Are you looking for an opportunity to financially bless someone today? If so, let me suggest a dear group of people who need support: single parents. Who comes to mind when you read “single parents?” Maybe your neighbors or your colleagues or your family and friends? Maybe you?

 

I sympathize for single parents trying to raise children on a tight budget. Some of them were divorced against their will, while others left an abusive relationship. If you ask them what they worry about the most, they will tell you, “not having enough money.” It is no secret that women are more economically disadvantaged after coming out of a divorce. They feel anxious being the sole supporter of their family.

 

Let’s try to live in their moccasins for a minute. Imagine dealing with the daily obligations of preparing meals, keeping up with the house, helping the kids get bathed or dressed, and then working a full time job. These tasks are stressful enough with spousal support. Now imagine the added emotional stress you would feel if a medical bill arrived in your mailbox that you couldn’t pay. Some of these bills induce sticker shock. We are privileged when we can pay our bills from our cash reserves or our next paycheck. But many single parents cannot. I fear that we’re too busy to notice the financial pain single parents are experiencing.

 

It saddens me that God has placed single parents in our lives, who are crying on the inside, but we’re not seeing it. They are financially hurting and wondering if they can make ends meet, while we dine at our favorite restaurants or engage in our favorite hobbies. How does God’s Word inform us to act when we see others needing help? Several passages come to mind:

 

Romans 12:8 Paul gives a list of spiritual gifts to his readers, declaring that if your gift “is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously.”

Romans 12:13 Paul encourages us, “Share with God’s people who are in need.”

James 2:15-17 James tells us our faith is dead if we see a brother or sister without food or clothing and then say, “I wish you well; keep warm and well-fed.”

I John 3:17 “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”

 

I look to the above verses to strengthen my living giving vision of helping those who are financially stressed. Here is our graphic with today’s focus on helping single parents:

 

 

If you were a single parent, would you have the courage to ask for financial help? If you’re like most people, you wouldn’t dare ask. You might feel embarrassed, or ashamed, or worried that someone will think less of you. So how do we create a bridge to minister to our family or friends if they won’t ask for help?

First, pray for God to reveal a financial need so we can minister to them.

Second, listen for financial stress during conversations with single parents. My friends don’t come right out and say, “I can’t pay my medical bill.” Instead they say, “My doctor won’t see me until I pay my balance, so it may be a little while before I can make an appointment.” Or I will hear the stress in their voice when they say, “I can’t believe I have three bills due at once. It will be a miracle if I get them all paid.” Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA) came along, my friends who didn’t have health insurance would say, “I can’t afford to go the doctor or dentist.” Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a $25 copay to see a doctor. In none of these scenarios did anyone ask, “Lee Ann, can you help me?” I take the initiative by asking, “Would you please let me help you with any medical bills you have?” Or “What bill is creating the greatest burden for you?” Or “Would it be okay for me to minister to you financially?” When I am direct, I don’t get turned down.

 

The Lord amazes me. He already knows the need of my friends and knows how to provide the resources to me to assist them with their medical bills. I have yet to miss the money that went to pay a medical bill for a single parent. Sure, the payment temporarily reduces my checkbook balance, but I promise you I do not miss it – and neither would you. In addition, my accountant informs me that by paying a medical provider directly, I can receive a tax deduction. That’s not the reason I give, but it’s a nice bonus.

 

I’m sure I sound like a broken record by now, but there is joy knowing that God has resourced us to help others. We have the privilege of being God’s conduit, while His generosity flows through us. When we reduce their financial stress by paying their medical bills, we are also giving them the gift of emotional rest. They are no longer losing sleep.

 

Would you prayerfully consider helping a single parent financially? In my last post, I suggested that you create a budget line item entitled, “Helping those in need.” This line item can be used for both the poor and/or single parents who need our help. With some gentle probing, I bet you will discover an opportunity to financially bless a single parent today. More importantly, watch your impact on them, and you will see how powerful your financial gift is to them. It will make you want to do it again!  

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann