Dear Reader,

How are you?

I have a strange habit: I love watching my children sleep.

They look so peaceful, don’t they? Watching my boys, I’ve often wondered what they’re dreaming about. But have you ever stopped to consider why they can just drift off without a care in the world even after making a fuss about wanting to stay up?

It’s because they are comfortable with you. They rest in the quiet certainty that you are there, and you will be there when they wake up.

You too can have that same rest.

Even when life feels like a ship tossed on a stormy sea, you have access to a Father who is:

“...the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.“ ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

So if life feels chaotic this holiday season, I want to remind you that God sees you. He sees your pain, your hurt, and your struggles.

If you are Grieving... The holidays can be a stark reminder of what (or who) is missing from your life.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a relationship or a loved one, please know that Jesus is not distant from your pain. He was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...” ~ Isaiah 53:3 (KJV).

He isn't just watching your grief; He feels it with you.

If you are Lonely... As an introvert, I’ve always treasured my alone time. But I know there is a massive difference between choosing to be alone and feeling lonely, dejected, or overlooked.

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” ~ John 14:18 (NIV)

If that’s you this week, I’d like to offer you a small "Mindset" tool to shift your mood. It sounds simple, maybe even a little silly, but try it:

Look in the mirror and smile (even if you have to force it).
Point at yourself and say, “GIRL!!!” Then, go give your children a long, tight hug.

It’s simple and sounds silly, but try it. If it doesn’t lift your mood, reply to this email and tell me how silly that was.

No, this won’t solve any of your problems. I realize that. But sometimes all you need is to feel better. Sometimes, when we can't change our circumstances, we have to change our perspective. Your brain can’t always tell the difference between a forced smile and a real one, but your spirit will feel the shift.

So go ahead and try it, please.

You are one decision away from changing the narrative of this season.

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas,

J. Rosemarie Francis
P.S. Finding this kind of comfort is a journey. If you want to go deeper into these themes of emotional healing, I’ve put my heart into "Courage To Believe: 21 Day Devotional For Single Moms." It’s designed to be a companion for you during the quiet, lonely, or overwhelming moments. You can find it here.

"Casting all your worries on Him, because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:7 (WEB)

From my blog...

Why Refocusing on the Single Mom is My Divine Assignment

After 240 episodes and 6 years podcasting, I've decided to return to the core message of SoloMoms! Talk: to transform the negative narrative surrounding single moms, and to empower these extraordinary mothers to rise above the struggles that often plague them.

This is what the Courage To Believe title is about. The dream of SoloMoms! Talk started with that small phrase given to me during a church service in 2010.