Single Mom Smiling | Arming Warriors in the Battle for Marriage & Family

Have you spent hours or maybe even days begging God to give you an answer? Does it seem like sometimes He doesn't care enough to respond? When God doesn't answer the way we want Him to, it can make us angry or feel dejected. Nothing could be further from the truth! God may be asking you to take on virtue instead. Virtue will be far more valuable to you than answers! What's more is that the Lord al...

When you've been hurt by a man, it can be tempting to think all men are the same. We know this is not true, but knowing and KNOWING are two different things. In this episode, I talk about just some of the incredible men in my life and help you recognize, honor, and pray for the good men in your life as well. If you have a strong, kind, influential man in your life, let him know he is appreciated t...

Have you ever felt compelled to do something? Like there is a force inside you telling you THIS is what you were made for? And then an even more powerful force held you back? Fear? Overwhelm? Insecurities? Any number of things... Jesus says if we love Him, we will keep His Commandments. His commandments reach beyond the 10 Commandments to the calling God has placed on your heart. If you are not st...

What is holding single moms back? What fears, perfectionism, and disappointments keep you from attaining your dreams?  In today's episode, I put on my single mom life coach hat and walk you through some of what may be holding you back from what God is calling you to. Then I help you change the way you approach difficulties so you can move through obstacles and be the woman and mom you want to be!...

If you've had the rug swept out from under you in a broken relationship, it can seem like there is nothing solid to grasp onto. It can make you feel like you have lost your anchor and are free falling. But God's plans are always for your good. Hold onto the Lord and His promises, and rebuild your life stronger and more joyful than before.  God Bless... Kerri In This Episode: Sunday's readings can...

Loneliness is an epidemic with serious effects. In divorce, your foundation is shaken so badly that reaching out to others seems almost impossible.  I know this firsthand. In today's episode, I get vulnerable about loneliness and feeling like an outcast even in Church. Then, stick with me as we talk about how you can gain confidence and reach out to form better friendships.  God Bless... Kerri In...

As a survivor of emotional and verbal abuse, I know how difficult it is to admit how bad things are even to yourself. I know how easy it is to believe the lies that everything is your fault. I know how hard it is to explain to yourself, never mind anyone else. In today's episode, you will learn what can be identified as verbal abuse and some of its possible outcomes.  More importantly, you will le...

A Married woman never thinks Jesus's command to love an enemy will someday mean loving an ex-husband, but that is where many single moms find themselves. Loving your ex is not a request. Loving your ex is what Jesus commands of you. And yes! He knows how difficult that can be.  In today's episode, hear 10 ways I strive to love my ex without losing my sanity.  I'd love to hear how you strive to lov...

Abandonment and divorce are so painful, yet sometimes God allows us to suffer. Part of this is to draw us closer to Christ on the Cross. But what if there is more? What if the Lord allows you to suffer because He seeks your glorification through Jesus? What if He allows you to suffer because the Lord, who knows you better than you know yourself and who Loves you more than you love yourself, wants...

Your voice matters because YOU matter! No matter what has been done to you or said to or about you, you have a right and a duty to speak up for yourself and your children. This episode will help you find your voice and speak with confidence. God Bless... Kerri In This Episode: Sunday's readings can be found here.     Check This Out: Send your story, questions concerning Marriage and family, or sug...

The world's voices compete over you. They threaten to weigh you down and distract you from being the woman and mom you are meant to be. Learning to trust the Voice of the Good Shepherd is both a skill and a Blessing. In today's episode, you will learn seven tips to help you learn to recognize the Voice of the Good Shepherd and build a trusting relationship with Him.   God Bless... Kerri In This Ep...

If you've ever had cyclical thoughts, this episode is for you. Coach Kerri Bishop will help you better understand what sparks your negative thoughts and how they can effect you, your health, your relationships, and more. But there is always hope too, and Kerri will leave you with three steps to managing those thoughts.  As always, if these thoughts are telling you to harm yourself or another or ha...

