A PHENOMENAL WOMAN OF VALOR

BY ANITA K. DAVIS

Going through a divorce is life-changing and life-shattering. It can affect you emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually; therefore, causing you to feel like a victim instead of a victor More importantly, a divorce can break you or strengthen you

A woman who is divorced, and becomes “single again” after a devastating marital breakup endures a lot of pain and heartbreak; a lot of pressure and trauma Nonetheless, through her tears and sadness; rejections and distresses; and loneliness and helplessness, she is forced to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9) and governed to put her hope in God (Psalm 43:5) “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18)

When the divorce is finalized and the case is adjourned, a woman is required to come up with a life-after-divorce plan and compelled to step into the role of “singleness” and embrace her new journey She has to rely on God and seek His will and direction for her life “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 faint” (Isaiah 40:31)

A divorcee’ who suddenly becomes a single mother (parent) or a single mother who has never married, is a great example of being “ a phenomenal woman of valor ” When faced with adversities and difficulties, the strength of a woman rises up and shows herself brave and strong. She tirelessly does what it takes to overcome setbacks and conquer her hardships She can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives her strength (Philippians 4:13) She is bold and tenacious; walking by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) and showing the love of God in her daily life; being attributed or recognized as “ a woman of valor” (Proverbs 31)

“The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes ” C Joy Bell C

A single mother has to deal with many facets of divorce, such as: (1) raising her children alone in a single parent home; (2) coping with the pain, stress, and anxiety of starting over again; (3) experiencing financial hardships, due to having one income;

(4) working a full-time job, a second job; or running a full-time business or side gig to earn extra income; (5) juggling her busy schedule and children’s extracurricular activities; (6) attending church and Bible study regularly; (7) spending quality time with her family, and (8) putting everyone ’ s needs before her own

Although things may be uncomfortable or unbearable at times, a single mother learns to develop grit and pray without ceasing pray until something happens (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 7:7-8); she also learns to trust in the Lord and not lean to her own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); and wait patiently on the Lord (Psalm 27:14) until her situation changes a turnaround a breakthrough She exhibits the strength of a lioness The past does not define her destiny

“Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come (Proverbs 31:25) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26)

God loves and protects a single mother and her children He understands the struggles that she encounters and comforts the single woman “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abound by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

Single mother, I want to encourage you and let you know that, “God is right there with you in the storms and trials He will never leave you nor forsake you Do not be afraid or dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8) “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8) Be rest assured that, “God has a plan and a purpose for your life It is plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11) Know your self-worth and your strength The Lord will fulfill his promises to you (Luke 1:45) You are A Phenomenal Woman of Valor!