OOMM Appendix I, Additional Endorsements (19):

 

1. "Faith, like a fingerprint, is a unique and personal element of every individual. Faith represents the primary roadmap, which guides the individual to the ultimate discovery of God within himself. The stronger and more dynamic a man's faith, the greater is his ability to take his innermost, complex thoughts and de-construct them into meaningful words that those closest to him can understand and embrace. This book is an enlightening roadmap of one man's journey of faith into spiritual self-awareness, and the surrender of his heart to the power and grace of Almighty God. On Monday, September 15, 1975, I met Richard Hay for the first time. Within days of meeting Richard, I sensed that this man was destined to change lives and guide others to spiritual self-discovery. At the time, I was unsure of the vehicle that Richard would use to convey his message, but I was convinced that God had plans for his life, including a ministry to others. In the infancy of our friendship, Richard stubbornly followed his head and not his heart. His almost incessant need to analyze the events of daily life, which could not be explained, except by faith, generated many lengthy discussions, voluminous notes, extensive research, and established the framework for the writings and poems, which appear in this book. 

 

For the past thirty years, I have been fortunate to accompany Richard on this journey of self-discovery, and I encourage you to read, and re-read, the works contained herein. You will see the triumph of the heart, and the infinite possibilities, which are the manifestation of a strong, flexible, and resilient faith. Think of this book as your own personal toolbox of life. Richard has given you tools; it is up to you to build a faith that sustains you and brings you closer to the realization that God lives within you: now and always." 

 

                                       --William R. George, Jr., AIAF, AAM, ARC, API 

 

 

2. For nearly two decades I sat next to Rich in the labor room as he struggled to give birth to this work. We discussed and debated philosophy and theology as his style evolved from prose to traditional poetry and then metaphors. More recently he embraced haiku, which gave him the vehicle to drive more powerfully to his point of focus. And the spiritual focus became more refined having grown from conception in Eastern thought through mysticism to a more Scriptural Christianity. With the encouragement of many friends Rich has finally brought 40 years of writing together in a work that will allow others to enjoy the challenge that his thinking and writing has brought to so many of us who know and love him personally." 

 

               -- Barbara K. Wright, RN, C (Retired) "50 years in the Faith."

 

 

3. "Rich, by his own admission, was "an angry young man and somewhat of a loner." Those early years of searching forced  Rich to look into his heart and soul and learn to know and begin to like himself. As he learned to know and love himself, he was able to give unconditional love to God as well as others. Only from one who traveled this road from angry young loner to a mature lover of God and self could these meaningful haiku emerge for you and I to enjoy." 

 

                                                        -- Ann M. Outlaw, A friend of Christ 

 

 

4. "This book of haiku demonstrates both the felicity and the fidelity of haiku. The author sometimes refers to them as: '

 

Smart bombs' to target 

Deeply embedded patterns 

Of self-centered thought. 

 

These "embedded patterns" hide that which is already present. These haiku reveal that which is concealed and, as such, this book educates in the radical sense, i.e., Latin "educo": to draw out or bring forth (that which is already within). 

 

Rich refers to his style of haiku as a kind of "intellectual judo" intended to throw one deep into oneself. When so thrown one can only land where one already is— a place we too often fail to recognize because we fail to adequately reflect upon Psalm 46: 10." 

 

"Smart bombs," indeed!                     -- James M. Outlaw, Retired Educator 

 

 

5.  "I find myself randomly quoting these haiku during everyday situations. This book enhances your perception on life and is a constant reminder that truth is everywhere .. . and I must confess, I do utilize (or steal) some in my sermons ... thanks Rich." 

                                                                --Pastor Michael Rosado, College Pastor, River of Life Worship Center"

 

 

6. There are many paths to the One True Godhead and His Truth ... Rich Hay's book challenges "The Thinker" to seek Him and press deeper to know Him!"    

                                                                   -- Pastor Rick Campana 

 

7. "Rich Hay is a brilliant and mind-expanding author. It has been my privilege to be counted as one of his fellow travelers on the road to wisdom and share many great discoveries along the way. Now, as a result of nearly forty years of exploration, Out of My Mind And Back to My Senses packs mountain- sized truth into pocket-sized packages. Covering such topics as relationships, personal satisfaction, and the meaning of suffering, each phrase is intellectually rich and profoundly true. This book not only offers deep understanding, it challenges and equips readers to form new mental habits that uncover their ability to reflect divine Truth in every area of  .

.life. This is an enjoyable, inspiring, and uplifting read." 

                                                            

 --Rev. James Post, Executive Director, Community Cultural Initiative (ROL Dream Center) 

 

 

8. "As a close personal friend, Rich Hay stands out as a man of great character, impeccable integrity and immense generosity. Keen insight and many years of study have yielded a remarkably deep thinker. From the most complex spiritual concepts, Rich distills the essence of understanding. In this work, his thoughts are translated into an incredible art form— putting words into motion!" 

                                                      

                                                       --Timothy Robinson, LTC, USAF (Ret.)

 

 

9. "Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses is a rare treasure. Flawlessly combining poetry and philosophy this work is both artistically inspiring and thought provoking. A must read for any thinking person. Richard is by far one of the most innovative thinkers I have ever encountered. Never afraid to reexamine the seemingly ordinary, he eloquently simplifies the complex while simultaneously finding the complexities of the simple. His work is fresh, beautiful, intelligent and ingenious." 

