Biblical Hope and Proven Strategies for Thriving in Today’s World

By Prince Dee

The alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. Again.

You hit snooze once—just once—because you know there’s no backup plan. The lunches won’t pack themselves. The permission slips won’t sign themselves. And when your teenager pushes back at bedtime tonight, there won’t be anyone to tag in while you catch your breath.

Welcome to single parenting in 2025.

I remember those mornings. The weight of knowing that if I didn’t show up, nobody would. That if I broke down, there was no one to hold things together while I fell apart. Some days I felt like I was doing okay. Other days? I felt like I was failing at everything that mattered.

Mother and son photography

Nearly one in four children in America—about 19 million—are living in single-parent households, making it the second most common living arrangement for children in the United States. If you’re reading this as a single parent, you’re not alone. But I know that on the hardest days, it sure feels like you are.

The Reality Nobody Posts on Social Media

Let’s get real for a moment. Almost a quarter of single-female-headed households live in poverty, and single-parent households can be between 3 and 6 times more likely to experience poverty than households where both parents are present. About 30% of single mothers report symptoms of depression and anxiety, often driven by the relentless weight of doing everything alone.

The statistics are sobering. But you know what? Numbers don’t capture the 2 AM panic attacks. The guilt that eats at you when you lose your temper—again. The crushing loneliness of making every decision by yourself. The way you sometimes lock yourself in the bathroom just to cry where your kids can’t see.

These are the things those statistics also don’t show: your strength. Your resilience. The way you show up every single day, even when you’re running on empty. The moments when you hold your child close and whisper prayers you’re not even sure how to articulate.

God sees you. Every sleepless night. Every impossible decision. Every sacrifice nobody else notices.

When the Weight Becomes Too Much: A Cautionary Tale

Before we go further, I need to share something heavy. Because sometimes the most important lessons come wrapped in tragedy.

In June 2001, Andrea Yates—a former valedictorian, nurse, and devoted mother—drowned her five children in a bathtub. The nation was horrified. How could a mother do such an unthinkable thing?

But as the story unfolded, a different picture emerged. Andrea had been spiraling into severe postpartum psychosis after each of her five pregnancies. She heard voices. She believed Satan was inside her and that her children would go to hell because she was a bad mother. Her mental illness was so profound that she thought killing them was the only way to save them.

Here’s what haunts me about Andrea’s story: Before her final breakdown, she had told her husband she didn’t want to have more children because her doctor warned she might hurt them. But her husband, asserting his religious beliefs about procreation, persuaded her she could handle more. According to trial testimony, her doctor had specifically advised her husband not to leave her alone with the children, yet he began doing so in the weeks before the tragedy.

Andrea had been begging for help. The mental health system failed her. Her insurance constraints forced early hospital discharge when she was still severely ill. She was prescribed 450mg of an antidepressant daily—well above the 300mg maximum recommended dose. The warning signs were everywhere, but nobody intervened in time.

The Lessons We Must Learn

I share this not to condemn Andrea or her family, but because the tragedy led to crucial changes: the Andrea Yates Law now requires prenatal care providers to give new mothers information about postpartum depression resources, and the Yates Children Memorial Fund has trained over 2,500 medical professionals to identify mental health symptoms in new mothers.

Here’s what every single parent needs to understand:

  1. Mental health crises are medical emergencies. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your children, that’s not weakness—that’s a medical emergency requiring immediate help. Call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
  2. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Andrea’s story shows us what happens when a parent is pushed beyond their breaking point with no support. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
  3. Ask for help before you’re drowning. Don’t wait until you’re in crisis. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughts, reach out to your doctor, a counselor, or a trusted friend NOW.
  4. Your mental health affects your children’s safety. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about reality. Getting help for yourself IS taking care of your children.
  5. The church must do better. We need to create spaces where struggling parents can admit they’re not okay without fear of judgment. Where saying “I’m having dark thoughts” doesn’t result in isolation but in immediate, compassionate support.

Andrea Yates remains in a psychiatric hospital today, choosing not to pursue release. Her attorney reports that she delights when he tends to her children’s graves. Five innocent lives lost. One mother’s life destroyed by untreated mental illness. A tragedy that could have been prevented.

