Foreword
Success does not come from a single idea, lucky break or a
brilliant strategy. Each one of these advantages does not last
forever. No, the foundation of a great work is more closely
associated with the authors attributes. These attributes
found in my friend Michael Bonilla, were active long before
this book of poetry was written. You will discover as I have,
that the ultimate success of this book had little to do with
strategy, luck or a great idea. Michael willingly exposes his
inner man without trace of masquerade. Dr. Michael Bonilla
receives acclaim as a dedicated archaeologist. His
ruggedness working with his gentleness illuminates an
attribute known as balance.
I ask, “Why would an archaeologist write a book on poetry?”
I found the answer written on the pages of this book. The
purpose of this book offered value and endurance. The value
of life and the enduring purpose of it are on every page. The
poems will challenge you just as I have been challenged and
I am thankful of it. The values originate from deep within the
man. The authentic soul searching truths which Michael holds
so dearly are expressed in rhyme. Most important, the
anthology of poems will provide inspiration and even answers
to some of life’s questions. Spiritual truths are found on every
page.
If the authors intent to stimulate the reader to a higher value
and purpose of life, then he has succeeded. I sense within
the man and his words, an unceasing drive and desire to
bring about change in us and himself. There is a spiritual
world out there which needs to be explored. As you search
for it, many roadblocks will appear. To overcome obstacles,
would be gain. The poems will help in guiding us through the
enemies mine fields. It can be accomplished if we’re willing to
change; especially in our thought process. Relax! Enjoy the
unique style and flexibility of words, while Michael spans
generations through time.
The very act of writing these poems demonstrates Michael
Bonilla’s desire to share his wisdom.
Success does not come from a single idea, lucky break or a
brilliant strategy. Each one of these advantages does not last
forever. No, the foundation of a great work is more closely
associated with the authors attributes. These attributes
found in my friend Michael Bonilla, were active long before
this book of poetry was written. You will discover as I have,
that the ultimate success of this book had little to do with
strategy, luck or a great idea. Michael willingly exposes his
inner man without trace of masquerade. Dr. Michael Bonilla
receives acclaim as a dedicated archaeologist. His
ruggedness working with his gentleness illuminates an
attribute known as balance.
I ask, “Why would an archaeologist write a book on poetry?”
I found the answer written on the pages of this book. The
purpose of this book offered value and endurance. The value
of life and the enduring purpose of it are on every page. The
poems will challenge you just as I have been challenged and
I am thankful of it. The values originate from deep within the
man. The authentic soul searching truths which Michael holds
so dearly are expressed in rhyme. Most important, the
anthology of poems will provide inspiration and even answers
to some of life’s questions. Spiritual truths are found on every
page.
If the authors intent to stimulate the reader to a higher value
and purpose of life, then he has succeeded. I sense within
the man and his words, an unceasing drive and desire to
bring about change in us and himself. There is a spiritual
world out there which needs to be explored. As you search
for it, many roadblocks will appear. To overcome obstacles,
would be gain. The poems will help in guiding us through the
enemies mine fields. It can be accomplished if we’re willing to
change; especially in our thought process. Relax! Enjoy the
unique style and flexibility of words, while Michael spans
generations through time.
The very act of writing these poems demonstrates Michael
Bonilla’s desire to share his wisdom.
I feel many will prosper due to the passion released in
this work. Be prepared for change, especially in areas of
your life which you felt were fixed forever. To that I would
say, “don’t be afraid of change.” I have discovered it is a
rare ability to change while maintaining continuity with
time. Here is the product of what a man can deliver after
connecting the natural with the supernatural. It may
appear that we have in Michael Bonilla, a man who
vacillates from delicate inspiration to bitter condemnation.
This is no easy task; be prepared to be shaken from
slumber. I can’t deny that some poems are unorthodox
but truly beautiful. There will be moments when what you
read will be soothing to the spirit. He also writes with a
scorch pen.
Open your understanding concerning warfare between
the spiritual and natural worlds which surround us. I
appreciate the art form expressed in Michael’s book.
Symbolism combined with faith inspired poetry is a major
contribution in this book.
Repeatedly a common message is carried in various
ways. What is that message? In a nutshell, this is the
message, “If human relationships are wrong, no other
factor of life can really matter.” If love departs and
friendships wither, in what way can man coexist? There
are many warnings here. However, he is not preachy;
nor does he give the appearance of being a specific
crusade. Every thought is conveyed clearly and
completely. I was thrilled by the many times Michael
speaks of the ugly and the beautiful. It may be pointed
out that Mr. Bonilla combines vivid perception of spiritual
reality with an exquisite collection of devotional poetry. I
sensed at times, the emotions expressed were almost
too large for words. Yet, they have been written and we
will treasure them. Thank you, Michael.
Our friendship is my blessing.
Jack Hashim, 2004
this work. Be prepared for change, especially in areas of
your life which you felt were fixed forever. To that I would
say, “don’t be afraid of change.” I have discovered it is a
rare ability to change while maintaining continuity with
time. Here is the product of what a man can deliver after
connecting the natural with the supernatural. It may
appear that we have in Michael Bonilla, a man who
vacillates from delicate inspiration to bitter condemnation.
This is no easy task; be prepared to be shaken from
slumber. I can’t deny that some poems are unorthodox
but truly beautiful. There will be moments when what you
read will be soothing to the spirit. He also writes with a
scorch pen.
Open your understanding concerning warfare between
the spiritual and natural worlds which surround us. I
appreciate the art form expressed in Michael’s book.
Symbolism combined with faith inspired poetry is a major
contribution in this book.
Repeatedly a common message is carried in various
ways. What is that message? In a nutshell, this is the
message, “If human relationships are wrong, no other
factor of life can really matter.” If love departs and
friendships wither, in what way can man coexist? There
are many warnings here. However, he is not preachy;
nor does he give the appearance of being a specific
crusade. Every thought is conveyed clearly and
completely. I was thrilled by the many times Michael
speaks of the ugly and the beautiful. It may be pointed
out that Mr. Bonilla combines vivid perception of spiritual
reality with an exquisite collection of devotional poetry. I
sensed at times, the emotions expressed were almost
too large for words. Yet, they have been written and we
will treasure them. Thank you, Michael.
Our friendship is my blessing.
Jack Hashim, 2004
*** A heartfelt note from Dr. Michael A. Bonilla...
The foreword that my friend and Elder Jack Hashim wrote, literally laid the foundation to this anthology of poems that I wrote under
divine inspiration by the Holy Spirit. Brother Hashim's words written above were also divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. I truly feel
that the greater anointing from the book that I wrote derives mainly from the foreword. Jack, our friendship is priceless and I just want
to thank you so much for your encouraging words and thoughts. I have always stated that the foreword is what turned a decent
poetry book: DISCOVERING BIBLICAL TRUTH, UNCOVERING GOD'S FAITH, to an awesome and anointed poetry book!
The foreword that my friend and Elder Jack Hashim wrote, literally laid the foundation to this anthology of poems that I wrote under
divine inspiration by the Holy Spirit. Brother Hashim's words written above were also divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. I truly feel
that the greater anointing from the book that I wrote derives mainly from the foreword. Jack, our friendship is priceless and I just want
to thank you so much for your encouraging words and thoughts. I have always stated that the foreword is what turned a decent
poetry book: DISCOVERING BIBLICAL TRUTH, UNCOVERING GOD'S FAITH, to an awesome and anointed poetry book!