If there was any title that I wanted less than widow, it was single mom. In the 30+ years that I dreamed about being a mom, I never dreamed that I would be the solo parent raising three young children alone. The journey of single motherhood is filled with challenges and blessings. And it is a journey that has taught me invaluable lessons about love, sacrifice, and resilience.
It was a subtle moment that was so ordinary and quiet that it almost passed me by. The woman standing in front of me was ready to shatter. I didn’t even know her name. She had come into the prayer room where I had just finished serving during church. I didn’t know why, but I was immediately drawn to her. It had to be the discernment of God’s Spirit showing me her heart. The heart that she so carefully camouflaged with smiles and laughter. The other people leaving the room didn’t even look at her. No one else seemed to notice her heavy load.
“You’re invited!” It was only November 13th, and Jen had already sent an evite to their family’s New Year’s Eve party. Her early invite showed love.
There are times I question if I have anything to offer God or his people. When I view others doing amazing things in service to the Lord, I can get to feeling inadequate and unnecessary. I look at my doubts and insecurities and think, what could I offer?
One word perfectly sums up my mom’s love for me—availability. Countless tear-filled midnight chats during my teen years, regular “taxi service” to help me run errands, and her commitment to drop whatever she’s doing to greet me at the door with a smile and a hug even if I show up unannounced—these are some of the ways she loves me well.