This Tuesday, Lipscomb University welcomed Captain Ronald S. Johnson to the Gathering. Rhonda Lowry helped tell his story, asking him questions ranging from his faith to his experience in Ferguson.
Being placed in charge of controlling the riots was something huge that Johnson felt God had given him, but he felt ready for it.
Knowing the district and its people led him to take the lead when the riots broke out. Johnson said his faith had everything to do with it, saying that being called to a faithful life leads us to unimaginable places.
Johnson grew up going to church and, like most people, had a hard time with a consistent faith. “Faith was something that I believed in. In tough times, I went to my faith, but in good times, I sometimes forgot about my faith,” Johnson said.
As he grew older, his faith grew stronger. This was integral in leading up to his guiding Ferguson through the riots and protests.
Johnson said a lot of young people came out because they had a voice. They embraced the differences of the culture and wanted something better for our country.
Johnson continued, saying Ferguson wasn’t just a black and white issue. He said that people of different colors were saying, “Maybe I don’t understand every issue, but this is an issue my brother is facing.”
This moved Johnson to see how this younger generation was a group of spiritual leaders. In regard to other spiritual leaders at Ferguson, Johnson said, “They need to see you out there. They might not like what they’re going to hear, but you need to come back.”
He continually told the audience that there was so much the media didn’t show on the news such as people protesting harmlessly with their Bibles. An angry society will always want to see the worst of what’s happening so they can find someone to blame. To balance this out, Johnson had to be strong and make his presence known for those who weren’t being seen.
Through the process, Johnson questioned if he was strong enough, but he had to rely on God’s plan. “There are times in life as a pastor where you have to tear up your sermon and start over,” he said. “[You] say ‘I don’t have a plan, I don’t have anything. I just came here to march.’”
Ferguson was the longest riot in history, yet there was less property damage and no lives lost. He attributes the success and peace to the power of faith.
Johnson’s last advice to the audience: “Any opportunity to share your faith beyond these walls, do it.”
Photo by Anna Rogers