Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Single Parenting: Overcoming the Treadmill Existence

Do single parents have unique challenges and needs? Duh! Isn't that one of the stupidest questions I've ever written? Of course they do!

When I was widowed I certainly felt the brunt of those challenges and needs. But with the shock of widowhood I couldn't see them. Do you know what I mean? Not knowing what the problems were --not knowing there were problems!-- was like running an obstacle course with a blindfold on!

WIDOWS WITH KIDS: Today's link is to an article that is not for the weak-at-heart. That's my warning label. If you're a single mom, you'll find this article is full of insight and practical direction for daily life, BUT if you're feeling a little weak today, read it another time, because it could cause a major pity-party. OR read it with a friend who has good encouragement skills! In any case, print it off and read it with a highlighter in hand because it provides effective insights and spiritual solutions for the treadmill existence of single parenting.

http://www.spiritualitytoday.org/spir2day/843615hellwig.html

OTHERS: If you're a widow or widower who's kids are out of the house, or if you're a friend of a widow, click the link to plug into the needs of young widows and single moms. You'll be better equipped to pray for them and offer some meaningful help. They might not know it or admit it, but they desperately need you! Call them today!

Monika Hellwig, the author, was a single mom with three adopted children, a girl and two boys, when she wrote this. It written to a Catholic audience but the principles apply to all.ferree

PS. Please read the comments before you visit the link. The first comment points out an important issue to flag. I don't think it negates the rest of the article, but something I certainly missed and would not promote. I'm so glad the reader pointed it out to me.

2 comments:

  1. The article contains good, but I'd like to add a caveat. It ends with this premise, "God creates us for our own happiness." That is bad theology. God creates for His glory, and we aren't God so we need to bow in humility as the creation. Our comfort is faith, believing in things we cannot see or understand. Faith in the forgiveness of our sins and our resurrection because of Christ's sacrifice. Grief is hard. Single parenting is hard. Bad theology doesn't make it better.
    Thank you for all you do, Ferree.
    RM in MN

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, that IS not true theology! Thanks for catching that, I'm sorry I missed it.

    ReplyDelete

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