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  • God, My Healer: Facing the Wounds I Learned to Hide
    2026/09/22

    Summary

    When we neglect our own mental, spiritual, and physical health to take care of everyone else, the trauma we ignore doesn't disappear. It piles up like a heap of debris, blocking our natural life flow. In this episode, you will explore a deeply personal journey of healing, learn how to unpack decades of hidden wounds, and discover how to construct your own multi-dimensional healing toolkit.

    Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”~ Matthew 11:28 (NIV).

    This episode will help you:

    • Identify the physical and mental signs of living in chronic survival mode.
    • Understand the concept of multi-dimensional, layered healing.
    • Learn how to utilize free community and workplace resources for mental health support.
    • Build a personalized healing toolkit using practical daily exercises.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Recognize the Signs of Survival Mode: Chronic worry, physical exhaustion, and feeling like survival is your only setting are clear indicators that your body and mind are crying out for care.
    • Start with Simple Movement: When structured plans feel overwhelming, take the easiest step first. Walking outdoors can act as a catalyst for both mental clarity and spiritual peace.
    • Build a Layered Toolkit: A robust recovery plan uses multiple resources—such as journaling, reading self-development material, prayer, therapy, and community support.
    • Utilize Workplace & Community Programs: Don't let finances halt your healing. Look into employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or local sliding-scale non-profit counseling services.
    • Extend Grace to Yourself: Healing takes time. Be patient with your progress and seek out safe, trustworthy confidants who can listen without judgment.

    Resources:

    From the Blog: https://jrosemarie.com/connect-with-nature-for-better-mental-health/

    Courage to Believe 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms. Ebook available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and German on Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0bKY9jS0

    Also free with Kindle Unlimited: https://link.amazon/A0hRTZlVw

    Connect with me/request your free study guide: https://www.jrosemarie.com/contact

    Explore more resources: https://solomomstalk.store/b/giveaway

    Disclosure: as an Amazon Associates, I may earn a small commission when you purchase an affiliate link on this post. There is no additional cost to you.

    https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/god-my-healer-facing-the-wounds-i-learned-to-hide

