Bethany, MO: Sharon Johnson has released her second book LOL (Live Out Loud) dedicated to her eleven grandchildren whom she calls her blessings.
“After my first book “Go Mad” – (Go Make a Difference), my grandchildren all wondered when I would write my next one, and this one is for them,” Sharon explained.
The summary of the book explains that usually when we see or use LOL, we are referring to laugh out loud. This book will give readers a whole new meaning for LOL with funny but true stories. Sharon’s LOL, to her, means live out loud. Her life has been just that, living out loud with family, in worship, at ball games, and even shopping.
Sharon Johnson is known for her giving nature and her desire to help others. Sharon and her husband Bob Johnson run Hope Royale, which is a Christian transitional living center for men with troubled pasts where they can go and change their lives. The men that stay there make commitments from 3 to 12 months and work towards reestablishing themselves in the community.
Sharon and Bob also started Mission of Hope in Haiti in 1983 after visiting Haiti many times and feeling the need to do more to help the people there. Their son Bob Johnson and his wife Vanessa also got involved and have spent a lot of time in Haiti helping out.
The Johnsons also run Miracle Hills Ranch, a campground that they purchased in 1994 after moving from Indiana to Missouri. They purchased the beautiful land with the vision of it becoming a campground for church camps, retreats, family reunions and more.
Sharon does not claim to be an author and finds it difficult at times to sit still long enough to write, but wanted to gather many life lessons and funny experiences that she has encountered in one place for her grandchildren to remember and for others to enjoy. Her youngest grandchild has even found a desire to read more because of it, which excites Sharon.
The name of the book came from her grandson Peyton who told her when he was in sixth grade, a junior now, that it’s better to be loud and proud than quiet and dead.
Sharon explained that she is known for living out loud, especially when it comes to backing the South Harrison Bulldogs. Her grandson’s teammates have even come to expect and enjoy Sharon cheering them on during games.
Sharon will have a book signing Sunday May 6, 4-6 p.m. at the South Harrison Commons. The book can be purchased there or on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.–By Emma Coulthard
Book signing planned: Sharon Johnson displays her new book “Live Out Loud” that describes her philosophy of life. She will hold a book signing from 4 to 6 Sunday, May 6, at the South Harrison Commons.