When the Unexpected Happens

We met at a meeting involving a nonprofit where I once worked. Strangers, yet both of us committed to helping this nonprofit thrive. Both of us single moms who wanted to help other single moms and their kids.

She listened carefully to my introduction and to the presentation I gave. But I noticed a frown beginning to crease her beautiful face. Its chocolate color and her accent underscoring her upbringing in the South.

As she presented, I learned more about her. Now a therapist, she had worked hard to complete her master’s degree while raising two children alone. Living in studio apartments. Teaching her children how to be frugal yet enjoy life. Now she was giving back to other single moms. Helping them find their way through the maze of emotions and challenges their past relationships had branded on their psyches.

After our presentations, she came toward me. Much taller than I with a fluid grace that carried her across the room. We balanced our plates of refreshments yet still managed to shake hands. A firm, solid shake that underscored how we had both risen above victimization and into authenticity.

That frown still on her face as she searched for words. “I’m not sure where, but I think I’ve read a book you wrote.”

“That’s possible. I am a writer, and my books are all on Amazon. Some in libraries or maybe garage sales.” Hoping for some levity to remove that frown.

“Hmm.” No smile on her face. Just an upward glance, trying to figure me out. “Have you written anything specifically for single moms?”

“Well, yes. Multiple articles in various magazines, but also a devotional book. An organization I support, The Single Mom KC, always keeps them in stock.”

Finally, a smile washed over her lovely face. A friendly hand on my arm. “Of course. That’s it. I was part of that organization and was given your book. What’s the name of it?”

“Just for Today: Hope for Single Moms.”

“Yes. Yes. I read from that book every night, and every night — it was the perfect message. Exactly what I needed to make it through the next day. Thank you for writing it and sharing it.”

We chatted a bit about our children. About where we now live. What we do. About God’s faithfulness to carry us through those difficult days and bring us and our children into a better situation. About the words that can encourage and help us find a hope-filled expectation.

When she moved away from me, I took a deep breath. Writers don’t often hear words of encouragement. Oh, of course — when we sell books, we feel that our efforts have counted for something. And we always hope to make some sort of impact, especially those of us who write to share the love of Jesus.

But to actually hear from someone whose life was impacted by those words — that is priceless. I drove home that day, grateful for the words God had given me. Glad I had spent hours in front of the computer crafting those words. Happy for the book I independently published and sent to a particular nonprofit who gave it to this lovely woman. And others like her.

Words have power. Whether they are words of truth or lies that are spoken from podiums and festered by angry people. Words can change lives, governments, and nations.

We must all be careful that our words come from the source of truth and not just from an emotional reaction. We must consider how our words can change a life. Then make sure we diligently share those words of truth. So that hope and joy become the main focus. So that anger and vilification are dimmed.

And for those of us who write, we must continue while we have the freedom to do so. Because someone out there needs to read our words. Because our words matter.

©2024 RJ Thesman – All Rights Reserved

If you know a single mom, share this devotional book with her. Just for Today: Hope for Single Moms.