New unchartered territory as a single parent!
Defeat fear, do not entertain it!
September 22, 2022
Intimacy with God; what does this look like?
October 27, 2022New uncharted territory as a single parent! It is unsettling how I became a single parent overnight and then it didn’t dawn on me till much later that this is what I had become. I have been a parent in a relationship for so long that being a single parent is uncomfortable. It is not a condition nor situation that I had ever envisaged but it has now become my reality. I used to tell my husband that as parents we each had the responsibility of being a parent 100% of the time and not just 50%. And now I have to face the truth that I am still 100% even though it feels more like 50%.
Having a vision helps
Benefits of being a single parent is one you don’t have to consult any human before making a decision. You only have to consult oneself. But this comes with the fear of ‘all decisions are your responsibility’. And there is no one else to blame but yourself. Luckily Ed and I had a vision of what we wanted our children’s lives to look like. And so with the benefit of the vision I have a guideline on how to raise them. But in instances when I want to try something new it feels like a hindrance because I guess I want to keep the hope of Ed alive. I don’t want to throw away all his bright ideas just because he has passed on. It has been difficult to make new decisions without the backup Ed provided.
Just as capable
I am grateful the children do not look at me as if I am less powerful now that’s just me. I think my word still carries the same weight as it did when Ed was alive. Probably more because it is just me, there is no second opinion. My expectation is that I fulfill every role as is humanly possible. From being the disciplinarian to the nurturer, the comforter, the encourager and when all else fails to just rely on God and to trust that He will do His part.
Co-parenting with God
In this new era of parenting the vision is I am co parenting with God, a very interesting space to be in. I find that God is someone who I hope I am hearing clearly and who doesn’t necessarily respond in the way I thought He would. And then there could be a slight delay in getting His response but it comes with the same assurance that it did with Ed. Clearly two minds are better than one. It also comes with the amplified power that the God of the universe has by putting His stamp of approval on what I am doing. That has been and will continue to be a blessing!
11 Comments
Wonderful n very encouraging article,we all need to be thankful to God for everything
Humbling it is to view life in a different perspective. God’s grace is sufficient.
Uplifting message. Lead with Divine oversight and a clear vision.
Hey Anna,
The Lord entrusted you with his children, and he loves them more than you do and just because of that he will equip you and empower you to do what he needs for them. Moreso, he knew there would be such a time as this in life, he does not expect you to fill Ed’s shoes but to totally surrender to him. He loves you and he’s got you in the palm of his hands.
It’s amazing to see you write again and begin to rise out of the ashes of grief. Keep going there is glory for you dear, the Lord is the strength of your heart, Anna.
Dear Anna,
Thank you for reminding me of God’s presence in our decision making, in our hopes, in our vision. We forget this sometimes when we are in a parenting partnership. Be encouraged even as you encourage others Anna.
MaryAnn
I thank the Lord for the encouragement he is giving you.
I like the fact that you are co parenting with the Lord. This is the perfect and assured way to realizing your vision
May the Lord continue to uphold your family vision .
Do not be discouraged, where there are delays in answered prayers, for he never fails
Hey Anna,
It is indeed true that these are unchartered waters for you Anna, and I want to share with you Psalms 68:5 which says “A father of the fatherless, a Defender of widows, is God in His Holy habitation (NKJV), be encouraged and know that God makes you a priority and He takes heed of everything that concerns You, He will cover you with His feathers. and you will find refuge under His wings. Thanks for sharing and God bless you
I am new! Hi all!
bgf2axnoynjhawrz.com
bgf2axnoynjhawrz.com
It’s always a good thing to know that God steps in where no human can. Nice article!
True. God is always more real when our eyes have no human to graze to. He is a present help when we need him and always. Our security in fellow companions, though indeed helpful and a source of support, can blur our vision of Him. May the grace of our Lord be multiplied in this venture of parenting. It’s a clear reminder to us that God is able to walk use through whatever path we find ourselves in.
Shalom
I am blessed by this insight into parenting. I am encouraged to give my 100% always. You are a blessing even as God guides all of us like He is doing in the uncharted territory.
One of our family friends- in the same territory – is devouring this nuggets as they come.
Asante.