FATHERS DAY AS A SINGLE MOM!

Every year it will happen. Someone will make it a point to tell me Happy Father’s Day. Hearing that although meant to be uplifting, it makes me feel awkward. I as a woman am not equipped to play the role of both mom and dad. I was called to be a mother to my precious little boy, and I cannot fill the gaps in his heart from a father that is not there.

“I don’t know how you do it all”

“How do you manage to be both mom and dad?”

I hear these statements very frequently around Father’s Day. While the people making these statements are saying them to be encouraging, if I can be honest, they are nerve- wracking, they create unwanted panic and anxiety and they really make me feel uncomfortable. There was a long time that I thought I was supposed to be both mom and dad to Charlie, but I am not called to be Charlie’s father and it’s not a role that I am trying to fill. While we are on this journey of single parenting together, all of us have a different story to tell and GOD has a perfect plan for the journey we are on. In my journey GOD never called me to be both mom and dad, because he saw this life that Charlie and I would lead before it ever came to be in existence. He called me by name, and gave me a story to tell. I am Charlie’s mother, and while he does have a father, even though he chose not to be a part of his life. Most importantly, he has a Heavenly Father who will never leave us or forsake us.

If I take a step back, if I stop trying to fill the gap, if I stop trying to do it all on my own, GOD himself will step in. GOD will teach my son, he will guide him, and he will discipline him. So, I am not called to be both mom and dad to my son. I was called to be his mother and all of the responsibilities that come along with being a mom. I am a woman who is gifted at caring for, loving, and raising my son with the influence only a mother can give.

“I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” 2 Corinthians 6:18