Some seasons feel like one long storm.

Bills stacking up.

Prayers that seem unanswered.

Nights when you wonder how much longer you can keep going.

And the hardest part?

The waiting.

Waiting for breakthrough.

Waiting for healing.

Waiting for God to move.

In this bonus episode, I share a story of faith, resilience, and what it really looks like to hold onto hope when everything feels uncertain. Through setbacks, disappointments, and moments that could have broken any mother, I chose to trust God anyway.

And slowly… things began to change.

This episode is a reminder that:

1. the storm is not the end of your story
2. waiting does not mean forgotten
3. and victory often grows quietly before we ever see it

If you’re in a season where you’re praying, weeping, hoping, and still waiting, this episode is for you.

Let it strengthen your heart.

Let it remind you that joy does come in the morning.

And when it does… we celebrate.

• Holding onto faith when life feels hopeless

• Trusting God in the waiting season

• Finding strength through setbacks

• Recognizing small wins and celebrating breakthroughs

• Encouragement for single moms walking through hard seasons

Take a deep breath, mama.

You’re closer than you think.

Mentioned in this episode: When Birth Comes Early: Surviving the NICU as a single parent

Get a free meditation to uplift your soul here

Tired of struggling through life, maybe Courage to Believe 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms will help you understand that God is not afraid of our messy emotions. and He sees you. Get it today on Amazon.

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/victory-over-the-storm-hope-for-the-mother-whos-still-waiting

Does your life feel like a ship tossed on the ocean? Whether it’s financial struggles, difficulty with a teenager, illness, or the ache of loneliness, we all face storms that we cannot control. In this heartfelt episode, talk about the reality of the "monsters" we face as solo moms and how to find true rest even when the winds are still raging.

Drawing on biblical promises and personal experience, I explored the power of childlike trust and the peace that comes from surrendering control to a Father who is never afraid of the dark.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. The Nature of Storms: Why we feel like we are being tossed about by uncontrollable forces (work, parenting, internal unrest).
2. The "Monster Under the Bed" Analogy: A story about little Samantha that illustrates how we can find sleep and peace by trusting someone bigger than us.
3. Healing the Root: How unhealed trauma and anger can bleed into our parenting and relationships, and why indifference is not the same as healing.
4. Jesus in the Boat: A reminder that even when God seems "asleep" in your situation, He is fully in control and capable of silencing the waves.
5. A Shift in Mindset: moving from trying to control the uncontrollable to depending on your Omnipotent Father.

Scripture References:

1. Psalm 107:29 – "He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed."
2. Isaiah 43:2 – "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..."

Resources Mentioned:

1. Courage to Believe: The newly updated devotional by J. Rosemarie Francis (now expanded with more narrative and guidance). Get your copy on Amazon here.

Call to Action:

Are you in the middle of a storm right now? You don't have to navigate it alone. If you need someone to talk to or just need a listening ear, reach out. You are God's masterpiece, and He is with you in the fire and the flood.

Contact J. Rosemarie here.

Join our Facebook devotional group here. Thanks.

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/why-jesus-slept-through-the-storm-and-how-you-can-too

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the powerful theme of fear from a biblical perspective, specifically tailored for the unique challenges faced by single mothers. Drawing from the first day of the devotional, "Courage to Believe: 21 Day Devotional for Single Moms," we discuss how fear can impact our decisions and how to find peace by trusting in God’s promises.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Recognizing and naming specific fears (scarcity, rejection, loss) can help you manage your response and create healthy distance from the emotion.
2. Trust vs. Control: Relying on our own strength alone can lead to compromising our values; trusting God means waiting on His timing and provision.
3. The Power of Scriptural Affirmation: Regularly speaking God's promises, such as Isaiah 41:10, can transform your mindset from one of fear to one of peace and strength.
4. God as Your Comforter: Just as a parent comforts a child, God provides real assurance and strength, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming.

