Lifelines

by Mitzi Bryant

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? These days, we all hear the phrase; and in our own minds think, "Who wouldn't?" A million dollars won't cure all the problems that single moms face, but most of us enthusiastically agree, it wouldn't hurt. Like most people, I watch the show, and the use of lifelines is fascinating to me.

Lifelines are silver, extremely difficult to find, and are made from the linings of the darkest clouds. Overworked, exhausted and drained of spiritual resources, it's often difficult for us to find the positive side of situations without assistance. Our lives are often so furiously hectic, that our perspective gets very small, and our outlook frozen in negativity. At times such as these, we have to ask for a lifeline.

Extremely independent, it's often very difficult for a single mother to ask for assistance. We want so very much to be able to manage our own lives effectively. However, a good manager knows when to ask for assistance, and how to find quality help when needed. There is no shame involved in grabbing a lifeline from a friend, and holding on for awhile to catch your breath.

As a single mom, I wouldn't trade my lifelines for a million dollars. My lifelines see me through some of the worst times in my life, and are there with me to celebrate each growth experience, each small victory and each moment of joy. My lifelines come from the circle of supportive people that I gather around me in my life to help me with the awesome job of parenting children alone.

At the times when I feel that I cannot go on another day, some member of this circle will throw me a lifeline, and will buoy my spirits until I can go it alone again. These people are essential in the life of a single mother, and usually consist of friends, family, and other single moms. The joy in receiving a lifeline from another single mom is the certainty that the day will come when you can be there to toss a lifeline back to her.

We're often so caught up in the problems in our lives that we don't notice the lifelines being thrown to us. They may come from unusual sources — a co-worker, a friendly cashier in a checkout line, or cheerful server in a restaurant. It is up to us to acknowledge when we are down, and can use a cheerful word, and then again, to be willing and open to receive it. As important, is the opportunity to be a positive influence in the lives of others. Just by throwing that lifeline to another ensures we've at least got one in our hands, so hold tight to that silver lining and share it with others.

The good news is that we're not limited to three lifelines, and they can come in whatever form that is necessary to help us through our difficult time, and enable us to be better parents to our children. So grab a hold and hang on!

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