Episode #38-SUDDENLY A SINGLE PARENT-HOW GOD TRULY BECAME HER PROVIDER, AND INSPIRED HER TO SUPPORT OTHER SINGLE PARENTS THROUGH MINISTRY AND HER NEW SINGLE -with Demaree
Demaree
Suddenly a Single Mom, where do I go from here? This is the question my guest Demaree was faced with when she became a single parent. She was a stay at home Mom to her beautiful 2 year old little girl and an 8 month old baby boy still nursing. This was not what she had planned, or wanted.
Demaree was a Broadway singer from the time she was small, gracing the great white way first in the beloved “Les Misérables” as young Cosette and Eponine, on the Podcast she shares the other roles she played as she was growing up.
After college and getting married, prior to having kids, there was still one show she greatly desired to be part of, Wicked. She was given the role of Nessarose and toured with the first national tour for 11 months before coming home and having her babies.
Marriage and Divorce and the church
God designed marriage to be a mirror image of His rescue plan for us, which is why He hates divorce. He designed for children to be brought into a home of a man and women who have become one flesh through marriage. That being said, we live in a broken fallen world, brought on when Adam and Eve decided to go against God and figure things out on their own.
While we as a church should stand for God’s plan of marriage, I don’t believe we are to withhold love or support to anyone inside the church or out who might be walking this path. Some have no choice and are left, others leave to protect themselves and their children. Some have sinned against their marriage, some have just decided it wasn’t worth the effort.
I think sometimes we want to pick and choose the people we bestow grace or love on, depending on if we deem the reason for their sin or repentance enough. Or we will show compassion if we feel their reason for divorce was ok. Remember even if they have sinned, it’s God’s heart that all should come to repentance.
‘Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”’
Luke 5:31-32
It’s His kindness that leads us to repentance. So let’s keep that in mind when we are approaching people in tough situations, like single Mommas.
Suddenly a Single Momma
The first weeks of being a single Mom were very tough. She had to find housing and a job. Some might have assumed because of her previous career being considered a prestigious one that she was set, or ok. With her new circumstance, and the fact that it had been several years since she had been working in a capacity other than performing, she had to find work wherever she could get it. This included singing at kids birthday parties, and wearing disgusting costumes. She regales us on the podcast of her lowest moment in an Elmo costume, being claustrophobic and the families dog attacking her leg. And yet still coming up short on rent and food for groceries.
She found there were little to know resources inside and outside the church walls. But God. She truly learned what it meant that He was her provider. In so many miraculous ways He came through and gave her exactly what she needed.
Through a grueling and disappointing custody battle, she continued to trust, taking one day at a time.
Pain into purpose
Finding the lack in resources inspired her to create them for others! God designed for us to be in community together, when we walk through hard things we can comfort those around us experiencing the same thing!
‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ‘
II Corinthians 1:3-4
God began opening doors for her to reach out to other single parents, including people who had the same heart as her. She is so excited about pursuing these amazing opportunities. She hopes to not just mobilize the church but individuals, through education and resources.
This also inspired a new single called “Meet me in this Place”. It releases on June 12 on Apple Music and Spotify. Here is a little sneak peek!
You can Pre-Save “Meet me in this place” and follow Demaree on Spotify Here
If you find yourself suddenly a single Mom wondering where you go from here, here are some resources
Resources, find and follow
Michelle Donnelly President and CEO of –PlusONE Parents
Her Books:
Seen (Devotional for Single Moms)
Also the non profit “Single Not Alone”.
You can find and follow Demaree:
Instagram: @demareemusic
Website: demareemusic.com
Follow and interact with Caroline on social platforms at:
Instagram: @marriedrogersneighborhood
Facebook: @marriedrogersneighborhood
Twitter: @marriedrogers
Clubhouse: @marriedrogers
YouTube Channel: Married Rogers Neighborhood
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Podcast Music Composed and performed by Jamie Miller
If you would like more information on Jamie’s Song Writing and performing services you can ask Caroline on any of the above platforms listed for her official contact info.