                                                  

                                           -- Lynette Robinson, 2005 Princeton graduate 

 

 

10. "I really enjoyed Rich's book and the challenges it presents to the reader. The many truths it expresses challenges each of us to search our minds and call into question any "worldly beliefs and mind-sets" that may have held us captive over the years. As a football coach of over 40 years, I would recommend that my players read this book, as it would help them to evaluate their belief systems and, perhaps, bring them into better alignment with the Truth. It is imperative that an athlete believe in the concepts of their inner spirit to overcome all the garbage the world tells them to believe. This book would help them to evaluate themselves and put into practice a value system that would last a lifetime. Winning is the most important part of an athlete's mind set. They love a challenge! I invite any competitive person to dwell on the concepts found in this book and I guarantee they will find the real meaning of life. My life's motto has been: "When you find out "Whose" you are, you will find out who you are, and knowing who you are is the key to any great achievement or success!" This book can assist each and every one of us in answering those two most important questions of life for ourselves."

                                                     -- Jim Horner, NJ State Football Hall of Fame, NJ State Football Coaches Hall of Fame, Founding Father of NJ Fellowship of Christian  

Athletes, President of Adam Taliaferro Foundation for Spinal Injury, High School Administrator and Athletic Director for 30 years. 

 

11. "This book forces you to revisit every concept of reality you think you understand— not to settle it at a new level, but to keep it on the table while you explore its infinite scope. Our natural tendency is allow our understanding of truth to settle in our minds. This book does a fantastic job of keeping the particles of truth in motion and freeing us to see the fluid picture of reality. This book refreshes the soul and produces peace as you allow your mind to be recalibrated. Reading these haiku is like eating a healthy snack or taking a vitamin— a steady diet of which will keep you well-balanced." 

                                         

                 -- Rick Ritts, President Lifewares, LLC www.lifewares.com 

 

 

12. "Rich Hay's explanation of God's Word is deep-rooted and overwhelmingly illuminating. He explains it in a manner that will help you in your journey of renewing your mind, all the while, touching the very core of your soul and uplifting your spirit .... it brought forth new light in understanding God's Word for me. Brother Hay, I sincerely "Thank You." 

                                                               -- Samuel Nieves, Musician 

 

 

13. "Faith" must be aimed at its target and then released through action. For only faith so "triggered" can hope to hit its target, and then only if we've taken the "safety" off. Rich obviously did both, as Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses scores a dead-center bulls-eye." 

                                                             --  Errick Davis, Realtor 

 

14. "Rich Hay shrouds his innermost thoughts just as a five- star chef reveals only a part of his world class recipe for those who desire will seek to uncover." 

                                           -- Maravi Niqui, Student, Mother and Realtor

 

15.  "Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses has taken such an easily digested, yet so mentally stimulating approach to explain the ultimate truth of God. Rich has created a thinking man's poem for all to understand." 

                                    -- Ray Smith, Senior Land Development Manager 

 

16. "Thank you for illuminating the realization that in my earnest pursuit of Truth, I grasped at my own fleeting conceptual veils instead. In the end, you've shown me, through uncomplicated brilliance, that Truth was there the whole time. I just had to learn to be." 

               --Gina Gibboni, Second Grade, Multi-Lingual School Teacher 

 

17. "Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses is a journey of discovery. Rich takes the reader along on his painful search for "who am I," a quest most of us will make or have made. The haiku like form used gives simplicity to some very complex thought that flows from denial through intellectual analysis to faith. A stimulating read for the religious scholar or the layman that captures in powerful forthright poetry truths mankind has pondered for more than seven thousand years— that being the true relationship between God and man." 

                                                   

 --Frank C. Chavers, CEO FHARMI; Pres CHIC; Director of Brevard Family of Housing Authorities; Major US AF, Ret.

 

18.  "Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses ravishes the readers heart with the passion of a serenading lover . . . indeed a Lover does sing to our hearts ... He sings a melody in the man Richard Hay and He sings a harmony you hear in haiku in "Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses." Buy, read and meditate on Out of My Mind and Back to My Senses, and get intoxicated with this libation of Divine Love." 

                                                  

                         -- Thomas Lee "TJ" Johnson, Entrepreneur & Artist 

 

19. "Richard's Haiku's are as little Blossoms on the Tree of Life. From the One source they arise, expressed through one man's later life.

 

 Ah! Autumn years see 

Syllables expressed in Form: a Haiku. 

 

Ah! Silly syllables 

What wisdom lies hid in the 

Words: a Senryn. Ah! 

 

His deft use of few words, in Haiku's. 

Will delight all who this book peruse; 

For they speak of the One

 Who, when all's said and done,

 It is by, through, and for Him.... that Hay coos. 

 

Echoes praising God through his own voice. Reading them, 

One smiles in remembrance. 

 

The following selection says it all. Read the book for the simple joy of it. 

 

Pure awareness wed 

To limitless sensation

 Gives birth to being. 

 

"I am that by which 

I know I am" conscious of 

Present existence. 

 

For man to know God

 It must really be God Knows

Himself in man. 

 

Though reflected in 

The circumstance, God is 

Found at the center.”

 

--Michael Haynes, Car Manufacturing Manager, Melbourne, Australia