Run to God, then to others.

The more hurt I was, the more I wanted to run. The more I replayed the past, the more I wanted to simply stay underneath the covers and not get up in the mornings. It seemed like the harder life was, the more I wanted to isolate myself from others as a young single mom. And do you know what happened? Life got darker and darker and darker. That’s the danger of isolation. When we’re going through hard times, it is easy for us to isolate. We don’t want others around. We don’t want to cry one more tear over the situation. We don’t want to explain our emotions again and again. But the more we pull away, the harder the situation becomes.

God created us for community. He created us so that others around us can encourage us when we are down. He uses people to speak life into us, when we are too tired, or broken, or emotionally weak, to even read His word. The problem is, when we are really hurting, it can be much easier to isolate than to reach out to others and really address the layers of emotions we’re battling. But the easy route isn’t always the best route. In fact, the easy route is usually the temporary fix anyway.

For those of you who may be reading this and saying, “I don’t tell anyone what’s going on, because they won’t understand. Or people will judge me.” Don’t believe that! Those are lies the enemy of your soul would whisper into your ear that would keep you doubting and lonely and isolated. Will there be someone on occasion who will not understand or maybe even judge you? Yes, perhaps. But we can’t allow that one person to keep us from creating a community that enhances our lives. I met many of my very best friends at church in Bible studies or through service projects. And it didn’t happen overnight.

I can remember joining a Sunday School class and feeling very much like I didn’t fit in. I didn’t talk much, and I looked around and feared others were judging me. But I made the decision to go back again and again. Although it took many weeks and months before I felt comfortable, I started attending socials at some of the members' houses. I would call them occasionally for prayer. I would reach out. See, that’s the key. I didn’t sit back and wait until someone else reached out to me. They may not reach out because they think you don’t want to be reached out to. Sometimes, we will take them not reaching out as a sign that they don’t like us or care or want us around. When in reality, they do care, but they simply don’t know what to say or maybe have an insecurity of their own. I’m so thankful, oh so many years ago that I began to reach out to make friendships within that class. Some of those very people are my best friends now. They came at a time when I desperately needed an ear. And they’ve been with me ever since.

Moms, I founded an organization back in 2011 called The Life of a Single Mom and we have one mission – to see that no single mom walks alone. Why? Because I’ll never forget having been that lonely, isolated, weary single mom that often felt alone. But you have to do your part! As we’ve been through this week’s devotional together, there are five things we’ve learned:

1. Take steps to avoid life burnout.
2. All hope is not lost! We serve the God of all hope.
3. Take care of yourself in mind, body, and spirit. It all matters!
4. Resting in the Lord isn’t just about physical rest.
5. Do not isolate.

These are just a few of the many ways you can find rest for your weary souls. Please know that there are an army of church leaders, mentors, pastors, and staff that pray for you regularly. Not one tear cried will be lost. Our God sees you.

Points to Ponder:

• Why do you think we tend to isolate, when we are hurting, instead of running to others for support?
• Do you currently attend a single moms’ support group? If not, visit https://thelifeofasinglemom.com/find-a-group/ to find a group in your area!
• Looking to further your knowledge in the areas of health & wellness, parenting, and finances? Join Single Mom University today for free by simply filling out a scholarship application at https://singlemomuniversity.com/apply-for-scholarship/ and use the coupon code "YouVersion."