I tell you this story not to scare you, but to underscore something critical: raising leaders starts with taking care of yourself. You cannot lead your children to wholeness if you’re falling apart.

“But I Never Planned This”

Neither did Hagar.

Hagar was an Egyptian slave who became pregnant with Abraham’s child and ended up as a single parent. Her story wasn’t part of anyone’s five-year plan. She found herself alone, scared, and unsure how she’d provide for her son.

When she cried out to God, He drew near. Hagar called the Lord “the God who sees me”. In her darkest moment of isolation, she discovered something profound: despite how lonely single parenting may be at times, those who know the Lord can take comfort in remembering that they are never alone.

Maybe you didn’t plan to be a single parent through divorce. Through death. Through abandonment. Through circumstances that shattered the life you thought you’d have. But here’s the truth that can anchor your soul: God promises to be a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).

You are not doing this alone.

The New Age Single Parent: Different Challenges, Same God

The world our children are growing up in looks radically different from the one we knew. Work-life flexibility is being redefined, with hybrid work models becoming the norm and more industries embracing remote work. Technology offers tools our parents never had—from AI-powered budgeting apps to on-demand childcare platforms.

Basically with these advances come new pressures. The pandemic exacerbated the challenges faced by single parents, leading to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and financial strain. Social media shows us everyone else’s highlight reel while we’re drowning in laundry and homework battles. The cost of living keeps rising. Housing, child care, and grocery costs continue to increase, leaving many families struggling to sustain their livelihoods.

Your challenges are real. Your exhaustion is valid. And the pressure you feel isn’t just in your head.

From Survival Mode to Raising Leaders

I know what you’re thinking: “Leaders? I’m just trying to get my kid to clean their room and turn in their homework on time.”

I learnt from watching single parents who’ve walked this road: your children are already learning leadership lessons every single day—from watching you.

They’re learning resilience when they see you get knocked down and get back up.

Their faith grows when they hear you pray through problems you can’t solve on your own.

These children develop a great integrity when you keep your word even when it costs you.

Learning sacrifice when they watch you work multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads.

Discovering leadership isn’t about having it all together—it’s about showing up with character, courage, and conviction, even when life is messy.

The Foundation: Your Spiritual Authority

In some cases, a single parent is truly incapable of raising his or her child, but in all cases, the single parent must do what is necessary to ensure his or her children are brought up “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

You may not be able to be both mother and father. But you can absolutely be the spiritual leader your children need.

This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It doesn’t mean you need a theology degree. It means:

  • Modeling authentic faith — Let your children see you pray, struggle, doubt, and trust God anyway. When I was a single parent, trying to do everything on my own left my spirit totally depleted and my nerves on edge… I had to learn it was impossible for me to survive without the supernatural peace and strength of Jesus.
  • Teaching God’s Word — Even five minutes of devotional time or one Bible story at bedtime plants seeds that will grow for a lifetime.
  • Demonstrating grace — When you mess up (and you will), let them see you apologize, seek forgiveness, and extend grace to others.
  • Building a faith community — Building a strong network of Christian friends, family, and leadership surrounds your children with examples of godly living beyond just you.

Character Over Credentials

In our achievement-obsessed culture, it’s easy to think leadership development means piano lessons, travel sports teams, and AP classes. But the leaders our world desperately needs aren’t necessarily the ones with the most impressive résumés.

They’re the ones with character.

Responsibility is heavy for married parents, but when you’re single parenting it can seem almost impossible… But I had to recognize that the Lord purposefully chose me to be my children’s parent, and He is guiding me every step of the way (Isaiah 30:21).

Focus on building these qualities in your children:

Integrity — Giving children chores and responsibilities helps them grow into hard-working adults with integrity.

Resilience — Your family’s story of overcoming adversity is one of your greatest teaching tools.

Servant Leadership — Teach them that true leadership is about serving others, not being served.

Financial Wisdom — Even when money is tight, teach them about giving, saving, and stewardship.

Problem-Solving — Let them see you navigate challenges with faith and wisdom.

Emotional Intelligence — Teach healthy expression of emotions, conflict resolution, and empathy.

