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Critic's Corner
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If you're looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift, "Mama Used to Say" is it. Johnson raised in Arkansas, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Arkansas. He chose Harvard Law School for his Juris Doctorate degree. Johnson is an attorney, college professor, consultant, and author whose works include: "Black Wall Street—From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District; "Up from The Ashes—A Story About Community," and "Acres of Aspiration—The All-Black Towns in Oklahoma." Johnson is a frequent keynote speaker on topics ranging from diversity to leadership to nonprofit governance, and also works extensively with programs that foster positive youth development. Once you've read "Mama Used to Say" you'll understand how this young man was inspired to march bravely into the world and achieve success in life. This isn't a large book, not in size or number of pages, but it is a major accomplishment in depicting the collective wisdom passed from generation to generation with a beguiling blend of wit, wisdom, and insight. As the title suggests, it was Johnson's "Mama" and other family members who influenced him to reach for the stars. Among the 20 heartwarming and inspirational tales in "Mama Used to Say," Johnson gives a testimony to the instinctive capacity of all mothers to love and to nurture their children not just through deeds, but through the spirited words that touch their souls. In the stories on "Life and Living," "Success and Failure," "Family and Relationships," and my favorite, "Love," the author reaches out to each of us in a personal way that has the capacity to give hope to the hopeless and guidance to the lost. In the story on love, Johnson says, "For many of us, that nearly indefinable word, ‘love,' is inextricably intertwined with the word ‘mother.' For me, an additional, albeit unlikely, two words tie ‘love' and ‘mother' together: ‘applesauce cake.'" Applesauce cake? That was my initial question which Johnson deftly explains. "This unlikely association—this seeming non sequitur—may be less bizarre than it seems at first blush. As a child, Mama's deliciously moist applesauce cake ranked at the top of my food chain. Mama knew that, and made the delectable, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, treasure especially for me—at least I thought so at the time." Johnson goes on to give the actual recipe for "Mama's" gift of love. He also says that this flavorful comfort food made him feel both special and loved. Why? Because even as a child, he appreciated the time and care that went into baking that deliciously plain, but indescribably tasty dessert. It became, to him, a symbol of love in action. You see, "Mama" rarely verbalized that love. Instead, her actions spoke volumes to a small boy. "The message was unmistakable. Love had everything to do with it." Following the story about Mama's cake, Johnson gives a short Meditation in which he says: "We know it when we see it, right? For many, ‘love' defies words. In the end, our actions tell the true story. Sometimes our greatest lessons in love come not from what we say, but rather from the signals we give. Love often speaks sign language." After each story comes a Meditation and a "First Things First" suggestion for readers to consider. For example, after the "Love" story, Johnson suggests readers "Define ‘love' in five words or fewer. List examples from your own life experience of love in action." In addition to the story, meditation and suggestion for readers' interaction, a block of "Pearls of Wisdom" from Mama are given. Some of my favorite "Pearls of Wisdom" from Mama were: "When nobody around you seems to measure up, it's time to check your yardstick." and "A gossip is a person who can give you all the details without knowing any of the facts." And then there is, "Many patches make up the American quilt," and "When in doubt, don't." These are but a few of what "Mama Used to Say." In his prologue, Johnson says the above are some of the choices he made at various points along his own personal journey. "More importantly, however, it (‘Mama Used to Say') examines the foundational underpinnings—the ethical moorings—of those choices. May the words, wit, and wisdom that have proven invaluable to me be equally beneficial to you." "Mama Used to Say" is an illuminating book, a pearl of great value, and one I recommend to all readers of all ages. Copyright Patricia A. Jones, March 19, 2004, all rights reserved Save Up to 30% on this book at Amazon.com Jones is a published writer and book reviewer for Tulsa World newspaper. To comment on this review you may email pattij777@aol.com |
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