I used to believe my story disqualified me. As a single mother of two young children, I often felt like my mistakes, my heartbreak, and my struggles painted a picture of failure. I compared myself to other moms who seemed to have it all together—the ones with picture-perfect families and calm Sunday mornings. Meanwhile, I was the mom who wrestled toddlers into church pews, who hid behind a tired smile, who whispered to God late at night: “Why me? Why this life?”
But here’s what I’ve learned: my story—the good, the bad, and the broken—wasn’t meant to bury me. It was meant to shape me. It was meant to draw me closer to God and to remind me that worth isn’t based on perfection. Worth is found in Him. And healing begins when we stop hiding from our stories and instead start embracing them as part of our unique journey.
This blog is for every woman who feels like her past or present disqualifies her from joy, from love, or from God’s promises. I want to share not just encouragement, but practical ways to begin seeing your story differently, so you can move forward with strength and purpose.
- Your Story is Not a Disqualification—it’s a Testimony
There were seasons when I thought, “Who would want to hear my story? Who would understand the nights I cried myself to sleep after putting on a brave face for my kids?” I felt ashamed of my struggles—financial, emotional, and even spiritual.
But over time, I realized my story wasn’t a scarlet letter; it was a testimony. When I finally opened up to another single mom at church, I discovered she felt the exact same way. My honesty gave her courage, and her encouragement reminded me I wasn’t alone.
Real-Life Example: One evening after a long day of juggling work and homework battles, I shared a raw post on social media about how I felt like I was failing. The next morning, I woke up to dozens of messages from women saying, “Me too.” That moment showed me that God uses our honesty to connect and heal—not just ourselves, but others too.
Takeaway: Your story—messy as it may be—holds power because it reveals God’s grace in real life. Don’t hide it. Share it. Someone is waiting to hear they’re not alone.
- Embracing Your Worth Through God’s Eyes
For years, I measured my worth by how well I could juggle it all. But when the laundry piled up, when bills went unpaid, when I snapped at my kids out of sheer exhaustion—I felt worthless.
One day, in the middle of one of those breakdowns, I came across Isaiah 43:4: “You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” I wept. I realized God wasn’t tallying my mistakes or measuring me against someone else’s highlight reel. He called me precious—not because of what I could do, but because of who I am in Him.
Real-Life Example: I used to rush through bedtime, eager to collapse into my own bed. But one night, after a particularly chaotic day, my daughter hugged me and said, “Mommy, you’re my favorite person.” That tiny moment reminded me that in her eyes—and in God’s eyes—I was more than enough, even when I didn’t feel like it.
Takeaway: Worth is not about what you produce. It’s about who you are in Christ. Shift your focus from proving yourself to simply being His beloved daughter.
- Healing Through Faith Happens Step by Step
Healing doesn’t come in one grand moment. For me, it came in the quiet, everyday intentional steps of choosing to trust God again—even when I was weary.
I started small:
- Reading one Psalm each morning, even if the kids were tugging on me.
- Saying a quick breath prayer—“Lord, carry me”—in the middle of stress.
- Writing down three things I was grateful for before bed, even if one of them was just “We survived today.”
Over time, those small faith steps created space for God to heal wounds I thought were permanent.
Real-Life Example: For years, I carried bitterness from a broken relationship. I thought forgiveness meant excusing the pain, but God showed me that forgiveness was about releasing the weight I was carrying. Through prayer and journaling, I eventually whispered, “I forgive,” not for them, but for me. That act unlocked healing I didn’t think was possible.
Takeaway: Healing is not about rushing. It’s about trusting God with one step at a time. Little by little, He transforms wounds into wisdom.
- Turning Struggles Into Strength
Every part of your story—even the chapters you wish you could erase—can be used for purpose. The struggles you’ve endured have given you a strength and resilience that others can learn from.
When my children see me choosing faith in hard times, they’re not just learning about survival—they’re learning about perseverance. They’re watching what it looks like to hold onto God when life feels uncertain. That’s legacy.
Real-Life Example: During a season when I had to say “no” to extras because money was tight, my daughter asked why. I told her, “Because we’re trusting God to provide what we need.” Months later, she prayed before dinner: “Thank You, God, for giving us what we need.” That moment reminded me that even in lack, my story was shaping her faith.
Takeaway: Don’t despise your struggles. They are building a strength that will bless not only you, but also those who come after you.
- Living With Purpose Beyond Survival
Survival is about getting through the day. Purpose is about living with intention. For years, I lived only in survival mode. But when I started asking God, “What do You want me to do with my story?” I discovered new purpose.
Purpose doesn’t mean adding more to your plate. It could mean encouraging another mom with your testimony, pursuing a passion that lights you up, or simply showing up fully for your children.
Real-Life Example: I started journaling my journey—not for anyone else at first, just for me. But eventually, I shared those words, and they began encouraging other single moms. What started as survival therapy became a purpose-filled ministry.
Takeaway: Ask God to show you one way your story can bring light to someone else. Purpose flows when you stop running from your past and start using it to empower your future.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve ever felt like your story is too messy, too painful, or too ordinary to matter—hear this: Your story has power. Not in spite of your struggles, but because of them. Every tear, every prayer, every moment of doubt, every small act of courage has shaped a woman who is still standing. And that is worth celebrating.
You are not defined by your past. You are refined by it. You are not disqualified. You are chosen. You are worthy. You are loved.
So, embrace your story—every chapter. Let God turn the pain into purpose and the wounds into wisdom. Healing through faith is possible, and your story may be the very thing that inspires someone else to begin their own.
