When I was 9 years old, my twin sister and I sat alone in a church service on a Sunday morning in a small Baptist church in rural Louisiana. The pastor delivered a message and when he began the altar call, I got up and timidly walked down to the front of that church. It was in that moment that I realized the weight of my sin and my desperate need of this Savior he spoke of. It was a deep realization (as deep as a 9-year-old could have) that I needed Jesus’s help to get through my life. Life had already been quite hard for me. My mother had been killed. My dad was an alcoholic who had married many times. I had endured much abuse. And there was something about this Sunday morning that was made clear by the power of the Holy Spirit that I could not do life without Jesus. Life’s weight was far too heavy a burden to bear.
I’m not certain that I understood the brevity of my decision way back then. I’m not certain I fully understood what it was to be a Christian or how do that well. I assuredly did not understand what it was to walk in my God-given calling, to live a life set-part, or to operate with the fullness of the powerful authority of the Holy Spirit. No, that journey would be a life-long one. It’s been a journey that has taken many twists and turns, no doubt. It’s a journey that I’m still on – to learn, to grow, to rest, to lean in.
As I sat down to write this letter of holiday encouragement to the many single moms out there who may stumble upon this, the Lord reminded me of that motherless little girl sitting on a pew a long time ago and the pain I endured, even at such a young age. And He reminded me of the many pains I have suffered since. I immediately thought of you – the single mom who is juggling a few gifts under the tree with mounting bills alongside, the single mom who feels lonely today, the single mom who carries unspeakable weight and feels unseen, the single mom who sits silently hurting. I asked the Lord what I could say. He brought me here:
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:8-11
Single Moms, the birth of that Savior – the one we celebrate this holiday season – is the hope of the world, and He changed everything.
- He came to shine light in darkness. Some of you sit in a dark place today. There is hope for you.
- He came to restore sight. Some of you sit blinded in grief & pain. There is hope for you.
- He came to heal the sick. Some of are sick in body, others in spirit. There is hope for you.
- He came to set captives free. Some of you have been bound for too long. There is hope for you.
Jesus came so that that 9-year-old little girl would find strength to endure hard seasons. He came so that you – single mom – could find joy and peace in the middle of your hard season, too. He came to restore right standing with the Father. That is the type of hope that endures – the type that lasts beyond the fleeting moment of a hard holiday or a difficult season.
So often, we struggle during the holidays, because we’ve lost sight of the hope that was brought a long time ago – the hope we encountered with Jesus, perhaps as a little girl. Jesus isn’t a band-aid on a bleeding wound of pain or disappointment. He’s the Great Physician who comes to heal it. His intention isn’t to leave us suffocating and drowning and limping and bleeding all over the place. His intention is to set us free. His intention is that we’d have hope – despite the challenges that persist.
Mom, you are seen by the hope of the world. He values and loves you. You are royalty – a daughter of the Most High King – and it is time you start living like it. Your life’s portion isn’t depression, rage & anger, bitterness & unforgiveness, anxiety & worry. Your portion is:
- joy
- authority
- abounding peace
- love
- gentleness
- freedom
- hope & wholeness
You may have been knocked down countless times. You may be bloody and bruised from the weight of multiple jobs and countless disappointments. You may be exhausted. And you may be tired of suffering. But hear me...
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.
So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10 NLT
‘Twas the Night Before a Single Moms’ Christmas
by Jennifer Maggio
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the place, Only mom was stirring, as she washed her tired face.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that something good might soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of Phones & iPads danced in their heads;
And momma rushed and rushed about – to and fro, Scrubbing the floors, and then….the commode...
The Christmas Season Keeps on Giving!
Did you know The Life of a Single Mom offers tons of resources just for you. Whether you are looking to get connected on a deeper level or are looking for financial assistance, we have you covered!
Single Mom University is home to 175+ online lifeskills classes that cover all areas of parenting, finances, and health & wellness. The best part? It's free! Get enrolled in SMU today!
The Life of a Single Mom’s desire is to see that every single mom finds a support group that offers them life-giving relationships, networking opportunities, education, and more. Get connected by Finding a Group near you. Can't find one? We can help you start one! Ask us how.
Be sure to check out our National Resource Guide that includes a state-by-state housing guide, utility assistnace, and many more single mom financial resources!
Meet the Author
Jennifer Maggio is an award-winning author and speaker, whose personal journey through homelessness, abuse, and multiple teen pregnancies is leaving audiences around the globe riveted. At 19, Maggio was pregnant for the fourth time, living in government housing on food stamps and welfare. She shares with great openness her pain, mistakes, and journey to find hope in Christ. She ultimately became an 11-time Circle of Excellence winner in Corporate America. While a vocal advocate for abstinence, and sustaining today’s marriages, Maggio recognizes that single parenthood exists and is passionate about seeing these parents thrive. She left her corporate successes behind to launch a global initiative to see single moms living a life of total freedom from financial failures, parenting woes, and emotional issues. Her passion is contagious and her story has been used to inspire thousands around the globe. For more info, visit her website at jennifermaggio.com.
The Life of a Single Mom is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served hundreds of thousands of single mothers with a variety of programs. Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S. The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information, visit www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
