https://odb.org/2024/07/18/renewing-our-strength
Single parenting is a more recent phenomenon, at least in our Malaysian context. Partly due to the rise in divorce rates as more women are gainfully employed. In fact, the ratio of women to men in universities and colleges now borders at 2 to 1. With better education, women may even have outnumbered men in the workforce. With financial independence, women can raise up their children on their own without the help of men, whether financial or otherwise. But single parenting is not limited to women as there are men too who are single parents. There are divorcees, but there are also widows and widowers. Not everyone remarries.
The struggle can be daunting, especially if there is no help from our own older parents or other family members, particularly when the child is young. In the city, homes are expensive and small. Leading to fewer extended families. Although there are daycare centres, it is difficult for single parents to go out at night. For example, business dinners or even hanging out with friends or going dating. In a way, it perpetuates single parenthood. If the entire responsibility and expense of raising up a child is on a single parent, it is very tough when coupled with the stress and pressure of work. But you can’t quit as your job puts food on the table and pays the bills.
Isaiah 40:29-31 proclaims:
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
In the end, if we put our hope on Jesus, God the Father will renew our strength. We will soar with wings like eagles and will run and not grow weary. God will give us the strength to overcome the struggles of life and persevere through with our faith intact. In a blink of the eye, the children will be all grown up, and we will look back at the past 10 to 20 years with gladness and joy in our hearts. The goodness and blessings of God are real and tangible. Don’t ever give up! God is with us!
Ronnie's Thoughts 