To Know Her is To Love Her

Single mothers come in all sizes, all circumstances and all ages.  From 14 to 80+ they have wandered into my life and left footprints on my heart. As I wrote yesterday a large part of my life is filled up with the sights and sounds of single mother families.

Motherhood is a very important job.  Single parenthood is very difficult.    Not only do most single mothers find themselves the breadwinner, disciplinarian, homekeeper, chauffer, confidant, and cheerleader  to 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or more children, but very often find themselves isolated from other families because of their circumstances.  Some come to us in fear for themselves and their children.  At the ministry we believe that God and His word are key to peace and freedom for all who struggle.  It's a heartwarming moment when we witness women learning to trust again by trusting God first and putting His biblical principles in practice in their lives. 

Yesterday I wrote about my grandmother and promised that today I would write about a contemporary single mom.  Her life and struggles lit the fire in my heart to find a way to reach out to show her and others in our community that someone cares about them.

I watch my daughter these days and am awed by her stamina and perseverance.  The trials and heartaches she has faced were the tools the Lord has used to refine her womanly character.  She is the mother of two sons, 21 and 18.  Being their mother is her greatest joy!
She made a decision several years ago to move to an area of our city where the schools were excelling.  She believed that in these schools her boys would have more opportunities.  It meant higher rents and longer distances between home and work but as her youngest prepares for graduation and  joining his brother at college in the fall, she will tell you she'd do it again.   She is the first to recognize her successes and blessings are from God and has learned to run to God's Word when life becomes unsettling or confusing.

A verse that has kept us both standing strong when life tries to knock us down is Psalm 16:8 -
"I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken"

Yesterday the woman who is my baby daughter prepared a wonderful brunch menu for the family.  She is a fabulous cook, outstanding mother, thoughtful friend and the best daughter a mom could have. To know her is to love her!!

I'd love to read about the special mothers in your life!

Til next time,
Judy