0:00 - Introduction to the Solo Mom Journey

A warm welcome to the Solo Moms community. We acknowledge the overwhelming nature of fear and introduce the purpose of today's devotional: finding courage in the midst of life's messiest emotions.

1:55 - Today's Bible Verse: Isaiah 41:10

A focused reading of Isaiah 41:10, highlighting God’s promise to be with us, strengthen us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.

2:18 - Illustration: Fear’s Impact on Our Choices

My personal reflection on how fear—specifically the fear of being unable to provide—can lead to making compromises we wouldn't otherwise choose. We explore the transition from self-reliance to trusting God.

3:40 - Biblical Application: God’s Assurance

Understanding why God tells us "do not be afraid." We discuss God’s unique ability to see what's ahead and provide real assurance that humans alone cannot offer.

4:36 - Life Application: Managing Real Emotions

A practical look at how to identify and name the specific fears we face daily. This section emphasizes that while our fears may not always be based on reality, our feelings are always real and deserve to be addressed through prayer and patience.

6:14 - Self-Reflection Questions

1. What fear weighs heaviest on me today?
2. Which promise from Isaiah 41:10 speaks most to my current situation?

6:44 - Closing Prayer

A heartfelt prayer for forgiveness for moments of doubt and a request for the strength to live life fully resting on God's promises.

7:14 - Recommended Reading & Daily Affirmations

1. Reading List: Psalm 56:3, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 34:4, and Joshua 1:9.
2. Today's Affirmations: "I am not afraid; God is with me. His strength gives me courage".

1. Get the Full Devotional: Grab your copy of "Courage to Believe: 21 Day Devotional for Single Moms" on Amazon. The ebook and Audible versions are coming soon!
2. Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on today’s episode in the comments or reach out via the contact information below.

Contact J. Rosemarie here. | Join our Facebook devotional group

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/courage-over-fear-finding-your-strength-today

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about a 3 AM realization that brought three haunting words to the surface: "So much blood." I share the heartbreaking story of losing my first son, Andre, at 22 weeks, and how that trauma connects to the biblical account of the woman with the issue of blood.

Listen as I introduces my new short story, Healing Hem: The Minine Miller Story.

Whether you are suffering from the loss of a child, a chronic illness, or a situation that seems hopeless, this episode is a reminder that you have an anchor. God sees your pain, and you are never beyond the reach of the Healer.

Mentioned:

1. Book: Healing Hem: The Minine Miller Story. Buy on Amazon.
2. Resource: Free download for single moms. Get yours now.

Join our Facebook devotional group or our Solo Mom Connect group.

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/so-much-blood-finding-healing-after-loss-intro-to-healing-hem

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Shame has a way of whispering lies that make us believe we're failing our children. As single moms, we carry burdens that feel too heavy. We wonder if we're enough, if our kids deserve better, or if other families are silently judging our choices.

While working on the audiobook version of my Courage to Believe Christian Devotional, Day 7 struck me in a profound way. It addresses that crushing weight of shame we often bear as solo parents, and I knew I had to share this powerful message with you.

In this episode, I share Eva's story. A mom who found herself avoiding other parents just to escape the feeling of being judged. Her experience reveals how shame thrives in isolation, convincing us that we're alone in our struggles. Whether it's the sting of a failed marriage, the pressure of not measuring up at work, or that quiet voice telling us we're not enough, shame tries to define our worth.

Eva's story resonates with so many of us because it captures those painful moments when we can't afford the perfect birthday gift, when we see complete families at school events, when we convince ourselves our children deserve a life we can't provide.

But here's what I want you to understand: God doesn't see the labels the world tries to put on us, and He doesn't agree with them. The core message of day seven reveals how God offers an unexpected surprise by wiping our slate clean.

This episode gives you a sneak peek into the audiobook experience, specifically focusing on how we can address the root cause of shame instead of letting it continue to burden us.