    This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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    35 分
  • Navigating the Emptiness: Real life Tips for Empty Nest Solo Moms
    2026/09/15
    Welcome back to Solo Mom's Talk. Today, we are beginning a new series: Navigating the Emptiness.For those of us who have spent decades or more mothering solo, this transition hits with a force you never expected. I remember a moment after my children had grown when I was traveling to recalibrate my life. I was at Whole Foods, and as I picked up a juicy organic plum, I felt a literal stabbing in my heart. It was a wave of guilt so intense I had to stop and ask myself why. I realized that after years of pouring everything into my children, I didn’t believe I deserved my own happiness or even a simple piece of fruit.This "guilt of the organic plum" is a signal that a massive life era is ending. Acknowledging these complex, messy emotions is a strategic necessity for your next chapter. This transition is far more than a "sad phase"; it is a critical psychological recalibration. For twenty years, your identity has been fused with your children’s survival. Now, as the silence of the house grows, you must move from looking outward at their needs to looking inward at your own. This pivot point is the difference between fading into the background and embarking on a powerful, purposeful next phase.To help you navigate this transition, let’s explore the strategic milestones and takeaways for reclaiming your individual identity.Key Takeaways & Timestamps02:15 - Give Yourself Permission to Grieve (But Not Too Long): Grief isn't just for the loss of a person; it’s for the loss of a life-era. It is okay to be sad and recognize the reality that you are alone now. However, the strategy here is to grieve with intention. Start by asking yourself exactly which part of solo mothering you are having the most difficulty letting go. Face the end of the era, sit in the quiet for a minute, and then prepare to move forward.05:30 - Shifting from Caregiver to Mentor: Your role as a mother isn’t ending; it is evolving from daily "carer" to lifelong mentor and coach. Embracing this change is the absolute secret to a successful relationship with your adult children. They may not need you to manage their laundry or carpools, but they will seek you out as a sounding board. For a deeper dive into this shift, I encourage you to listen to Episode 36, Season 8: Secrets to Communicating with Your Adult Children.09:00 - The "Who Am I?" Audit: During the throes of single motherhood, we often tell ourselves we don't have the time or resources for our own desires. Now is the time for a deep internal audit. To jumpstart this, I used a practical tool: I bought a Red Notebook. This color was significant to me, and inside, I listed every woman I wanted to stay connected with. This simple act of writing helped me focus on building a community of women worldwide. Reclaiming yourself starts with these small, intentional connections outside of your children.15:45 - Building a Living Legacy: Your independence is a blueprint for the next generation. Consider my mother, who in her 80s prioritized the gym and healthy eating to manage her high blood pressure. Her example stuck with me more than any words could. When I travel now, I’m showing my granddaughters that they don’t have to stay in one place. They can live anywhere and be anyone. Self-care and goal-setting aren't selfish; they widen your children’s perspectives on what is possible for their own lives.Capturing these realizations in writing is the bridge between a vague feeling and a concrete future.The Solo Mom’s Self-Discovery ChecklistJournaling is a strategic tool for "writing the vision and making it plain," as we are instructed in Habakkuk 2:2. In this season of life, your "lizard brain" will often attempt to sabotage your progress with whispers of guilt or fear. By documenting your answers to deep questions, you bypass these internal mental blocks. You transition from a reactive state, handling the emergencies of others, to a proactive state where you are the architect of your own happiness.Self-Discovery Questions:[ ] What do I actually enjoy doing for myself when no one is watching?[ ] What specific goals or hobbies have I been putting off for the last 20 years?[ ] What parts of my personality disappeared while I was raising my children?[ ] What have I always wanted to learn, try, or experience (e.g., travel, school, business)?[ ] Who am I when I’m not organizing my life around my children's needs?[ ] What relationships with other women do I want to nurture now?[ ] What is it that I want for myself as an individual woman?As you begin to fill your own "Red Notebook" with these answers, remember that you don't have to find all the answers at once.Resource Spotlight & Call to ActionThe path forward often feels unclear, which is why seeking external guidance, both spiritual and professional, is a strategic move. For years, you co-parented with God through the struggles of solo motherhood. This new season is an invitation to walk with God in a new way. Relying on faith ...
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    18 分
  • Understanding Parenting as Leadership and a God-Given Ministry
    2026/09/08
    1. Finding Your Strength: An Invitation to LeadHey mama, I know exactly what it feels like when you’re barely keeping your head above water. I’ve been where you are. There were days when raising my two youngest sons who were just two and four years old when their father walked out felt like an impossible weight. In those moments, "thriving" isn't even on the radar; you’re just trying to survive the next hour. But I want to share a truth that changed everything for me: to see our families truly flourish, we have to move from "getting by" to a mindset of parenting as leadership.In my own journey, this shift happened when I stopped trying to carry the burden of being a solo mom on my own shoulders. I realized that I didn't have to parent from a place of depletion, but could begin parenting from a position of power. This isn't a power we muster up ourselves; it’s a power that comes from a radical realization I had while my boys were small: I wasn't actually alone. I was co-parenting with God. When we move from the struggle of isolation into a divine partnership, our entire parenting landscape changes.2. The Radical Shift: Co-Parenting with God [02:15]Viewing God as your co-parent is the foundational step for any mother seeking to lead her household with confidence. When my husband left, I hit rock bottom. I felt like I couldn't even parent myself, let alone two babies, and there were moments I wanted to end it all. But then my mind shifted. I realized that if God cared for me, He cared for the children He gifted me.By making God your primary confidant, you protect yourself from the judgment of others. I learned early on that some people are only waiting for you to tell them your problems so they can use them against you. Confiding in God instead reduces that crushing burden of decision-making and keeps your heart safe.My journey from Atlanta to New York is a perfect example of this partnership. I had my mind set on going to Florida. But I had asked for God's help, and He led me to New York. Even when it felt like the craziest idea ever, I followed His lead because I knew He had the answers I didn't. This partnership allows you to:Navigate Financial Uncertainty: Turning to Him when the numbers don't add up.Receive Decisive Guidance: Seeking wisdom for your children's future.Find Emotional Safety: Knowing you have a partner who never leaves.Before we can effectively lead our children, we must first allow ourselves to