Single parent is the term used to describe a parent raising a child or children alone either by taking sole responsibilty of the child's well being or by receiving some contribution from the other parent. In most cases the other party seem to be at the bottom of the page in the chapter of the child or children's life.
The Widow of Nain was a single parent as result of her husband's death Jesus didn't hold back on raising her child;
"One can be a single parent as a result of death of one of the parents, seperation of parent, domestic violence, divorce, rape, sour relationship and by choice. It is not an easy journey except God grants one courage and grace.
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about." Luke 7:11-17 KJV
A single parent does what is meant to be done by two people. Infact the sacrifice paid towards this is more than what words can explain. In as much as some society and church frown against such its so rampant in our midst and can't be overlooked.
Common judgement against single parent is that they were/are lose or its their choice to have found themself in such situation. In as much as this may be some cases it is never always the case.
As single parent you need to set your priority right. Especially when it comes to raising the child(ren) up. Some fondly refer to the other parent as a living dead because he or she has no vital contribution in the child's life. I believe this is very wrong, every man on earth as an assignment to fulfill which can easily be entangled in another man's destiny. The most realistic part of this is some people's assignment in another person's life is a relationship that leads to production of another life afterwhich the relationship cease to exist. This doesn't warrant unnecessary stigma on the other party such as referring to them as dead while they are still alive.
We live in a society where people use this term(single parent) to benefit themself. Such as some who reside in countries where financial and social help are given to individuals who are raising children single handedly. Married folks are often seen claiming such benefits even when they are Born again Christians "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV there Bible doesn't apply to that aspect of their life. In as much as you are married and claiming such benefit you are gradually claiming to eventually become a single parent. You are what you confess even if its only written in black and white that you are a single parent for benefit sake yet you are not it's advisable to actually stop. The Lord who is Jehovah Jireh will provide for you without that benefit if only you believe in Him truly.
As part of the body of Christ if by any means we have people of this status (single parent) in our midst judging them or secluding them due to that is wrong. If we do that we do not encourage the love of Christ. At the sight of God thesame love God has for whoever is not in this situation He has for whoever is in this situation. One constant thing in life is change the fact that someone is a single parent doesn't mean they will remain that way forever. If you are chanced to render help to people in this situation do it with one love let the lord reward you.
A single parent should be able to prioritize his or her time in raising a God fearing child just as it applies with parents who aren't single. " Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 KJV
Your work or ministry should not stop you from raising that child up with the fear of God. A parent is the first teacher a child has and mostly what a child becomes in their adult life is partly what their parent(s) was. Do not take the anger of the absent parent out on your child it is wrong because that child is innocent. It's very difficult to find a court where a child will be judged for their parent's mistake or deed except the child is involved.
Seeking the help of God at all time is a vital key in being a successful parent. Do not rely on your ability make sure you carry God along make Him the fore front runner of your family life. As long as God is involved and He takes centre stage the devil will be rendered powerless over your parenting. As every parent face challenges a single parent face more challenges especially when the other party is out of the picture. One thing you should always remember is to involve God who alone is the companion that is ever present.
Single parenting should not stop you from fulfilling your ambitions. There has been cases where parents study same time as their children and they still achieve their goal in life. If you have an ambition never give up on it. It's fulfillment may tarry but trust God to bring it to manisfestation.
Moving on with life either by settling down into a relationship is always a giant step to take in single parenting. One important thing is be plain never hide your child(ren) or spoil the other parent's image just because you have found someone. There was a scenario of a lady who had a child in her village she came to the city became born again. She only went back to visit the village once in a while to see the child and leave money for upkeep. A christian brother found her and she got married. She never told the man she already had a child. After some years the husband travelled and on his way back he branched at the village to see his in laws. When the lady's mother saw him she was happy and said tell your wife her son miss her a lot and i am getting old. Now that she is married she can come and take her child so they can leave together. The husband nearly fainted but composed himself. When he returned back to the city he asked the wife who was more than shocked. This nearly ended the marriage if not for God and intervention of the church.
One other thing that can lead to temporary single parenting is distance between parents. Either they live in different countries and the child lives with one of them. In this case the devil use different strategies to keep them that way or cause them to even divorce eventually. That is not the will of God. I pray that any one in this situation God in His infinite mercies will open the book of rememberance and cause the distance to be a thing of the past. Never give up pray to God nothing is impossible for Him to do. He will not cut the expectation of the righteous do not use this as opportunity to cheat on your spouse God is aware of your burning emotional and other needs and He understands how much you can handle.
Single parenting is not a disease its a temporal state in an individual's life and change of status can happen anytime. As part of the body of Christ we need to show love to one another. Let us leave the holier than thou attitude and face what is more important being an encourager and a channel for your brothers or sisters in this situation to keep their faith. Be strong for them and not forget that they are important to God just as everyone is.
There are successful children raised by single parents so the myth of single parenting leads to bad parenting should not be encouraged. Examples of some successful people raised by single parent are;
President Barrack Obama of USA was raised by his mother his father left when hewas 2years old.
Stephen Crabb a conservative MP (UK) was raised by his mother when his father left.
David Lammy Labour MP raised up by His west Indies immigrant mother.
Single Parent be encouraged its not an easy journey, its not fair just as life generally can be unfair but do not use that excuse to limit the potentials God had deposited in you to raise wonderful and God fearing children. With God on your side you can do it. Shalom
