"The dismissal of Hagar", 1612 painting, by Pieter Pietersz Lastman
More and more I find myself admiring women who demonstrate that survival is possible under the harshest of circumstances. Yesterday while in church, I saw many amazing women, and then I thought of the many more that I am acquainted with that don't attend our local assembly. I know there are many interpretations as to the Biblical Hagar, each seeing this woman in a different light but for me Hagar was a model of strength and determination - and these single moms exemplify such. They are the modern day Hagars. They are holding together fractured families, and doing so with only the Lord by their side.
We must not forget that our Hagars continue to make supreme sacrifices, yielding their wills for the sake of others. Their duties expand far beyond the norm. In most cases, they are not only mom, but the dad and the breadwinner. In other words, they are the total package, holding their families together in spite of economic and social conditions. Many of these women believe that they are of little worth, which is heartbreaking and such a shame. I think it's time for us to uplift them because the Hagars among us are truly unsung heroines - and we need to let them know how much we appreciate them.
Hagars, Thank You. Thank you for taking a stand when it would have been easier to step aside and get lost in the crowd. Thank you for thinking more of your children and their souls than your wants and needs. Please don’t let discouragement overshadow your labor. Seeing your courage and faith brings inspiration to my soul. You are jewels divinely rare. So shine on precious ones, for your ministry is special and an example to us all.