be led.3. The Oxygen Mask: Letting God Parent You [06:40]You know the airplane instruction: put on your own oxygen mask first. In parenting, this is a strategic necessity. If we don’t address our own internal wounds, anger at the ex, impatience, or the deep insecurity that abandonment leaves us with, we can’t lead our children well.I had to learn to let God parent me. I didn't know my earthly father, but I discovered through the Word that God is an all-powerful, loving Father. Adopting Him as your own Father provides the emotional security you need to handle conflict and life’s challenges. As Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, when we trust Him with all our heart and stop depending on our own limited understanding, He shows us exactly which path to take. When we ask Him to help us with our fear or frustration, that internal healing becomes visible to our children. They see us being led, and it teaches them how to follow.4. Leadership Through Demonstration & The Power of Apology [10:45]True leadership in the home is demonstrative. Our children internalize our reactions more than our instructions. We have to move away from that old "boss" mentality where the parent is always right just because they’re in charge. Instead, we lead by example.One of the most powerful tools you have is a sincere apology. I grew up in a culture where parents never apologized, but I’m telling you, it builds respect. If you lose your temper and start cussing or carrying on because someone made you mad, apologize to your child. Say, "I'm sorry I acted that way; I let my emotions control me." That’s a seed of accountability. You’re teaching them how to handle their own future mistakes.Leadership in Action:Money Management: I have to be honest, I’ve struggled with a "scarcity mindset" myself, where you get money and feel you need to spend it immediately. My guest, Al Jones, saw this in his own mother. Leading means breaking those cycles of poor credit and impulsive spending.Health Habits: Modeling how we value our bodies through exercise and nutrition.Respect for Others: Refusing to gossip or speak ill of the children’s father in their presence.Emotional Regulation: Showing them how to respond to hardship without losing control.5. Rewriting the Legacy: Breaking Generational Cycles [14:50]As the leader of your home, you have the power to recalibrate your family legacy. It’s about rejecting the idea that "this is just in my DNA." My family had a legacy of high blood pressure and young people dying of ...
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    31 分
  • What to Do When Life Seems Out of Your Control
    2026/09/01
    The Reality of the "Everyday Grind"I'm familiar with the weight you’re carrying because I’ve felt it too. We look at the world around us and it feels like it's going to hell in a handbasket. Between the headlines of wars, invasions, and threats of famine, and the literal shaking of the earth beneath our feet, it is a terrifying time to be raising a family. For a single mother, these global crises aren't just news stories; they add a heavy layer to the "everyday grind". The relentless pressure to keep your head above water when the waves just won't stop coming.The anxiety we feel isn’t a personal failure or a lack of faith; it is a natural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable. Whether you are a young mother wondering how your children will ever survive on their own, or you’re like a dear 80-year-old friend of mine who is struggling to cope because life didn't turn out the way she planned, these fears are visceral. Here are the common stressors many of us are facing today:Financial Survival: The constant, gnawing worry about whether the rent will be paid or if you can afford the next grocery trip.The Fragility of Security: The fear that after decades of hard work, someone can simply change the rules, causing you to lose your savings or even your home.The Future of Our Children: Looking at how hard we struggle and worrying that the next generation won't have the footing they need to survive.The Weight of the Unknown: Facing a world where the plans we were told would work simply don't anymore.These fears are real, and the threat is genuine. But I want to tell you today that while these things are happening, they do not have to be the end of your story.Identifying What We Can (and Can’t) ControlWhen the storms are howling, we have to be very careful about where we spend our limited energy. It is so easy to exhaust ourselves trying to fix things that are completely out of our hands. I’ve learned that the onus is on us to stop depending on things that are ever-changing—like job rules or the economy and instead look for a permanent source of stability. It’s about protecting your heart and mind by choosing where to look.We can stop wasting our strength on the "what-ifs" and start leaning into what actually brings peace:Things We Can't ControlWhere to Place Our EnergyGlobal invasions, wars, and faminesOpening an honest dialogue with the LordArbitrary changes to work rules or "the way things are done"Strengthening your spiritual foundationThe past or the plans that didn't work outTalking to God about your specific needs right nowOther people’s decisions that affect your home or savingsFinding a rest that doesn't depend on the world's rulesI know this works because I lived it. I was a divorced mom left to raise two toddlers, ages two and four, all by myself. I know that heart-pounding fear of not knowing where the next meal is coming from or if we’d lose our roof. But looking back now that my children are grown, I can see that those needs were met. It wasn’t as bad as my anxiety told me it would be. When we hit the limit of what we can do, we usually find ourselves at a crossroads—and for most of us, that crossroads happens at 3:00 AM.The 3 AM Invitation: From Palpitations to PrayerWe’ve all been there: lying in the dark at 3:00 AM, heart racing, chest tight with palpitations, and a mind spinning through a million things that are wrong. It’s exhausting. But I want to encourage you to see those sleepless hours not as a burden, but as a "whisper" from the Lord. For months, I struggled through those nights until I finally heard Him say, “Come talk to me.”That invitation changed everything. I stopped "blabbering" to myself about my problems and started talking to the only One who could actually do something about them. If you are feeling burdened and overwhelmed, try this Prayer Process:Change Your Posture: Don't just lie there tossing and turning. Physically turn over onto your knees. It signals to your heart that you are moving from worry to connection.Be Persistent: If you’re up at 2:00 AM or 3:00 AM, use that time. This isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a daily (and nightly) practice of seeking peace.Cast Your Cares: Take every single one of those "million and one things" and do what 1 Peter 5:7 says: Cast all your cares on Him.Exchange the Load: You were never meant to carry the weight of the world while also working full-time and raising your babies. Hand Him the load so you can receive the rest He created you for.The result isn't always that the problems go away instantly, but the internal storm goes quiet. You can be physically tired but mentally and spiritually calm.Dropping Your Anchor and Finding GratitudeThink of a ship in the middle of a storm. Without an anchor, it’s just going to be tossed about by every wave. For us, dropping our anchor in Christ is what steadies the ship. It’s the difference between being lost at sea and staying grounded while the ...
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    10 分
  • Secrets to Communicating With Your Adult Children
    2026/07/21

