. Each day I am thinking of new ways & ideas to inspire others to join me! My goal is for “Love God” to be seen & heard in every nation! As we are driving along the highways, shopping in stores, watching television, interacting on social media, etc. I desire it to be in our face so to speak everywhere we go. I am currently working on how to begin implementing it everywhere, and I know that with God’s grace & favor, it will be so! Amen…
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The sky’s the limit!
Growing up I was unaware that I could pursue many different things. I always heard “What do you want to be when you grow up”? In my mind, I thought I had to just pick one! Not two or three, but one, and focus on that one forever. I always had a hard time with that because honestly there wasn’t any one thing that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Thankfully I was blessed to be in the company of others who when they spoke, it was as if “life” or a new way of thinking was birthed in me. God then graciously began showing me that I could do this or that, and yet still be doing this too, all while working towards other things as well! It was amazing!!! Because of the encounter, I’ve been able to accomplish many things, wear many different hats, be a part of various professions, etc. I’ve learned that the sky truly is the limit! For me, that means I am not limited to being or mastering one particular thing, but according to God’s will, I can be and achieve whatever I set my mind to. Even at my current age, I am still beginning new endeavors and accomplishing things I never thought I could! To God be the Glory!
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
The beautiful & gifted Cece Winans comes to mind. For such a long time I have admired and been inspired by the grace God has given her to minister through song. I’ve always loved how she expresses her faith & love for Him as she sings. Her voice has always been one of encouragement, strength, determination, commitment, and love. It’s one thing to have a beautiful voice, yet it’s more meaningful to be able to sense someone’s heart through song. I truly believe she loves the Lord. I’ve always been drawn to those who operate in such humility as she does while ministering in the amazing gift she’s been given. She has also always shown forth her love for family, and I’m BIG on family! I truly believe that family is one of Gods’ greatest gifts to us on this earth.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Stay connected with me via www.thegreatembracing.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram!
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you so much! It has been a pleasure, and I am grateful!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Juanita Johnson Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.