Dear Fellow Mothers, Especially Single Mothers,
As I write this, my heart carries a mixture of deep gratitude and raw honesty. Mothering a 22-year-old daughter has brought me both profound joy and immense challenges— moments of triumph mixed with storms that tested everything within me. I’ve wrestled with pain, drama, and disrespect that left me questioning not just my role as a mother but my very foundation. Yet, amidst the trials, there has always been a glimmer of hope.
Today, I share my journey not to recount the struggles but to encourage you—fellow mothers walking a similar path—to lean into faith, to listen with humility, and to trust that the process is shaping us into the women and mothers God intended us to be.
The Pain and the Growth
Motherhood is a sacred calling, but as a single mother, the weight often feels unrelenting. I’ve faced arguments that drained my spirit, accusations that felt like daggers, and words that cut deeper than I thought possible. Being called jealous, controlling, or unloving pierced my heart. These moments exposed not only the challenges in my relationship with my daughter but also the areas where I needed to grow.
I realized I had to confront some deeply ingrained ways of thinking. Raised in a tradition where children were seen but rarely heard, I often struggled to recognize my daughter’s voice. But God revealed to me that my daughter’s words, even when spoken in anger, were expressions of a soul seeking understanding and connection.
I’ve had to be brave enough to admit that I was wrong at times—wrong in dismissing her perspective, wrong in responding defensively, wrong in letting my pride overshadow my love. The more I sought to be a person of godly character, the stronger I became in resisting the urge to argue back. It has not been easy; my nature often wanted to rise. But love—the fierce love I have for my daughter—kept me pressing forward, seeking not just to be heard but to truly listen.
Faith as the Anchor
Through it all, my faith has been my unshakable anchor. When I wanted to give up, I reminded myself of Ephesians 6:12:
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This isn’t just a battle between mother and daughter. It’s a spiritual battle, one designed to refine me, to draw me closer to God, and to teach me how to love unconditionally—even when it feels impossible.
The B.E.A.S.T. Mindset in Action
God has used this journey to cultivate the B.E.A.S.T. mindset within me, and I believe He’s doing the same in you:
- Bravery: It takes courage to keep showing up as a mother when faced with resistance. Joshua 1:9 encourages us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Enthusiasm: Finding joy in the small victories and choosing to have hope amid conflict is a powerful act of faith. Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
- Authenticity: Staying true to who God called me to be, even when misunderstood, is key. God sees my heart, and that is enough.
- Self-Control: Choosing grace over retaliation has been one of my greatest victories. Proverbs 15:1 has been my guide: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- Thankfulness: Gratitude changes everything. Even in moments of pain, I’ve learned to thank God for the lessons He’s teaching me and for the bond I’m rebuilding with my daughter.
Encouragement for You
Mothers, I know this journey is not easy. The arguments, the tears, the sleepless nights, they feel endless at times. But these trials are not in vain. They are refining us, teaching us resilience, and preparing us to love deeper and lead with grace.
I want to remind you of Galatians 6:9:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Your labor in love is seen by God. Your prayers for your children are heard. The changes you’re making, the sacrifices you’re enduring, and the patience you’re showing are planting seeds that will bear fruit in God’s perfect timing.
Final Thoughts
To the mother who feels like giving up, who wonders if the fight is worth it, I see you. I’ve been there. But I want you to know this: You were chosen for this child, for this journey, for this story.
God has entrusted you with the gift of motherhood because He knew you could handle it. And through this process, He’s molding you into the warrior He created you to be.
Let love lead you. Let faith sustain you. And trust that even in the hardest moments, God is writing a beautiful testimony through you and your child.
With love, humility, and hope,
Renée L. Brown
A Mother in the Fight, Growing Stronger in Faith
