Freely Speaking with Barbara

I didn’t plan on being single with a one-year-old baby. I was married right out of high school at eighteen, and by February, I was pregnant at nineteen. Back then, my only aspiration was to be a great mom. I didn’t have that positively modeled for me growing up.

As things go with people who don’t have great role models, I chose someone who abused me like I had been abused as a child. It took a few years and fighting for my life and my son’s life to escape.

As God would have it, He provided some mentors to help me see clearly and walk me through my struggles. I was determined not to repeat the cycle of dysfunctional parenting that I had experienced.

Fast forward, I went to college and got my degree in counseling. I no longer looked over my shoulder to see if I would have to face my crazy ex-husband chasing me with a gun. He ended up in jail and ultimately died there.

I trust God in my struggles. He has surrounded me with loving, healthy people as good role models. My genuine friendships have helped me see God’s love and provision. Being a single parent is hard, so find a tribe of people that will come alongside you and point you in the right direction during your battles. He will provide you with all you need.

“And you saw how the Lord your God cared for you all along the way as you traveled through the wilderness, just as a father cares for his child. Now he has brought you to this place”
(Deuteronomy 1:31 NLT).

All glory to God!