As single women we deal with a unique set of circumstances and challenges. Although there are pros to living single, the other side is overwhelming. I love doing my own thing at any time without having to accommodate someone else’s schedule or wishes. I can dine on cereal for a meal, control the remote, select the vacation destination, leave the laundry in baskets, and set my own schedule. I have total control and freedom.
It’s easy to list all the great benefits, but within singleness resides difficult situations that tend to wear on our daily life. The most prevalent one for me is the heaviness I feel with the number of decisions to be made. There are so many and sometimes they hit all at once. The responsibility can be crippling. You’re probably more overwhelmed because as a single mom you have a whole other overflowing plate of sports activities, homework, and teacher conferences. Although another set of hands and the additional income would be great, it’s not reality.
One day in particular abounded with a plethora of decisions and maintenance tasks to be managed. I finally sat down on the front porch and claimed Isaiah 54:5, which states that God is my husband. I looked up at the sky and told him, “You promise in your Word that you are my husband and will care for me. I need my garbage disposal fixed, the diseased tree in the backyard removed, and that noise my car is making to stop. So please provide the money and the repairman or miraculously fix it.” God promises us in his Word that he will watch over us if we let him. I’ve grown bold in my spousal requests. I continually pray to God, my husband, to protect and guide me as I lead my household. I declare his responsibility in making sure my home is safe.
Other encouragement is found in James 1:5 (NLT): If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. I continually pray for wisdom as I handle health care, finances, retirement plans, home repairs, car maintenance, and so much more. Before a phone call with the insurance company, I ask God for insight and understanding. As I drop off my car for repair, I request knowledge and assertiveness so I know what to say and how to deftly maneuver through their spiel about my vehicle.
We were never meant to walk this journey alone while we serve as keepers of so many responsibilities. Women can be stubborn and independent. Sometimes we live our lives like how we transport groceries from the car. We line all the bags along our arms to where we can barely lift them and make a mad dash to the kitchen counter. It’s okay to make two trips, and it’s okay to ask God and others for help.
I’m not promising this concept will make life smooth and problem free. I only offer assurance that you will experience the peace and comfort from having God as part of your family. Give it a try. He might just provide someone to carry out the trash.
About Shelley Pulliam
Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, executive director of Arise Ministries and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale. You can connect with me on social media. https://www.instagram.com/shelleypulliam/