I was able to send Niomi off to school a little differently a few mornings ago. I always ask her for a big, tight hug on the Thursdays that kick-off the weekend she goes to hang with her father. On this particular Thursday morning, I reminded her that I would need my big, tight hug because she was going to be with her daddy for the weekend and I wouldn’t see her for a few days.
Her response to me, “You need three big, tight hugs.”
“Why,” I asked her?
“One for each day I am gone,” she replied.
Wouldn’t you know when that bus pulled up, Niomi squeezed me big and tight three times. With each hug, she counted and gave me a kiss.
On my drive to work that morning, it took so much effort to keep the tears from falling. This was the first time Niomi acknowledged how many days she goes away to be with her daddy. In her acknowledgment, she in her own way was helping me fill the void of missing her. Giving me a little comfort and reassurance to make it through three tough days.
I had to reflect on my Daddy in the moment. Lately, I can’t stop replaying, re-reading, and reciting Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” My Father is always with me. He never leaves me. Where I go, there He is and always will be. He is before me, awaiting my arrival, ready to receive me into His will and purpose for my life.
Even when the road ahead looks rugged, the circumstance doesn’t feel good, or when life feels too heavy to bear, He is with me. His hugs and kisses are forever constant. He wipes my tears, strokes my hair, brushes my cheeks, holds me close, and allows me to rest on His chest just so I can listen to His heartbeat whisper my name.
I can do all things and declare all things because God is here with me now! Ladies, being a single mom is not an easy task. It’s a cup at times we may ask the Lord to please take from us. I promise you, we can finish that ask with a “not my will, but yours,” as He has given us sufficient grace to do this. Hear me when I say, we are not alone. He is with us always and forever. Even now He is with us speaking to us. Every day of my life, His hugs, and kisses He gives me.
John 4:25-26
The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
Sincerely,
Nona A. Phinn
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