Who are our single moms?

Ten to twenty years ago, when you heard the term "single-parent", you thought of a mother or father raising their child or children alone. Most single parent homes were and still are headed by moms. She is mom and dad rolled into one.

In today's changing world, families do not look like they used to look. Even the single-parent family looks different. Now, mom is also the sister raising her siblings, an aunt carrying for her nieces and nephews, or a grandmother training up her grandchildren because mom has died, is incarcerated, hospitalized or just walked away and has yet to look back. In some cases, even older cousins have had to step in and become parents to younger cousins. Mom is you, and you are not alone.

By Choice or By Chance

As you can see, not all single moms became so for the same reasons. Some became single moms by death or divorce, while others by way of a broken promise of marriage and love. Still, a growing number of women are single mothers because a family member was unable to care for her own children. Let's be honest, too many women and teens become moms because of a moment of passion with no regard for the outcome. Regardless of the circumstance, single moms are single moms, and all have one thing in common, rearing children without a husband in the home.

"Single Mom" is not a Title

Do you ever hear someone say “she’s a married mom” or “she’s a widowed mom”? I don’t. So, why do people feel the need to say “She’s a single mom?” Unfortunately, single moms themselves too often spotlight this very private fact about their lives. “Single Mom” is not a title, and it is not a position. It is your status for this season and nothing more. Single moms are simply moms who are single.

As with many titles, the stigma tied to that title can be positive or negative. More importantly, titles are very limiting and seldom empowering. If there is a title to be worn, it is the title of “Mom.” It is a 3-letter word that has the ability and power to birth a nation, heal a community and restore families.

Every mom is a woman, but not every woman is a mom. Therefore, if you have received the title of “Mom,” God has entrusted you to impact the world for generations to come. Being a mom is a privilege and an honor, only you can turn it into a burden. The choice is yours and yours alone.

The Gatekeepers

Moms set the tone for their household. What tone have you set? Moms are the gatekeepers of their families. How well have you been guarding the gate? Take it a step farther. Are you even guarding the gate? Have you left it unattended? If you’ve left it unattended, whose responsibility do you think it is it to guard your gate? Let’s go one more step. If you’re not guarding the gate, what are you doing?

Whether by choice or chance, this is a role that requires character and integrity. How you respond to your role is your testimony to your children, your family, your friends and those who cross your path. It shows the world whether or not you have allowed God to manifest Himself in your life and heart.

How have you worn your title of “Mom” in the past? How are you wearing it now? How will you wear it from this day forward?

“Used with permission of Rosiland Brown, Brighter Day Ministry, www.bdm4singlemoms.org. Copyright (c) 2011.  All rights reserved.”