Finding the Good

by Lucas L. Johnson II

Here is a powerful story of a 20th century slave who rose to the rank of mayor and the young man whose life he touched. Like Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Mitch Albom gleans wisdom from his mentor, Finding the Good is the story of Fred Montgomery and his influence on Lucas Johnson, a young reporter who learns of the transforming power of faith and love.Fred Montgomery, the son of sharecroppers in west Tennessee, and boyhood friend of Alex Haley, grew up in poverty, but had a faith and confidence instilled in him by his parents. Always at the mercy of white people, Fred worked hard and acquired his own farm in spite of opposition from his white neighbors. After losing two of his sons in separate drowning accidents, Fred tried twice to commit suicide. Bitter from years of frustration brought upon him by whites, Fred's attitude was changed by the sympathy and love shown to him by his neighbors, white and black alike. In 1988 he proved that faith and love can prevail by becoming the first black mayor of the once strongly segregated Henning, Tennessee.While telling this story, the author shows glimpses of his own life, in which many of his relatives, including his own father, succumbed to the lure of alcohol and drugs. Lucas Johnson lost all hope. He had no faith; he had no love. "Years have passed," he concludes," since I first met Fred Montgomery. . . . I'm a better person because of him. His life . . . gave me a credible blueprint on how to deal with life's problems and even grow stronger from them."

Genres: Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of a man who went through and endured so much in his lifetime. But when presented with things that he didn’t like or were unfair, he went to God for the answers. I won this in a Goodreads’s giveaway and highly recommend it.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding the Good is a story of friendship between two men, one young, one old. Each finds a way to love and forgive in an unfair world full of prejudice and cruelty. We learned about lessons taught and learned. Their stories made me think about faith and trust. This book is well written, easy to read and will stay with you to keep you thinking. I enjoyed Finding the Good and highly recommend it.

[Vicki Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful message, some life-saving or changing mantras.
I thought the writing style itself a little unpolished but still think this book is a must read for Christians, especially those of us needing to take steps in positive thinking and gratitude.

[Candace Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of friendship between two men that transcends generations, where each finds peace within oneself and the ability to forgive in a world of cruelties.

[Din · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Heather has a folksy way of writing and I feel I'm right back in Haines, Alaska with her.