Hope Reaches Out – Being a Single Mom 8

Often single moms feel isolated in their circumstances – they are alone! Their feelings can be compounded when invited to participate in community events – especially when the invitation comes from a family, or a group of families. Moms and dads sharing in a fun day with their children can make a single mom more sensitive to her perceived reality – she’s alone.

When feelings control her she will want to be protected from them, especially if they cause a down-spiraling to discouragement resulting in isolation and depression. Instead of working to address her thought process she may begin to separate herself from those situations that seem to cause her dilemma – being surrounded by families. She will stop attending social events, and justify her reasons for doing so – she does not like the feelings she experiences when in the company of ‘whole’ families. When she does this it will feed the emotions and feelings she has of aloneness, further encouraging detachment.

Although we understand her struggle, we need to encourage her to think differently, and to act differently. Isolation will separate her, and imprison her in her circumstances. If her struggle is intense, we suggest she begin to seek out other single moms and arrange family events with them. She needs to be active in doing this – it must become a priority. The alternative is isolation! When she’s identified another mom to reach out to, we suggest they focus on growing together – to change the way they respond to their being alone. The goal is to function with other families whether they are single parent families or not.

Plan of action:

1. Develop a mindset – you are not alone

2. Reach out to other single moms in your church and community – they are not alone

3. Plan how to encourage other single moms – overcoming aloneness

4. Plan outings to encourage your children and theirs – sharing in community

• Be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

• You whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, "You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off"; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:9-10)

• For the LORD will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. (Psalm 94:14-15)

#singlemom #hope