Betrayed women often ask when the pain will end. They want to know when they will start to feel better. They cry out looking for answers about their children's futures.  They think if they just know how long the pain will last, they will be okay. But there are no solid answers to this. Some healing comes because of what you do. Some comes through the support you have. Some comes because God works...

Experiencing crippling doubt is something most single moms feel at one point or another. What's more is that doubt can never be fully eliminated. Doubt can creep up on you at any time or it can hit you like a ton of bricks from out of nowhere.  Instead of pretending doubt doesn't affect you, it's best to realize you are not alone in your struggle and then implement ways to defeat your doubt! In to...

Let's face it, we all have doubts at some time or another, but for single moms who carry their doubts alone, doubts can be crippling. They can make you want to isolate and maybe even turn away from God and His plan for your good. The Apostle, called Didymus in John 20, but better know by us as Doubting Thomas, may understand your doubts firsthand.  In today's episode learn what Doubting Thomas and...

What do Mary Magdalene, Roger Bannister (and his sub-four minute mile), and single moms have in common?  They all believed and change history! As single moms you probably face obstacles that seem insurmountable, but Jesus's Resurrection shows you that, with Him and the right mindset, anything is possible! In today's episode, we look at moving ahead when goals seem unattainable and some cool things...

When life seems out of control, it may seem like only a miracle will get life back on track. I'm sure Mary Magdalene felt the same way. I'm also sure that's why the Lord chose her to discover the empty tomb, especially in a time when women, regardless of their past, were so often overlooked. The question is, what will you learn from Mary Magdala and the Resurrection of Jesus this Easter? Send me a...

Suffering for suffering's sake is no good. Instead, unite your suffering with Jesus's by going to Him on His Cross. This is where your suffering is redeemed. This is where your pain gains traction. This is where your agony moves mountains!    God Bless...   Kerri   Resources: Holy Thursday readings can be read here . Good Friday readings - can be read here . Easter Sunday Vigil readings can be rea...

Have you ever cried out to God wondering where He is in your suffering? Have you ever wondered if He truly understands what it means to be betrayed by one you love? Jesus did not have to die the way He did, yet He chose to suffer in that particular manner for a purpose. In Palm Sunday's readings we see Jesus is with you in every painful step of divorce and single parenting. You are not alone.  You...

Sometimes we set goals and realize, for one reason or another, we need to change direction. I often set goals that are too high and then realize as I walk through them that I bit off more than I can chew.  When my goals start interfering with God and family, it's time to set pride aside and pivot. That doesn't mean throwing in the towel and quitting. It means being open to the Holy Spirit and humb...

Shame. Fear. Ridicule. Condemnation. How many single parents face the same? Was the woman caught in adultery a single parent? We don't know, but we do know she faced what many single parents have. Picture the scene...The Pharisees want Jesus gone and will use any means to get rid of Him. This includes grabbing a woman caught in the act of adultery and throwing her at His feet to publicly shame and...

I am almost a year into releasing my first episode on Single Mom Smiling, and it's time to make some changes. Maybe the biggest surprise (to me anyway!) is that I'm going back to what I found so much good in and that was so enjoyable year ago. In moving ahead, I am going back to sharing my weekly Gospel reflections. When I wondered if there was a place for me and my children in the Catholic Church...

The story of the prodigal son is one many Catholics are familiar with and one many of us can identify with too. Single parents left with all the responsibility and burden can easily slide into the mindset of the older son. Resentment can creep up when finances are decimated, little ones need care, and you are exhausted and run down and isolated. This is when it is most important for you to choose...

Setting goals is easy. Staying the course is difficult. The devil loves to distract you and pull you away from God and your goals. Connecting with your why can help you stay the course whether you struggle in Lent or in life! In this episode, you will dive into connecting with the reason you choose to sacrifice in Lent - and in life and learn three action steps you can take to learn the "why" behi...

Catholics celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19th.  In this world that seriously lacks real MEN, Saint Joseph provides us an incredible example of what a mere mortal man can strive to become. If you want to raise strong boys or show your girls who they should look for in dating relationships, if you need to know who to look for in dating relationships, or if you are stuck in a loveless M...