1. Recognition of how shame operates in isolation and affects our daily interactions

2. Understanding that your struggles as a single mom are not unique. You're not alone

3. Insight into God's perspective on your worth beyond worldly labels

4. Hope for breaking free from the cycle of shame and self-doubt

5. A glimpse into the transformative message of the full 21-day devotional

If Eva's story resonates with you, this episode offers the first step in reclaiming your light so your children can see it shine. Remember, you are not defined by your circumstances. You are seen, valued, and loved exactly as you are.

Check out our Facebook group.

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/why-shame-keeps-single-moms-hiding-and-how-god-changes-everything

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Are you lying awake at 3am with your mind racing through endless worry loops about things you cannot control? You're not alone. That familiar gnawing anxiety that steals your sleep and leaves you exhausted before the day even begins is more than just a feeling. It's a signal that something deeper needs to shift.

In this episode, I share an AI-generated deep dive into Day 2 of my 21-day devotional "Courage to Believe," focusing on the powerful biblical instruction found in 1 Peter 5:7: "

I share a compelling story of living in Brooklyn as a single mom and how I broke free from sleepless nights of paralyzing fear. We also explore the crucial difference between passively giving your worries away and actively casting them with force and finality.

The original Greek word for "cast" reveals why gentle surrender isn't enough and why the force behind your release determines whether you'll truly find peace or keep retrieving those burdens five minutes later.

We examine how worry functions as more than just an emotion. That it's actually a statement about who we believe is better equipped to handle our circumstances. This perspective shift changes everything about how we approach anxiety.

This isn't just a theological discussion. it's a roadmap for breaking free from the exhausting cycle of worry. You'll learn:

1. How to identify and name specific anxieties so you can actually release them
2. The power of writing down your worries as preparation for casting them away
3. Why certain scripture passages serve as mental anchors after you've thrown your burdens
4. How affirmations replace the fear narrative with declarations of trust
5. The ongoing practice of choosing not to retrieve what you've already released

"By refusing to cast the burden or by taking it back, we're basically claiming we're more competent than the divine power we're supposed to be yielding to."

What's that one fear you're still holding onto—the one that feels too big, too real, or too overwhelming to truly release? This episode will help you identify it, write it down, and apply the force needed to walk away from that burden once and for all.

Peace isn't just about feeling better—it's about aligning yourself with a larger story of triumph that's already been written. Ready to step out of your private battle and into that guaranteed victory?

Download my free infographic to help you visualize the transformation for worry to peace.

Join the Courage to Believe Devotional for Single Moms Facebook Group

Get your copy of the book: Courage to Believe: 21 Day Devotional for Single Moms

Join my Substack

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/what-happens-when-you-stop-managing-worry-and-start-releasing-it

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Does it feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder, especially at this time of year? What if I told you there's a place of rest available to you, even when life feels overwhelming and chaotic?

In this heartfelt episode, I share a simple yet profound observation about why our children can drift off to sleep so peacefully, despite all their protests about bedtime. Their secret? They rest in the quiet certainty that we're there and always will be. This same kind of comfort is available to you through your relationship with God.

The holidays can amplify our struggles, whether we're dealing with grief, loneliness, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands. If you're grieving the loss of a relationship or loved one, or if you're feeling isolated despite being surrounded by people, this message is especially for you.

I also share a surprisingly effective mindset tool that might sound simple—even silly—but has the power to shift your perspective when you're feeling down. Sometimes we can't change our circumstances right away, but we can change how we approach them.

1. Discover the secret to finding rest even when life feels like a storm-tossed sea
2. Learn why God understands your pain and isn't distant from your struggles
3. Get a simple mindset tool to help shift your mood on difficult days
4. Understand the difference between choosing solitude and feeling lonely
5. Receive encouragement that you're not forgotten, especially during the holidays

Whether you're navigating grief, feeling overwhelmed, or simply need a reminder that you're seen and valued, this episode offers both comfort and practical hope. Remember, emotional healing is a process, not a destination.

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

Finding this kind of comfort is a journey. And 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. Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4qoxqbc

Join my Substack

https://solomomstalk.mysites.io/podcast-2-copy/a-special-christmas-holiday-message-of-comfort-for-single-moms

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.