Episode 28 :: Heather Lobe Johnson :: Beauty From The Ashes
Today my conversation is with Heather Lobe Johnson. Heather is a writer who is passionate about sharing stories of freedom found in the redemption of Christ and celebrating the beauty that rises from the ashes of broken experiences. During our conversation, Heather and I talk about growing up with a perception of the Lord that His love was contingent on her instead of on Him. She bravely shares with us about the parts of her story that God has carried her through, everything from experiencing sexual abuse in college, a toxic marriage that ended in divorce, years of single parenting and pursuing healing by redefining her identity through who God says she is. As Heather says, “It’s not about having it all together, it’s about bringing your broken to Him and letting Him redeem it and bring wholeness to emptiness.”
I’m so grateful for how she shares her story, the practical wisdom she shares for those who may be able to relate as well as the hope she offers us through this season of incredible uncertainty, what is helping her as she faces the anxiety of our days head on, and how to process what you can and can’t control. Almost like a benediction to our conversation. Heather prayed incredibly sweet blessing over all of us during this crazy time that just washed over my soul and I hope it does for you too.
No matter where you are today, I hope this time with Heather and I blesses you. No matter who you are, or what you have been through, there is still more. The hope that is found in Christ is worth it. Believing that He has good for your life is not about getting what you want, it's about having faith that the One who made you has good, truly, divinely good, purposes and plans for your life. Plans of peace and your truest well being, and that can see who you truly are and who you were made to be.
I want you to know that whoever you are on the other side of the speaker, no matter where you are when you hear this episode, in the throws of this pandemic spanning the globe, or long after it is over, this is not how the story ends. You are truly loved. You matter. Don’t lose hope. We’re all in this together.
Resources:
Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry: Why we lose when we give in- Lisa Bevere
Britney Thompson’s episode on Simply Stories (where we discuss toxic relationships)
Celebrate Recovery- find a meeting near you!
The Serenity Prayer (also see below for a pinnable/printable graphic)
Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter by Annie F. Downs
Scripture References:
Joel 2:25- Restore the years the locusts have eaten
1 John 4:7-21-God is loving
Titus 3:4-6-God is kind
Ezekiel 36:26-Heart of stone for a heart of flesh
Philippians 1:6-He will complete the work He began
Joshua 1-5 -Israel going in to the promised land with new responsibilities
Matthew 6:34-Tomorrow will worry about itself
Psalm 139:1- The Lord knows me
Deuteronomy 31:6- He will never forsake me
Philippians 4:8 - Whatever is true, whatever is lovely.. think about these things
Genesis 1:27- All are made in the image of God
John 16:33- In this world you will have trouble, but take heart
Psalm 37:24- We will not be overwhelmed
Lamentations 3:22-23- Because of His love I will not be consumed
Isaiah 61:1-3-Beauty for ashes
Exodus 12:7- The blood of the lamb on the doorpost
Psalm 27:13-14- What would have become of me had I not believed
Romans 8:28- God works for the good of those who love Him
Jeremiah 29:11- God has plans for hope and your future, not to harm you
Product Shout Out from the Episode:
The Daily Grace Co. - shop via this link to support Simply Stories
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to their podcast as well!
Connecting with Heather:
Connecting with Em and catching up on episodes
*Intro and Outro music by audionautix.com
