Heather Lobe Johnson
About the Author

Heather Lobe Johnson is a writer and speaker who believes God can redeem the most broken parts of our stories. She hosts the Take These Ashes podcast, which explores broken relationships, grief, forgiveness, anger, trauma, and how God's redemption often looks different than what we pray or hope to see...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. I’m so glad you shared this story. I think receiving help is harder than giving it. I too would love to be a quiet giver. Your post has encouraged me to keep on the look out how I can help someone else – it’s truly been a while!

    • Jas- I’m right there with you in working towards being a “quiet giver.” So glad this was able to encourage you to look around for those who might be in need of a little extra love this season. Grateful for your words!

    • Jas,

      How are you doing? Haven’t seen you on this blog for a while. Life going ok for you during these times? Miss reading your posts. Praying for you that all is well spiritually, financially & emotionally during this pandemic.

      Blessings 🙂

  2. Heather,
    Like you, I went from a place of security to being a single mom with no job. It’s scary how quickly the landscape can change. The lesson I’ve taken from that season is what you describe here so beautifully. God loves a humble and contrite heart, both on the giving and the receiving end. Thanks for encouraging us to not let opportunities pass us by.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Bev- your comments here are always such an encouragement. I didn’t realize single motherhood was part of your story, too. I like how you point out the heart posture is the same on both ends (humble and contrite, whether giving or receiving). Such a good reminder. Blessings to you, too!

  3. Heather,
    Thank you for your transparency here. It can be harder to receive than give and I’m not quite sure why that is (our pride maybe), but it’s the picture of the church I believe Jesus had in mind. Just last year my husband was in an accident and we realized quickly we needed to accept the tangible help offered to us if we were going to get through. What has come from that are pages of thanksgiving and answers to prayers written in my journal we had not even had the chance to pray yet. Receiving all that we did last year served to pump us up to give more as well. What a great reminder today as we all walk through this season of the unknowns of this year.
    God bless,
    Kellie

    • I think you hit the nail on the head about why we have trouble receiving with the pride thing (at least for me). Your story of how your church and community surrounded your family last year brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful picture! Thank you for blessing us with that story. Sending you and your family prayers as you enter the holidays this year.

  4. When we refuse the help we are robbing others of their opportunity to serve not just us but The One Who enables them to give. They are deprived of a being Christ-like moment that would strengthen them as well as bless us. And who knows the ripple effect that reaches beyond ourselves.

  5. Thank you, Heather! What a great reminder that it’s okay to receive, or even ask for, help when we need it. Bravo for friends who anticipate and fill our needs!

  6. I ordered some beautiful note cards through Dayspring. They are called (in)courage find yourself among friends Note Cards with Scriptures and messages. I would love to order some more.

  7. My Mama’s phrase for this was, “don’t block a blessing”. If someone wants to do something for you, then the Lord has laid it on their heart. So, don’t block a blessing.

  8. Thank you so much for sharing. I so related when I became a “suddenly single” mother, too. God showed Himself in so many ways through the kindness and provision of others. He is so faithful!

    • Missy- thank you so much for sharing that with us. It’s amazing to see the hands and feet of Jesus at work in our lives when we enter into painful, unexpected places. I love hearing of His faithfulness in your life during that time!

  9. There’s a saying, “What goes round, comes round.” I think your mother’s kindness and generosity
    is being returned to you. “What you do unto others, you will have others do unto you.” You are a very blessed and fortunate young woman.

  10. This was a beautiful devotional. Thank you for your transparency. We have to remember to love others and allow others to love us. It works both ways. Thank you for this wonderful reminder. May God bless you.

  11. I can relate, after becoming a single Mom at 31 with 6 and 1 year old little girls. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. God Bless You!

    • It’s a hard sisterhood, but I’m always grateful when I meet others who have walked that path. There is such rich understanding, empathy, and support for one another from fellow single mamas (and those who have that as part of their past). Thank you, Stephanie!

  12. Years ago I tried to turn down a gift from a friend, knowing that she and her husband did not have a lot of money to spare. D. told me, “If you refuse my gift, you are stealing my blessing!” She was referring to that well-known verse in Acts, “It is more blessed to give than receive” (20:35). I had never thought of receiving in those terms, but have remembered her exhortation ever since!

  13. Heather,

    Over the years people have given to me. A neighbor fed me often when in college & had me over for a super bowl party she won. The next day there was a huge snow storm. No one could come in to work at the nursing home across the street. So we both went over there with left over pizza & other foods to give the workers. We offered to help out any way we could. taking food & drinks to patients. Years later I have the spirit of your mother in me. My first thought when I hear of an illness or hospitalization of someone is they need a meal. Recently my pastor & his wife were working to move her mom down here. Knowing all the work involved I decided to cook a meal for them. Made a chicken pot pie & some bread. Years ago when my in-laws were having medical issues I cooked for them often. The last few years I made a couple of casseroles for them for MIL’s birthday. My way of saying you don’t have to cook-Happy birthday. I want to be the hands & feet of Jesus as much as possible & hear those words “Well done thou good & faithful servant.”

    Blessings 🙂

  14. Coming down with stage 4 lung cancer metastasized to the brain this January took me from being an independent DIY-er to seriously needing help! It’s been amazing how people I don’t even know, but who know someone who cares about me, have come out of the woodwork with prayers, financial assistance, food (& with our special diets, that’s a big deal!), transportation & many other details too numerous to mention. It is humbling (& it took me some adjusting to handle it!). It’s also beautiful to see how it allows God to build up our benefactors in generosity :).

  15. Thank you so much for this. I am about to become a single mother – something I never, ever thought would be part of my story – and I needed to read this today as the next chapter looms. Even though I know and feel assured of God’s great love and faithfulness, I still feel fearful and so devastated by this. My heart was touched by your story and the comments shared by others. Thank you.