May we all be an Earl Johnson to others

With the growing issue in this community and many others across this country, I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a real story from my own life. I hope this inspires you also.

In Memory of Earl Johnson: A Tribute to Kindness

May everyone have at least one Earl Johnson in their life, and more importantly, may I be an Earl Johnson to someone else.

This is a true story from my life—a tribute to a man whose impact was profound, even if he might not fit the traditional mold of greatness. Earl Johnson was an illiterate homeless man on the streets of Columbus, Ohio, in the early 1980s, yet he embodied the essence of what it means to be truly great.

A New Chapter on the Streets

It was a cool, late-September morning in 1982 when I awoke to the sound of automatic sprinklers in Riverside Park, overlooking the Scioto River. Having spent my early 20s lost in the party culture of Champaign, Illinois, I had decided to leave that life behind.

While I didn’t know what the answer was (who does at that age) I KNEW WHAT THE ANSWER WAS NOT!

I’d been hitchhiking across the country and had recently come off the road to seek a sense of belonging among fellow homeless individuals.

Life on the streets was not comfortable, but it wasn’t as hard as one might think. I found a community among those who understood the challenges of our shared existence. I had given up alcohol and drugs, weary of the futility that had defined my previous years. I was searching for something—though I didn’t quite know what that was.

Meeting Earl Johnson

That chilly morning soaked from the sprinklers earlier, I stood in line at the Plasma Center, shivering in the cold, when I noticed an older, stocky man in front of me. It was Earl Johnson whom I had met several times over the past few weeks. Despite the toll that life had taken on him, he always managed to offer kindness to others.

Seeing me struggling against the cold, Earl insisted I take his worn coat. I hesitated, knowing it was his only source of warmth. But he wouldn’t take no for an answer, insisting that I needed it more. This simple act of kindness stayed with me, illustrating the profound generosity that can be found even in the most difficult circumstances.

As we waited, Earl handed me a tattered business card for Manna House Outreach Center, (pictured above and Yes those are bars even on the 2nd story windows reflecting the type of neighborhood) a place that offered shelter during the harsh winter months. His words were simple but powerful: "If you can handle the Bible study, this place will give you three hots and a cot."

A Transformative Experience

Reluctantly, I took his advice. After a year as a resident at Manna House, I transitioned onto the staff, dedicating myself to helping others. I became the resident manager, providing food, shelter, and support to at our peak 34 men from backgrounds of alcohol and/or drug abuse or prison.

Earl returned every year in late September or early October like clockwork, and I made sure he always had a bed waiting for him, often welcoming him with a literal hug.

In our Bible study classes, I discovered that Earl was completely illiterate, yet he possessed a wisdom that surpassed many I’d met. His humility and kindness were remarkable, serving as a reminder that greatness is not defined by one's circumstances or education, but by one's character and ability to uplift others.

A Legacy of Kindness

Earl Johnson was not a man of wealth or status, but he was one of the greatest influences in my life. His spirit of generosity and compassion taught me invaluable lessons about humility and kindness.

As we reflect on the life of Earl, I encourage everyone to think about how they can be an Earl Johnson to others. May we all strive to extend a helping hand, offer warmth to those in need, and create a legacy of kindness in our communities.

Call to Action: May everyone be an Earl Johnson to others. In a world that often seems cold and uninviting, let us be the warmth that others seek. Reach out, lend a hand, and embody the spirit of generosity that Earl so effortlessly shared.