The Promises That Will Carry You Through

When you’re exhausted and wondering if you’re enough, remember these biblical truths:

Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Every parenting decision, every discipline moment, every fork in the road—you can ask for wisdom and God will provide it.

Provision

“Single mom, do not worry. I shall supply all that you need that I might accomplish my plan for you” (Philippians 4:19). He knows what you need before you ask.

Strength

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13).

Fill the Gaps

God’s grace will fill in the gaps as He helps them raise their children (Psalm 27:10). What you cannot provide, He will. God is a Father to the fatherless.

Peace

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Practical Steps for Today

1. Build Your Village Strategically Encouraging relationships with adults of the opposite sex who are good Christian role models—grandfathers, sisters, uncles, cousins, friends, youth leaders—gives your children examples of godly leadership beyond what you can provide alone.

2. Leverage New Age Resources From AI-powered budgeting apps to online communities like Solo Parent Central, use technology to your advantage. Join single parent support groups. Access free online therapy. Use meal planning apps. Let technology serve you.

3. Set Boundaries Without Guilt The church must be direct with single parents so that they feel no pressure to volunteer in church programming. They are drowning! It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to protect your energy. It’s okay to prioritize your children and your wellbeing.

4. Take Care of Yourself Looking after yourself both physically and spiritually—when you have more energy, it’s easier to care for your children. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

5. Stay Connected Despite Conflict If you co-parent with someone who doesn’t share your faith or values, try to stay in communication for your children’s sake. Your children shouldn’t suffer because of adult conflict.

6. Be Honest About Your Struggles Being honest about struggles while demonstrating faith teaches your children that faith isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about trusting God when everything isn’t fine.

The Long View: Your Legacy Matters

Your children are not destined to a second-class existence just because they have one parent actively raising them. But—and this is crucial—you must prioritize your mental health alongside your children’s wellbeing.

If Andrea Yates’ story teaches us anything, it’s that we cannot ignore the warning signs. We cannot “push through” severe mental illness. We cannot sacrifice our mental health on the altar of martyrdom and expect our children to thrive.

Years from now, when your children look back on their childhood, they won’t remember that you couldn’t afford the expensive vacations or the brand-name clothes. They’ll remember that you showed up. That you prayed with them. That you taught them to trust God when life was hard. That you modeled perseverance and faith.

They’ll remember that you raised them to be leaders—not because you had it all figured out, but because you pointed them to the One who does.

A Word to the Church

If you’re reading this and you’re not a single parent, please hear this: When single parents engage the help of their brothers and sisters in Christ, their children can thrive.

Single parents in your church need:

  • Mentors for their children
  • Practical help (meals, childcare, home repairs)
  • Financial wisdom and support when needed
  • Non-judgmental community
  • To be included in family activities, not isolated
  • To be seen, valued, and supported—not pitied

A Bible-driven church must foster Christ-centered relationships that are diverse, integrated, and home-centered. Let’s break down the walls that isolate single-parent families.

Your Story Isn’t Over

Maybe you’re reading this at your kitchen table at 11 PM, finally sitting down after another impossible day. Maybe you’re questioning every decision you’ve made. Maybe you’re wondering if you’re enough.

Hear this truth: “Single mom, you think you will never get over this, but I rebuild the heartbroken and dress their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).

You are not just surviving—you are raising leaders. Leaders who will know that strength comes from dependence on God. Leaders who understand that character matters more than comfort. Leaders who’ve learned resilience because they watched you model it every single day.

God reminds us He is in control and has plans to prosper our children’s lives, giving them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Your best is enough when you partner it with God’s grace.

The God who sees you is the God who equips you.

And He’s not finished with your story yet.

Father, for every single parent reading this—the exhausted mom who hasn’t slept in days, the dad who’s worried about making ends meet, the parent who’s questioning if they’re enough—remind them that You see them. That You’re with them. Protect them from the lie that they must carry everything alone. Give them wisdom to recognize when they need help, and courage to ask for it. Surround them with support. Guard their mental health. And help them see that You’re using their faithfulness to raise leaders who will change the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you’re struggling with thoughts of harming yourself or your children, please reach out immediately:

Your life matters. Your children need you healthy. Help is available.