Monday’s Memoir: The Sting That Healed by Alma Johnson

Monday’s Memoir: The Sting That Healed

from Alma at Sarasota Honey Company

Dear friends,

After 15+ years of beekeeping, one thing is certain: this life will test every part of you — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Beekeeping is not for the faint of heart. A full hive can weigh over 200 pounds, with each frame coming in at 10–15 pounds. My days are filled with lifting 60-pound honey buckets by hand — up and down from trucks, on and off countertops — all without the help of forklifts or machines. I move 660-pound barrels with a special hand truck, and weekends are consumed by farmers markets where we lift and load again and again. It’s a beautiful life, but it’s also demanding.

Last night, the toll caught up to me.

I woke in the middle of the night with back spasms so sharp they brought tears to my eyes. Thankfully, I had patches from our family acupuncturist, Dr. Connie in Houston. My sweet husband helped apply them, I took ibuprofen, and through the pain, I managed to sleep.

A special thank you to Dr. Connie — your wisdom and generosity always seem to arrive at just the right time. You’ve been such a blessing to me and my family.

But morning waits for no one — and neither do the bees.

The baby bees in our nursery needed inspection and prep for their forever homes. My back hurt too much to even bend properly, so I traded my hive tool for a flathead screwdriver just to get the job done.

And as I moved slowly through my tasks, I heard my sister’s voice in my head:

“Every moment with the bees is a chance to post.”

So I smiled through the pain and filmed.

(We’ll be sharing the video soon — a little behind-the-scenes look.)

Later, I hopped in the shower. The hot water helped… until suddenly I felt it —

A sting.

Sharp. Quick. Right on my lower back.

I yelped, reached behind me, and sure enough, there was a stinger lodged under my nail.

But within a few hours…

the pain in my back was completely gone.

This wasn’t the first time I’d experienced something like this. Years ago, my hands were stiff and arthritic — I struggled just to grip a hive tool. Then, out of nowhere, I was stung between my fingers. It swelled and ached for a bit… but by day’s end, the pain vanished. It hasn’t come back in the same way since.

I’ve been familiar with apitherapy for many years — a time-honored practice that uses bee products like honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and even bee venom to promote healing and wellness. In my case, it’s often been the sting itself — what’s known as bee venom therapy — that’s brought surprising relief. While not widely practiced in the U.S., I’ve seen firsthand how a well-placed sting can ease inflammation, reduce pain, and restore function. It’s one of nature’s most humbling gifts.

This life we’ve chosen — working in agriculture, caring for creation — is more than a job. It’s a calling. The work is hard, unforgiving, and relentless. We don’t get to press pause because our backs hurt or our hands ache. Mother Nature is a jealous bride — demanding our presence and attention no matter how we feel. And yet, it is in those moments of deep weariness that we also find deep grace.

That sting in the shower? I don’t believe it was by chance. I believe it was a divine appointment — a moment where God reminded me that He sees my struggle. That He knows my limits. That He’s never far.

When you work so closely with nature, you start to recognize how God moves through it all. He speaks through wind, bloom, rain… and yes, even bees. He provides comfort when we feel broken, sends help when we feel alone, and brings healing when we’ve run out of strength. That little sting reminded me that I am not walking this road by myself — and neither are you.

💛

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

— Matthew 11:28

Thank you for reading, for supporting our little hive, and for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here for honey, hope, or both — I’m grateful. Bee sure to visit Sarasota Honey Co at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime:821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota, Fl 34237 or a local farmers market💕💕🐝

Until next time,

Alma

Founder & Head Beekeeper

Sarasota Honey Company 🐝

Honey with purpose.