“Teach them diligently unto thy children and shall talk of them when thou sit in thy house, their walk of life, when they lie down and rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Meet my niece, Feleshia. As a single parent for over 30 years, she raised four children while relying on her faith for support. She used her talent for braiding hair to provide for her family and assist others. First, came Aleshia. You wouldn’t believe she was a premature baby, the sweet one. At age forty-two, she still thinks she’s eighteen, partying all the time. I’m still praying for her to settle down. Next came Stephanee, the fuss box, who knows how to manage it all, and everybody at her job and the family. She needs her own business and a husband to tone her down. I’m praying hard for her too. Third came Just’Us, Diego the explorer, and the Einstein of the family, her only son, who has been to New Zealand, Turkey and God knows where else he’ll be headed off to next. I’m praying for his safety and a good wife. And finally, Micah, who I still call Micah Pooh, the innocent and adorable Rembrandt of the family. She never ceases to amaze me. Don’t let her baby voice fool you, she’ll re-direct you, intellectually. I reckon she’ll be building a spaceship next. I’m praying for her to get a husband who is just as smart to help her build the spaceship. I’ll keep you posted on their growth.
Raising four children on her own was challenging, but as she improved her braiding skills, she attracted more clients and eventually earned a stable income to support her family. Single Mothers often face significant responsibilities and challenges when fathers are not present. But when you give your struggles and your children over to Jesus, he’ll provide for you just like he said he would. He is Jehovah-Jireh! Our provider.
Being a childcare provider for over twenty years, I have encountered many single parents trying to raise their children and put them through daycare as they worked to provide for them. I stayed lowering my prices just to accommodate them until they could receive subsidized help. Let us continue to come together as a community and support single mothers. Single mothers face significant challenges that may affect their self-esteem and mental health, which can affect their families. Providing encouragement and assistance can make a positive difference.
