On the morning of August 16, 2005, expectations for Allison Johnson and the future of her family met with the harshest of realities. Her husband had disappeared and she didn’t know if he was coming back. Colored by the destructive forces of bipolar mood disorder, “Waking Up in the Middle of Nowhere” is the story of Allison and Grant Johnson and their search for love in spite of seemingly impossible odds.
Their against- all-odds attitude and the heartfelt sharing of the battlefield that became their life will touch your heart, magnify your faith, and intensify your belief in God and His miraculous works of healing and restoration. How did they survive, and perhaps even thrive, in spite of the invisible ogre that threatened them at every turn?
About Allison Johnson
Allison Johnson’s book, Waking Up in the Middle of Nowhere: Finding my way in a Bipolar Marriage, is a memoir she wrote with her husband. Together they have launched an interactive blog: Wakingupinthemiddleofnowhere.blogspot.com where their readers receive ongoing support and encouragement.
Several of her articles including, “Wow, I’m a Coach…Now What do I do?” and “Transition Coaching” are featured in Christian Coaching Magazine and she continues to be a contributing writer. Her short story, “Grace on a Thursday” was published in the devotional Moments of Grace. Portions of her blogs have also been featured on CBN.com and bipolarhappens.com/bhblog.
Allison’s vision is to reach the hearts of women from every avenue of life, encouraging them to embrace the reality of who God intended them to be. Her writing, speaking and coaching ministry ResurrectedGirl.com provides women from every avenue of life the opportunity to fulfill their own potential for greatness.
Allison’s Coaching Suggestions
Five Things to Do in a Crisis
1. Do normal things: Try to keep your routine as much as possible. Having a sense of normalcy helps you keep your focus in spite of the difficult circumstance.
2. Ask for help: If you need help, don’t hesitate to seek it. Think of three people right now you could call. Having them “at the ready” will help you feel more at peace.
3. Create a support network: The biggest mistake I made was I didn’t share with anyone outside of my immediate family and my two closest friends what it was we were going through. It’s true there is strength in numbers. Ask God to show you whom you can count on and then tell them exactly what you need and when you need it.
4. Talk to God: Remember that God is with you, and whatever the circumstance may be, He is willing and ready to hear you. You can cry out to Him, revealing your true heart. He’s big enough to carry all of it…you just have to let Him.
5. Create a Scripture Support List: In the midst of our season of challenge there was a list of Scriptures I referred to that helped me when I couldn’t make sense of my circumstances. My favorite was John 8:12: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Allison’s Quote for the Day
“It is for these specific challenges that you will be equipped.” ~Jerome Daley
Click the blue arrow below to listen to the interview.
On February 9th Beth and I interviewed Ally Johnson who passionately shared her journey of finding hope and purpose in the midst of crisis. Ally’s goal is to help us enlarge our vision of the trials, victories, and personal growth that can accompany mental illness—specifically bipolar mood disorder and depression. I implore you to listen to Ally’s interview. You will surely be blessed.
Thank you, Ally and Grant, for your willingness to share your story with the world! I’m confident many, many lives will be touched.
Warmly,
Jory
Jory,
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share a little bit of our story. It was such a pleasure visiting with you and Beth. I pray great and mighty things for you both as you continue to inspire and encourage so many!
Blessings, Ally
Absolutely our pleasure, Ally. Thank you and bless you, dear!
Jory
Jory, thanks for writing this, will you please do a follow up? God bless you and the Johnson’s.
Good idea, Connie! I’ll check with Ally about that!
Bless you.
Jory