Barbara Johnson (1927–2007) was an American author, speaker, and humorist best known for blending Christian faith with laughter in the face of life’s challenges. Widely recognized as the “Geranium Lady” after her bestselling book Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy (1990,) she became a beloved figure in Christian publishing and women’s ministry, offering encouragement through wit and resilience.
Johnson began her career writing and speaking to audiences about faith, family, and perseverance, often drawing from her own experiences of personal loss and hardship. Her first major work, Where Does a Mother Go to Resign? (1979,) addressed the struggles of parenting with honesty and humor. She followed with Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life (1992,) Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, Then Sit on the Lid and Laugh! (1993,) and Mama Get the Hammer! There’s a Fly on Papa’s Head! (1994,) each combining comic relief with spiritual insight.
Later books included I’m So Glad You Told Me What I Didn’t Wanna Hear (1996,) Living Somewhere Between Estrogen and Death (1997,) God’s Most Precious Jewels Are Crystallized Tears (2001,) and Laughter from Heaven (2004.) She also founded Spatula Ministries, dedicated to supporting parents in crisis, and toured nationally with the “Women of Faith” conferences, becoming a sought-after speaker.
READ: Works by Barbara Johnson
Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.
—Barbara Johnson
Patience is the ability to idle your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.
—Barbara Johnson
Topics: Patience
To be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.
—Barbara Johnson
Leave a Reply