My grandmother was a tough lady.
She could cook dinner, perm her hair, sew a dress, and fix a carburetor all at the same time. But, the strongest thing she ever did was raise two boys all on her own. You see, my grandmother was a single mom. I watched her do everything she could to provide for her family. So, I know it’s hard, not just because I am a pastor, but because I grew up with it. And I know many of you out there are single moms who feel the same way—like you are trying to juggle a thousand different things at once all on your own.
But the hope is this—in spiritual family you don’t have to do it alone! Spiritual family helps us carry the things in life that we can’t carry ourselves. It surrounds us with peace, prayer, and provision. Maybe it’s a smile or a word of encouragement, or maybe it’s something bigger.
Take a look as Yvonne tells how she experienced this for herself:
“There was a time in my life when true joy seemed unreachable. I had recently gotten a divorce, and my life was turned upside down. My identity and joy were placed in a person, and when that relationship ended, I felt completely lost. At that moment, I didn’t ever think I would feel joy again.
Shortly after the divorce, I was invited to Milestone. My relationship with Jesus was reignited, and I began to realize that true joy can’t be found in a person, nor should it be.
True joy can only be found through a relationship with Jesus, which is a choice we can make.
The first year I went to JOY, the key phrase was ‘choose joy.’ It was hard for me to choose joy up until that point. A part of me was waiting for permission. It takes courage to choose joy because it isn’t about what we do but who we long to be—who God created us to be.
Through Him, we can find true joy.
I had been waiting for the chance to be welcomed, to belong—to come to a place or opportunity where I felt “at peace” about my past and what I had gone through. God used JOY and Milestone church as that chance, and I am so grateful because it gave me the opportunity to slow down, stop, and choose true joy.”
-Yvonne Logan
Yvonne’s story is just one of many. If you are a single mom or widow, I want you to know that God sees you, He loves you, and He’s for you. We couldn’t do what we do here at Milestone Church without you!
Milestone, because of your generosity, this year at JOY, we were able to bless nearly 600 single moms and widows with gifts that will meet practical needs, create special memories with their children or grandchildren, and help to relieve some of the financial burden in the holiday season. This is what spiritual family is. It’s generous, life-giving, and it’s about something greater than ourselves. Honored to be your pastor!
Demi Draudt
December 12, 2019 at 7:05 pmThank you pastor jeff for always being there for us always greatful everyday that i showed up one day and never left because of the grace i i felt even before i knew there was a single mom ministry which i have never heard of in a chuch, thank you always and forever l.
Nathan
December 14, 2019 at 8:08 pmamazing to see all God has done, Yvonne! Moriah and I are so thankful to know you!
Joy Nettleton
December 16, 2019 at 10:40 amYvonne, I am so thankful for you! You are an incredible light in our spiritual family, and I am personally so grateful that you are here!
Pastor Tim
December 16, 2019 at 12:06 pmWhat an incredible opportunity to bless so many single moms and widows this Christmas! And Yvonne, you are the real deal! So glad God brought you to our church and made you a part of spiritual family.