    Unlock the secret to transforming your relationship with your adult children without nagging, guilt, or frustration. For solo moms feeling uncertain about how to communicate effectively, this episode reveals simple yet powerful strategies to nurture respect, trust, and genuine connection as your kids step into adulthood.

    Imagine having peaceful, meaningful conversations where boundaries are respected, misunderstandings are minimized, and your kids feel truly heard and appreciated.

    Key Takeaways:

    1.Pray intentionally for your adult children 1:03–4:26

    Prayer is a way to support your children’s salvation, protection, friendships, purpose, and character without trying to control them.

    2.Remember they are adults with their own lives 0:32–2:23

    A strong relationship starts with respecting that your children are no longer little kids, and that you can’t solve problems for them the way you used to.

    3.Stay in touch with consistent, intentional communication 2:49–8:11

    Texts, calls, video chats, and face-to-face time all matter, but the message is to be purposeful about keeping the connection alive.

    4.Resolve conflict with listening, boundaries, and grace 8:40–13:38

    Disagreements are normal, but the relationship strengthens when you listen carefully, avoid guilt trips, respect boundaries, apologize sincerely, and don’t become a doormat.

    5.Express appreciation and let the relationship evolve 14:00–17:05

    The relationship changes as children become adults, and mutual respect, gratitude, and encouragement help it grow into something more like a friendship.

    Spiritual Foundations & Scripture References

    When direct intervention is not appropriate or possible, faith serves as the primary support system that provides peace of mind.

    • James 5:16: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

    A reminder that your prayers are an active form of support, even when your words are not being heard by your child.

    • Psalm 91:11: "He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

    A specific prayer for the physical and spiritual protection for your children.

    • Proverbs 13:20: "Walk with wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

    Used to pray that adult children are surrounded by godly, wise friendships and that unhealthy influences are strategically removed.

    • Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you..."

    A foundational prayer for a child’s purpose, ensuring they find their path under divine guidance rather than parental pressure.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Free Parenting Workbook: A guide to help you internalize the strategies discussed and improve your communication approach at any stage of parenting. https://solomomstalk.store/b/xO63L
    • One-on-One Support: Connect directly with J. Rosemarie for personalized guidance. Fill out the contact form at jrosemarie.com/contact

    Final Word

    If the "secrets" shared today helped you rethink your approach to your adult children, please write a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews are the primary way other solo moms find this community and discover they are not alone in their struggles.

    Remember: You don't have to parent alone.

    https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/secrets-to-communicating-with-your-adult-children

