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Where Does a Mother Go to Resign?
Barbara Johnson is the Founder of Spatula Ministries, a non-profit organization designed to "peel parents off the ceiling with a spatula of love and begin them on the road to recovery." She is a bestselling author, humorist, and much sought-after conference speaker. Where Does a Mother Go to Resign? is the original story of how Barbara Johnson faced as a wife and mother the crippling of her husband, the deaths of two sons, and the homosexuality of a third who disappeared into the gay lifestyle for over eleven years. At that time, there were no books, no ministries to help Christian families deal with the devastating, painful news the Johnsons faced. But even through their pain, they set out on a personal journey of survival and restoration that included a steady diet of laughter, joy and hope. And through the sharing of their story, thousands of other families have found their own way back to hope and joy and laughter. Barbara Johnson writes so beautifully: "There is no magic place to go when we face insurmountable problems. There is no never-never land. We may have to live with mountains that will not move, but we can face the inevitable and realize that we have greater reserves and resources that we thought possible - [God] brought me through the deep water without letting me drown. He held me up when my mind and emotions were torn apart by tragedy. He gave me the gift of joy which made it possible to share with others the good things God was going to do for them also."
160 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1979
8 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Johnson
66 books91 followersLibrarian note: There are other authors with the same name
Barbara Johnson (1927-2007) died July 2nd, 2007 of cancer (Central Nervous System Lymphoma) after a valiant 6 year fight against the disease. During her illness, she added four more books to her long list of published works, including one that takes humorous pokes at her life with cancer. Affectionately called the “Geranium Lady,” a title taken from her bestselling book, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy, her homespun humor and hope in God in the midst of tragedy, ministered to millions.
A strong Christian woman who relied on her faith in God and her sense of humor to persevere through many devastating experiences, her life was plagued by a string of tragedies. Her husband was in a near fatal accident and slowly recovered from debilitating injuries. She lost one son in Vietnam and another son to a drunk driver. Her third son was estranged from the family while pursuing a homosexual lifestyle. But, she emerged from these experiences having learned that though pain is inevitable, people can choose to pick flowers instead of weeds.
Her compassion extended far beyond the pages of her encouraging books. Wanting to use her own pain to help others, she and her husband Bill founded Spatula Ministries, a unique organization that uses a “spatula of love” to help parents “peel themselves off the ceiling” and begin on the road to recovery. She wrote her first book after reaching the age of 50 and was voted “Celebrity Mom of the Year” for 1996. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, she toured across the country as a popular conference speaker and part of the "Women of Faith" tour. Her many books have comforted millions of women, bringing them hope and humor in times of distress. She will be missed by many, but her life will live on in her numerous books.
Barbara Johnson (1927-2007) died July 2nd, 2007 of cancer (Central Nervous System Lymphoma) after a valiant 6 year fight against the disease. During her illness, she added four more books to her long list of published works, including one that takes humorous pokes at her life with cancer. Affectionately called the “Geranium Lady,” a title taken from her bestselling book, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy, her homespun humor and hope in God in the midst of tragedy, ministered to millions.
A strong Christian woman who relied on her faith in God and her sense of humor to persevere through many devastating experiences, her life was plagued by a string of tragedies. Her husband was in a near fatal accident and slowly recovered from debilitating injuries. She lost one son in Vietnam and another son to a drunk driver. Her third son was estranged from the family while pursuing a homosexual lifestyle. But, she emerged from these experiences having learned that though pain is inevitable, people can choose to pick flowers instead of weeds.
Her compassion extended far beyond the pages of her encouraging books. Wanting to use her own pain to help others, she and her husband Bill founded Spatula Ministries, a unique organization that uses a “spatula of love” to help parents “peel themselves off the ceiling” and begin on the road to recovery. She wrote her first book after reaching the age of 50 and was voted “Celebrity Mom of the Year” for 1996. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, she toured across the country as a popular conference speaker and part of the "Women of Faith" tour. Her many books have comforted millions of women, bringing them hope and humor in times of distress. She will be missed by many, but her life will live on in her numerous books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 23, 2009
I am part of a Stephen Ministry group that comes along side of others to be a listener and help them through hard situations. This book was recommended to me by one such suffering person.
It is not a funny book--even though the title might suggest it! It is the true story of how a woman dealt with a string of real hardship. The amazing thing was how the Lord prepared her for what she would face. I don't want to spoil the book so I will not explain what she saw before hand that helped her.
She face her husband's horrible accident which doctor's said would result in a vegetable type state. She faced the death of two of her sons at separate times. And last of all she faced a third son's confession of homosexuality.
The encouraging thing about this book was how God providentially worked to prepare her and to meet her needs as she went through each event. I like this quote she gives:
"There is no oil without squeezing the olives,
No wine without pressing the grapes,
No fragrance without crushing the flowers, and
No real joy without sorrow"
It was amazing to see how God helped her through these 4 things--all in different ways. It impressed on me, also, the importance of a friend who is there to listen.
It is not a funny book--even though the title might suggest it! It is the true story of how a woman dealt with a string of real hardship. The amazing thing was how the Lord prepared her for what she would face. I don't want to spoil the book so I will not explain what she saw before hand that helped her.
She face her husband's horrible accident which doctor's said would result in a vegetable type state. She faced the death of two of her sons at separate times. And last of all she faced a third son's confession of homosexuality.
The encouraging thing about this book was how God providentially worked to prepare her and to meet her needs as she went through each event. I like this quote she gives:
"There is no oil without squeezing the olives,
No wine without pressing the grapes,
No fragrance without crushing the flowers, and
No real joy without sorrow"
It was amazing to see how God helped her through these 4 things--all in different ways. It impressed on me, also, the importance of a friend who is there to listen.
