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.

Here's what you can expect from this episode:

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

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.

I have a strange habit. I love watching my children sleep and they look so peaceful, don't they? Watching my boys, I've often wondered

what they were dreaming about. But have you ever stopped and consider why they can just drift off to sleep without a care in the world, even after the fuss they make about wanting to stay up longer? You know what I mean, right? It's because they are comfortable with you. They rest in the quiet certainty that you're there and you will be there when they wake up.

You too can have the same rest. Even when life is 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, the same comfort we ourselves received from God. 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, three, he isn't just watching your grief. He feels it with you.

Finally, as an introvert, I've always treasured my alone time.

but I know there's a massive difference between choosing to be alone and feeling lonely, dejected or overlooked. John 14, 18 says, I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. That's Jesus speaking.

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 anyway. One, look into the mirror and smile, even if you have to force it. Then point at yourself and say, girl, I've done this a lot of times.

when I wake up feeling a little sluggish or not too happy, I try that and it works. Then go give your children a long, tight hug. Just play that out.

It sounds simple and silly, but try it. If it doesn't lift your mood, let me hear about it. Okay? no, this won't solve any of your problems. I realize that, but sometimes all we need is to feel better. Sometimes we can't change our circumstances, but we have to change our perspective, right?

And 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 this season. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas. I'm J Rosemary Francis. And if finding this kind of comfort I just talked about is difficult for you, remember it's a journey. It's not a sprint. And if you want to go deeper,

into these themes of emotional healing. I've put my heart into Courage to Believe, a 21-day devotional for single moms. It's designed to be a companion for you during the quiet, lonely, or overwhelming moments, or even in the chaotic ones. you will find the link below because it's now available on Amazon.

And before I wrap up, I'm gonna leave this note with you, this scripture. 1 Peter 5:7, casting all your worries on Him because He cares for you. Thank you.