    This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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    18 分
  • Cheer Up the Lonely Day: 7 Tips For Releasing Feelings of Loneliness
    2026/07/10
    Episode OverviewIn observance of "Cheer Up the Lonely Day," this episode addresses an emotion that carries profound weight for single and solo mothers: loneliness. For the solo parent, the repetitive "work-home-sleep" cycle can often lead to a sense of isolation that feels inescapable—a "one-dimensional" existence where the emotional weight of providing and nurturing leaves little room for the self. Loneliness in this context is far from a joke; it is a heavy, multidimensional experience that requires both compassion and a strategic approach to navigate. This episode moves beyond surface-level platitudes to offer a light yet careful exploration of how to break the cycle of "doom and gloom," framing the host as a supportive guide for those navigating the complexities of raising a family on their own.The following insights provide a roadmap for moving from a state of emotional heaviness toward a life characterized by intentional connection and spiritual resilience.Key TakeawaysTo help you navigate this discussion, we have outlined the primary themes and actionable advice discussed in the episode.[01:00] The Importance of Situational Awareness Identifying whether loneliness occurs in solitude or within a crowd (such as at church or work) is the first step in understanding the root of the emotion.[01:45] The Relational Audit A practical look at your current circle—evaluating the frequency and quality of communication with friends and family to see if you have unintentionally distanced yourself.[02:30] Breaking the One-Dimensional Cycle How hobbies and companionship can provide necessary layers to a life that has become dominated solely by work and childcare.[03:45] Reframing the Silence Shifting the perspective on solitary moments from a burden of isolation to a potential "teaching moment" or a season of rest.[05:15] The Power of Reciprocal Comfort Understanding that reaching out is not just about seeking help, but about providing comfort to someone else who may be in the exact same position.[06:30] Scriptural Foundation: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 A deep dive into the biblical cycle of comfort and how God uses our experiences to help others.[07:45] Featured Resource: Overcoming Abandonment An introduction to the specialized tools available for those whose loneliness stems from deeper emotional wounds.These takeaways serve as a vital roadmap for emotional regulation, allowing you to transition from passive feeling to active engagement through the 7-step framework detailed below.The 7-Step Framework for Mitigating LonelinessThis framework is designed to help single mothers analyze their current state and implement practical changes to their daily routines.Contextual AwarenessThe Step: Examine when you feel lonely—is it when you are physically alone, or when you are surrounded by people at church or work?So What? By identifying the specific environment that triggers these feelings, you can move from a vague sense of sadness to a targeted understanding of why you feel disconnected, allowing you to address the root cause rather than just the symptom.Relational AuditThe Step: Evaluate your current relationships with friends and family. Are you actively communicating, or have you become distant?So What? Recognizing a self-imposed distance allows you to take ownership of your social health. It helps you identify where simple communication could bridge the gap and break the cycle of isolation.The Role of CompanionshipThe Step: Consider if your lifestyle is conducive to a pet, such as a small dog or a cat.So What? The source emphasizes that a pet is a powerful solution when you "can't pinpoint" the source of your loneliness. This companionship provides a mutual benefit; the animal receives care, while you receive consistent, non-judgmental presence that enhances your home environment.Identity Beyond MotherhoodThe Step: Re-engage with a hobby, such as gardening, reading, writing, or painting.So What? Solo parenting often results in a "one-dimensional" life of work and childcare. Hobbies break this cycle, reminding you that you are an individual with unique interests and creative needs beyond your role as a provider.Intentional ConnectionThe Step: Deepen existing relationships through weekly phone calls, texts, coffee dates, or walks.So What? Deepening a connection benefits both parties. It moves relationships beyond the superficial, ensuring that your lifestyle is enhanced by a genuine support system that understands your reality.Reframing SolitudeThe Step: View quiet seasons as a "gift" or a "teaching moment" rather than a failure to connect.So What? By asking God why a season is quiet, you transform yourself from a victim of isolation into a student of your current season. This shift allows you to find purpose and growth in the silence rather than just enduring it.Physical and Creative ReleaseThe Step: Go outside, walk in nature, and use technology intentionally.So What? Physical movement in nature acts as a ...
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    9 分
  • Redefining the “Single Mom” Label Through Faith and Purpose
    2026/07/07

    What if the label single mom didn’t define your identity at all?

    In this episode of SoloMoms! Talk, I explore why society has turned “single mom” into a negative label and why God doesn’t. I talk about how to move beyond shame, reclaim your identity in Christ, and embrace the calling of leading your family alongside God.

    Drawing from my own experiences researching the harsh stereotypes surrounding single motherhood, I share why I prefer the term Solo Mom and why your circumstances do not diminish your value, purpose, or calling.

    Together we’ll look at the examples of Hagar and Ruth, discover what it means to co-parent with God, and remember that God is still raising world changers through ordinary mothers who faithfully choose to stay.

    In This Episode

    • Why the “single mom” label carries so much stigma
    • Common biases solo mothers face in society, the workplace, dating, and even church
    • The difference between privacy and shame
    • Why I use the term Solo Mom
    • Biblical encouragement from Hagar, Ruth, and El Roi—the God Who Sees
    • What it means to co-parent with God every day
    • How to reject shame-based thinking and lead your family with confidence
    • Raising children with purpose while breaking unhealthy generational patterns
    • Finding peace by partnering with God in every parenting decision

    Scriptures Mentioned

    • Genesis 16:13 — El Roi, The God Who Sees Me
    • Psalm 23:3
    • Psalm 139:14
    • 2 Chronicles 7:14

    Key Takeaways

    • Your circumstances do not define your identity. God calls you according to His purpose, not society’s labels.
    • You stayed. Your faithfulness matters, and God is using your leadership to shape the next generation.
    • Co-parenting with God changes everything. You don’t have to carry the weight of parenting alone.
    • Your home is a place where God brings healing, restoration, and hope.