May 11, 2012
The premiere contribution which was to finally list over a dozen books by this very dear friend of myself and my family. This was Barb's "intiation" and a very successful "baptism by fire" of her putting her history of so many unbelievable developments that happened in her life. In essence, these developments actually woke a "sleeping giant" of a woman of depth and character sprinkled with infectious humour.
As with all of Barbara's contributions, full of humour (some black, mostly white)... heartfelt and yet never appearing anywhere near corny.. Her natural gift of humour and creative optomism (as opposed to just positive thinking), addresses huge issues in life in a surprising and unpredictable way. Proud to say I "knew her when". When she came alongside me and my family in very significant times and before the books were written, she walked the talk! Sorely missed. Most other people of her ilk are way too "precious" with their beliefs.
As with all of Barbara's contributions, full of humour (some black, mostly white)... heartfelt and yet never appearing anywhere near corny.. Her natural gift of humour and creative optomism (as opposed to just positive thinking), addresses huge issues in life in a surprising and unpredictable way. Proud to say I "knew her when". When she came alongside me and my family in very significant times and before the books were written, she walked the talk! Sorely missed. Most other people of her ilk are way too "precious" with their beliefs.
March 25, 2010
I didn't read this book because I wanted to resign from being a mother, but because I have read several of Barbara Johnson's books and she is a hoot! However, this book was on a more serious matter, and I got so much from it, that it made me feel guilty for ever complaining.
Barbara has a way of making you laugh at even the serious stuff. Her sense of humor is unbeatable. What a great attitude.
Barbara has a way of making you laugh at even the serious stuff. Her sense of humor is unbeatable. What a great attitude.
July 18, 2012
Loved this book! See how God works in and through the storms. Funny, sad, life learning experiences.
February 26, 2017
It was heartwarming and sad wrapped into one. Not many people feel comfortable touching on the subject of Homosexuality. However, when it becomes apart of your everyday life, due to others chooses it takes on a whole new meaning. Barbara reached out to people in her book in a compassionate way that people could relate, meanwhile, reaching into the depths of their soul to say your not alone. With a touch of humour, mixed with malady. It was a tragic read, but heartfelt.
I wanted further to know what happened to Barbara Johnson and was saddened to hear of her passing in 2007 in such a tragic way. And I could not find her son David who was called Larry in her books. And even sadder they have just sold her home. I hope her legacy will continue. Her legacy of laughter, and happiness in the crazy situations in life.
I wanted further to know what happened to Barbara Johnson and was saddened to hear of her passing in 2007 in such a tragic way. And I could not find her son David who was called Larry in her books. And even sadder they have just sold her home. I hope her legacy will continue. Her legacy of laughter, and happiness in the crazy situations in life.
August 31, 2018
This is an inside look into the emotional turmoil Barbara Johnson, an upbeat, humorous Christian woman who had previously lost two sons, after she discovered that her third son was in the gay lifestyle. She eventually found a ministry that helps parents of homosexuals find comfort and strength by coming together with other parents in the same experience. Even though I am not in this situation, I came away learning things that can be applied to all mothers of adult children. She says, "In the end, all we can do is love our kids, pray for them and then let God do the rest. Truer words were never spoken. I feel that as long ad God is in control and we have to let go and let God do the rest.
June 23, 2025
Terrible book that I read from my mom's bookshelf out of boredom and left furious. It's a woman's monologue of how terrible her life is because of having a gay son and every page is sure to fill a normal person with disgust.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to get pissed off.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to get pissed off.
August 4, 2010
Remember the 1970s? The hippie generation was in full rebellion and the Jesus' freaks were witnessing to them on the streets. Homosexuality and AIDs were still the subjects of whispers behind closed doors. It was during this era that Barbara Johnson discovered that one of her sons had been drawn into the homosexual lifestyle. The revelation broke her heart and sent her into a depression cycle that came close to destroying her.
Where Does a Mother Go to Resign is a raw account of the depths of emotional pain only a Mother can experience. Ms. Johnson's description of the ways in which God met her needs and carried her through the fire should speak to every mother who has experienced emotional truama caused by the choices of her child. I highly recommend it.
Where Does a Mother Go to Resign is a raw account of the depths of emotional pain only a Mother can experience. Ms. Johnson's description of the ways in which God met her needs and carried her through the fire should speak to every mother who has experienced emotional truama caused by the choices of her child. I highly recommend it.
May 25, 2008
This book is not funny except for brief anecdotes. It's the story of Barbara Johnson's feelings after she discovered that her son had decided to be homosexual. I found it useful for her therapist's advice on how to handle the extremes of emotion. It rang true to what I've experienced with depression in my own life. This book is helpful to know that God is good and that He does not leave us alone.
February 6, 2008
What a life this woman had. I read this book because I was feeling sorry for myself as a stay-home mom and wanted to resign, but after reading this I said, "Hey, I should appreciate my life because it could be MUCH worse!!!!" That wasn't the point of the book, and I did appreciate the point of the book, but I did get something different from it.
December 15, 2013
I've had this book for probably 10 years or more and just got around to reading it. Glad I did. Sure puts things in perspective...when you feel like you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on...
July 4, 2007
I have read alot of Barbara Johnson's books and they are hilarious, touching your heart with her humor and personal life stories.
Read
October 12, 2007Johnson, Barbara PB
Want to read
November 28, 2008This book was mentioned in the book I am reading right now, about gay people and the LDS church. It's about a mom whose son is gay.
June 3, 2009
If this wasn't rated as a true story, it would be hard to believe.
She is one strong lady...
She is one strong lady...
June 5, 2012
EXCELLENT READ
June 5, 2012
EXCELLENT READ
June 5, 2012
EXCELLENT
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews