In an article at CT, Ericka Andersen explores the reasons why single mothers do or don't choose to make regular church attendance a part of their lives. Sometimes, the reasons are as simple as it being difficult to get out of the house for a Sunday morning service as the only caregiver for multiple children. At others, the reasons are complex, even convicting—many single mothers feel like they don't truly belong when they're at church.

"Yet for many churches, 'family ministry' still means nuclear family ministry," writes Andersen. "Sermons often center on the dynamics of marriage and parenting as a couple. Small groups are organized by life stage—young families, empty nesters, singles—leaving single moms feeling as if they belong nowhere."

So, what's the solution? There probably isn't any one right answer. But there is a path—one laid out thousands of years ago in Scripture: practicing what James called "pure religion," which cares for the fatherless and the widow.

"For churches," writes Andersen, "this kind of love looks like offering childcare, sharing meals, or simply sitting beside a woman who feels alone, again and again." That type of love, single moms told Andersen, can be a lifeline.

Whatever our marriage or parenting status, may we have our eyes open to the needs of others. As we move toward the lonely, may we find that God's love makes itself known as we share our lives with one another.