Single moms are some of the most amazing people on the planet. They rise to the occasion of single parenting moment after moment, day after day. They relentlessly show up for their children in every way imaginable, and even some that are mind-boggling. By the grace of God, they assume the full responsibility of parenting without complaining and with complete commitment in order to offer their children the best life they can possibly experience.
Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to honor the single moms within your sphere of influence. Often, married women are celebrated by their spouses. Even if unspoken, there is an expectation for their husband to assist the children in preparing some expression of love to them on this occasion. This brings a sense of assurance they will be blessed in some special way.
Single women, especially moms of young children, may not have a support system in place to ensure this kind of acknowledgment will happen. If their children are not of driving age with access to money, they cannot even initiate buying their mother a present without her knowledge. But this is where we come in and help to make the difference.
It is so important the Body of Christ demonstrates the love of Jesus through our actions with all those we share within community. Mother's Day is one of those holidays single moms may feel underappreciated, even though they may never say so. What an opportunity for believers to show kindness and compassion. Galatians 6:10 (NIV) tells us, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." Mother's Day is a great opportunity to "do good" to a single mom right within your reach. Here are five practical ways you can bless a single mom this Mother's Day.
1. Assist Her Children in Honoring Her
Children need guidance. They need to be asked probing questions, given pep talks, offered gentle reminders, and they also need to be explicitly taught how to show appreciation to others. Stepping in to assist the children of a single mom to help prepare for Mother's Day is one practical example of being a blessing to their mom. Depending on your relationship with the mom and her children, you could ask the mother's permission to take her children out shopping to find a Mother's Day present. Or, you might surprise the mother and work closely with her children to ensure they have come up with a plan for how they will celebrate their mom.
While engaging with the children, initiate conversations that help them understand why intentionally celebrating their mom is so important. Helping their ideas take shape and form will provide authentic expressions of love as they honor their mom. In return, you will also be blessed for the seeds of kindness you have sown into the lives of a family. We are reminded in Psalm 112:5 (NIV), "Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice." When we generously serve others, God is faithful to repay us with good.
2. Gift Her Time for Pampering
Moms sometimes feel guilty about doing nice things for themselves away from their children. Single moms are just as busy as married moms, but they have the additional consideration of how to secure child care for their children when they are not present. How nice would it be to have someone gift you time specifically for the purpose of pampering AND provide childcare so that you can enjoy being pampered without any guilt? It would be incredibly lovely and such a blessing for single moms.
Maybe you can't do both, but I am sure that the single momma you are thinking of would appreciate a gift certificate for a facial, mani/pedi, or massage. Not only does it send the message you care, but it also communicates to her, "I am worth it." Remember Romans 12:10 (NIV), "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Pampering a single mom will definitely give her the chance to feel loved and genuinely esteemed.
3. Speak Words of Affirmation and Encouragement
Never underestimate the power of your words. From Proverbs 25:11 (ESV), we learn, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver." The right words spoken at just the right time may be the very encouragement a single mom needs to be reminded that God sees her, knows her, and loves her. What if you are the instrument God uses to extend affirmation like, "You're doing a great job with your children" or "Your children are blessed to have you as their mom" just from the sincere words you speak?
Another way you can capture those words would be to write them down. This could be a fun project for her children to participate in also. Word art is visual and an original work that can be personalized. Creating poetry and letter writings can be framed and presented to mom as well. Those words will live on for years to come as they provide tangible reminders from those who matter most.
4. Invite Her and Her Children to Dinner
Even moms who love to cook are happy to take a day off from kitchen duty. Single moms would love to accept a warm, heartfelt dinner invitation for her and her children to enjoy great food, fun, and fellowship with friends. We see this beautifully modeled in scripture, especially in the New Testament. The Early Church had a wonderful reputation for coming together around meals. This allowed them to get to know each other better and strengthen their relational bonds as followers of Christ.
Don't fuss or worry over not being able to cook or not having the gift of hospitality. These are not reasons that should deter you from making a dinner invitation gesture. You can always go out to a restaurant if you are not comfortable with the idea of having guests over to your home. Ordering take-out is always a great option as well. Jesus often broke bread with his disciples and shared meals with others. This is a timeless example that will never grow old.
5. Pray For and With Her
Finally, this Mother's Day, be sure to pray for the single moms God places on your heart. We can do this privately, but it is also okay to ask, "Can we take a moment and pray together?" You may never know the far-reaching impact of your prayers for that momma on this side of heaven.
Sometimes single moms want to support, but they may not always know how to ask. Prayer is one of the most significant resources God has given to us, not just for ourselves but to be a blessing in the life of others. Matthew 18:19 (ESV) says, "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." There is power in agreement. Single moms need prayer partners that will stand with them not only around Mother's Day but consistently throughout the year. Prayer is not costly to us. Nor does it require prep work or lots of time. It only requires willing hearts, being open to experiencing connection, and sincere encouragement. How blessed would a single mother be? Blessed beyond measure.
Patrice Burrell Grant is called to lead others to the grace of God, rooted in the truth of Scripture. Championing women to live authentically and pursue God passionately, she is a life coach, speaker, and worship leader who loves the presence of God. She desires to live a lifestyle anchored in spiritual disciplines while cheering on other women to do the same. As a Bible teacher and preacher, she exhorts women to remember their true identity is defined in Christ, not culture. You can connect with Patrice on her blog, Warrior Woman Blog; on social media in her Facebook community, Warrior Women; and on Facebook and Instagram. Patrice is the author of Warrior Slay, a devotional book on the power of worship and prayer, and Living My Best Life, a Bible study for single women. Soon to be released, her latest work, Be Still My Soul, is a devotional book about cultivating the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude through daily prayer journaling. Visit Patrice’s website @ www.patriceburrell.com to connect with her and receive weekly encouragement in Christian living.