Single moms

Single mothers: brave women who are raising their children on their own.

I have known many single moms and I have learned much from all of them. How they became single moms is irrelevant except that it usually was a painful experience. I think of one mom in particular that I watched raise her three daughters. She became a single mom when her youngest was still a baby. Though she never discussed it, I know being a single mom was not her dream. I know that there was much personal pain for her, but I saw her set that pain aside, and put all of her energy into raising her 3 girls.

She believed 1Peter 5:10,

And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

She was a living example of this verse.

As a mom of three (now 4) young children of my own, I was very aware of the responsibilities of a mom! I found them overwhelming at times but I had a husband to lean on and to guide me through the tough times. Single moms do it alone! Well, we are never really alone are we? My point is that it is always easier to work as a team than to be the lone provider, disciplinarian, cuddler, cook, nurse, counselor, guider, and so much more!

Jesus told the disciples in Mark 10 to let the people bring their children unto Him, and then in verse 16, it says He took them in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them! Oh isn't that what we want for our children! Don't we all lay awake at night begging God to lay His hands on them and to bless them! I know I did, and I know my friend did! I watched her bring her children one by one to God. I watched her pray with them, teach them, and cry for them! All the time setting aside her own needs and desires! I watched her laugh with them and play with them. I watched her work hard so that they could go to Christian school. I watched her skimp and save to give them memorable birthdays and make sure the Christmas tree had what they wanted under it! I watched her stand strong on her convictions even when they kicked and screamed against them. I saw her tears and heard her laughter! Sometimes I rode the roller coaster of parenting with her, sometimes I watched and prayed, but always I was amazed at her resolve and her love for her children! She brought them to Jesus, He held them in His arms, placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. I secretly prayed to be like her! Yes, she suffered, but it made her stronger!

I learned from my friend, and other single moms, to suffer quietly! We all will suffer! It is inevitable! The question is, how do we suffer? Do we suffer knowing that the God of all grace will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us, or do we suffer loud and long! I know sometimes I do the latter! HA! It is not pretty!

So if her daughters are reading this (you know who you are) take a moment today and hug your mom tight! She is amazing! Follow her example as you raise your kids and you will be awesome moms also!

To my friend, you have always blessed me! I know I don't call like I should, and I never write, but don't let that make you believe I have forgotten our friendship! You have a pile of crowns waiting for you in heaven! When I am done throwing mine at the feet of Jesus, you will just be making a dent in your pile! Let's get together sometime so that you can tell me how the God of all grace has restored, confirmed,strengthened and established you!!!!!!!

All moms and moms to be; bring your children to Jesus. Let Him care for them, and suffer quietly!