Ice cream just makes us feel better; guess that's why almost every time I go into Braum's I see a single mother who's been to Survive 'N' Thrive.  In fact, just this week I sat down in there with a mom raising a teenager alone.  Her question loomed behind glassy eyes. "Pam, how do you ever get over the feeling of loss?"  Great question, one that abides in every single mother's heart.

There's no doubt that one of the greatest tormentors to deal with is loss: loss of a dream, a daily helpmate, status, time with children, finances, friends, and as Norman Wright adds, "Each day uncovers another loss you hadn't planned on."  Amen??? 

It's painful being a single mother, indeed, the most difficult profession known to mankind.  It requires continual encouragement from those who have lived through it, someone like me, for example!  That's why I'm in your life.  God placed me here to be "Jesus in skin" to you and provide His words of truth concerning your healing, freedom, and renewed eyesight. I'm your greatest cheerleader and the one who understands the lonesome road you trod.  And I KNOW that God has plans for you, Jeremiah 29:11 - plans to prosper you.   But for now, what do you do with this cumbersome baggage called loss?

Well, little sisters, do you want the good news or bad news first?  The bad news is this:  the reality that something is gone forever will never go away.  I still feel it after having been a single mother 23 years ago.  There are times it still hurts that my original family is not together. There's something about a woman's makeup that experiences the family unit so deeply. We were created with that inbred mothering/happy little family instinct that coagulates with our very blood!

But the good news is, if you place your life plan on another plain and ask Christ to bring forth a higher purpose for living, then eventually the edge will be taken off the earthly loss, God's healing plan will begin to unfold, and inner joy will once again resurface. IT'S A PROMISE, something guaranteed to happen.  Determine to feast on God's Word:

I will never never leave you nor forsake you.   Hebrews 13:5

No good thing do I withhold from those who walk uprightly.   Psalm 84:11

I know the way you take and you shall come forth as gold.   Job 23:10

I will carry out what I had appointed for you, plans for good.   Job 23:14

You shall remember who I am, and I will come to you and bless you.   Exodus 20:24

I will fight for you while you keep silent.   Exodus 14:14

God's outrageous compassion for you abounds!  You need to hear that and be continually refueled! And the good news is, there's a physical "refueling station" for you right around the corner:  the Oklahoma Survive 'N' Thrive Conference, June 11-12.

I know some of you live in another state, but wouldn't it be fabulous if you could do something revitalizing for yourself, grab a girlfriend, and pamper yourself with a little Oklahoma hospitality!  Like never before, it's going to be a spectacular single mom's booster shot extravaganza! For all of you, do whatever you can to be there!  It will give the fresh bounce you need, and the Arise volunteers are waiting to see your faces.

So, here ya go... take this little present from me to you: "ummmmmmmmmm." It's a Pam Hug. Hope it brightens your day!

Lovin' you,