    Resources

    • Courage to Believe: 21-Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms
    • Join the SoloMoms! community for biblical encouragement and practical support.
    • Subscribe to SoloMoms! Talk for weekly Christ-centered encouragement for solo mothers.

    Connect

    If this episode encouraged you, please:

    • Follow the podcast
    • Leave a review
    • Share this episode with another solo mom who needs the reminder that God sees her, loves her, and has not forgotten her.
    • send me a note at https://www.jrosemarie.com/contact or reach on solomomstalk on Instagram if you want to learn how to co-parent with God.

    Remember: This season does not define your destination. You are leading your family with purpose, and you never have to do it alone because God walks with you every step of the journey.

    *****

    I cover El Roi, the God Who Sees Me on Day 20 of Courage to Believe 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms. The book is available in Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and English on the free Kindle app: https://amzn.to/4vSKrwX

    Download free resources from the Empowered Solo Mother Toolkit here: https://solomomstalk.store/b/giveaway

    #singlemomlife #biblicalencouragement #parenting

    https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/redefining-the-single-mom-label-through-faith-and-purpose

    This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

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    22 分
  • Co-Parenting With God to Break the Fatherless Legacy and Raise Sons of Integrity
    2026/06/09

    As a divorced mom, I raised three sons, and for my two youngest, I was doing it completely without their father. I remember the weight of that and the realization that I wasn't "daddy" and I couldn't be, because nature just wasn't designed that way.

    But I learned a secret while struggling to come up with effective ways to get out of survival mode. Mothering solo doesn’t mean parenting alone. I began co-parenting with God, relying on Him to fill the gaps that felt too wide for me to bridge.

    The strategy started with a hard truth we have to help our sons grasp: God is nothing like men. If an earthly father was absent or unloving, a boy’s view of "Father God" is often fractured. We have to reframe that character through our own leadership and by diving into the Word to show them a Father who never leaves.

    But it doesn't stop with us. I remember when my youngest was 13 and terrified of the calling on his life. I prayed for a mentor, and God provided a youth pastor who was also a court attorney. He was a man of stability and integrity who stayed. Twenty years later, they are still friends. That mentorship didn’t just give my son a role model; it gave him a blueprint for manhood.

    I’ve always prioritized conversation and community. People used to stop me on the train and ask, "Is that your son? You two talk like you’re friends." I took pride in that because I knew I had to be the sum of his influences.

    Yet, as Jim Rohn famously said, “we are the average of the five people we spend the most time with.” With that in mind, being mindful of the company your sons keep is crucial int keeping him focused on what’s important in life. I had to oversee his "circle of five," ensuring he was surrounded by godly peers.

    Note: The only reason I created a Facebook account was to oversee my son’s action on social media. I was terrified that they would connect with unsafe people online. But I needn’t worry and I realized I didn’t need to keep on eye on them all the time.

    I encourage you also, to add another layer to your leadership when daddy is absent. Encourage your son to read about biblical role models like David, who was far from perfect but was humble. He recognized when he messed up and embraced God to help him escape trouble. Also, Joseph, who modeled integrity despite the many difficulties her suffered.

    Finally by building consistent spiritual habits—reading the Word and praying together—our sons can move from fearing their future to embracing their calling.

    We don’t have to live continuously in survival mode. We can help our sons shake the legacy of absence and raise men who will stand strong for generations.

    While the heart of our mission is spiritual, we must also use the right tools to ensure this message reaches every mother searching for a lifeline.

    If the idea of God as your Father intrigue you, I encourage you to check out Day 12: God, Our Father in Courage to Believe 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms. It’s available in French, German, English, and Spanish on the free Kindle app: https://amzn.to/440sjVi

    If you have a question or just want to talk, please leave me a message at https://www.jrosemarie.com/contact or WhatsApp: 1 917-994-1329.

    Something to ponder today: Think about the concept of “co-parenting with God”. What would life look like for you (how would your life change) if you adapted the framework outlined in this episode?

    https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/helping-your-son-connect-with-god-when-daddy-is-absent

    This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy
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    10 分