Every Tuesday Kat Myrman offers a photo to inspire us to write a story or poem using 140 characters or less, hence the name “Twittering Tales.” The photo prompt I used brought thoughts of brokenness, primarily of broken families.After working on it for awhile I discovered I had used last week’s prompt! I decided to post it anyway, because it stirred some other thoughts which I share at the end.
Trust Betrayed
Tired of his shallow, twisted excuses, she became angry.
Hurling the goblet to the floor she screamed,
“Go! I never want to see you again!”
(139 characters)
Broken but Determined
Like this broken glass
A marriage had been shattered
He chose another
Not to be kept down
She worked hard for their children
Filling in the gaps
(139 characters)
Broken Relationships and Single Parenting
When divorce happens, many adjustments need to be made. It’s a hard road to walk. The hurt and sadness don’t just go away. Sometimes relationships are restored, but other times God has something else in mind. Even so, it doesn’t take away the fact that lives are altered in ways they never imagined. Things will never be the same.
One parent is often left with most of the responsibility and not much free time at all. This reminds me, too, of single parents whose spouses have died. They also need a lot of encouragement. I’m sure they appreciate it when someone shows interest and offers help.
It’s hard enough being a parent when both Mom and Dad are involved in the lives of their children. I remember times being very exhausted at night, and I was not the sole provider or caretaker. Think of having all the responsibility of the home, the care of the children and having to hold down a job. It’s not an easy way of life.
A Challenge
My challenge is for us all to look around at the families we know who might be struggling. I want to encourage us to reach out and help others, especially those who are parenting alone. They would not have chosen this but now have to work extra hard. Without judging we need to be available to help those parents who are in the role of single parent.
The following scriptures exhort us to care for and share with others. While the single parent is not mentioned specifically, they would certainly be included. I don’t have a list of things we can do to help, but I’m sure each of us could think of practical things to help lighten another person’s load.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
What about you? Do you have any suggestions of ways to help the single parents we know in our families, neighborhoods and churches?
I’m linking up with: Kat Myrman and Twittering Tales, #ThroughProvokingThursday, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday, #TeaAndWord, #FreshMarketFriday, #RaRaLinkup
So beautiful Gayl. Thank you for linking to my site. I would have hated to miss this. 🙂 <3
Thank you, Kat! You are such an encouragement to me and my writing! Blessings to you! And thanks for including my very late piece in the round up! 🙂
These are such beautiful stories, and stirring thoughts, Gayl! Your words are a wonderful reminder to keep praying for those broken households, and for the ones who shoulder such heavy loads. Thank you for sharing your compassionate heart with us! You are a blessing to so many of us! xoxo
Thank you, dear Bettie! This hits close to home as there are two families among my children who are affected by some of these struggles. I see first hand how hard it can be.
Thank you for your sweet comments. It blesses me to know that I can be a blessing to others. 🙂 Love and hugs and blessings to you, dear sister! xoxo
Great post! I grew up in a broken home and have been divorced myself. It adds so many layers to relationships. Not impossible, but extra support would be amazing!
Yes, so many layers. Even if the divorce is mutually agreed on and the husband and wife stay friends, which is the case in someone close to me. It’s still difficult on the children, and I see how both families need help, support and encouragement.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Melissa. So often we don’t think about how much our support and encouragement are needed when we are caught up in our own families. I want God to help me notice when others need help and be there if I can.
Blessings to you!
Thank you for caring so much about broken families, Gayl. Yes, we need to open our eyes to the hurt of others. They need someone to listen and to care without judgment. I want to be able to see past the sometimes smiling masks to broken hearts. I know there are many who hide their pain and say they are fine. May God help us to give encouragement wherever and whenever we can! Love and hugs to you!
Trudy, thank you so much for your encouragement. Yes, I want to see past the smiles and find out what they really need. I pray that God will give us discernment to know when to press through the masks.
Blessings to you! Love and hugs! xo
I have a friend who has been walking through a divorce, left to care for three busy boys on her own. It’s been a hard road, and the kindness and encouragement of loving friends has made all the difference. Wise words, Gail.
Thank you, Tiffany! I’m glad your friend has people to help. My daughter with 5 kids really works hard, but she has loving friends, too. Single parenting is very difficult and that’s why we need to show encouragement.
Blessings to you!
Thank you Gayl, for this timely post. My aunt, a long time caregiver to her husband of fifty-four years will be laying him to rest tomorrow. Praying I’ll know how to best comfort her in the coming days, months and years.
My condolences to your aunt, Christina. 🙁 I’ll pray that God shows you how you can be a comfort to her.
Blessings to you!
Gayle- I am amazed how you can get such powerful words in only 139 characters! Wow. You paint a poignant visual picture with your words, few as they may be. I completely agree with your statements about single parenting – although I have never had to walk that path, my best friend from High School did and she did an amazing job working and caring for her two children. It wasn’t always easy for her and still isn’t today, even though they are grown. I think she would agree that she couldn’t have done it with out the love and support of her church, family and friends who came along and supported her. Thank you for linking up with #TuneInThursday this week I look forward to seeing what you share next week. Blessings
Debbie, thank you so much! You really encourage me.
Yes, I’m seeing it with my daughter. Her church and friends have been so supportive, and it really warms my heart to see people step in to help.
Thank you for hosting #TuneInThursday. It’s a great linkup.
Blessings!
Gayl – guess what we are neighbors today at #RaRaLinkup and your words still moved me today as much as they did last time I read them. So happy to visit you again – i look forward to seeing you on Thursday over at my linkup:)
I’m glad to hear that about my words. 🙂 Glad you’re my neighbor at #RaRaLinkup. I’m working on a post now that I hope to be ready to linkup tomorrow with you!