Any male believers in the extended family? Any past pastors? (A missionary brought me to the Lord. When I wasn't around believers for the next couple of years, I contacted him again.) Any trusted older (in the Lord) men willing to take on the mantle? (One friend was like my second father. Had I not married, I would have asked him to help me.)
All the men in my family are cousins - non Christians who don't believe in God.
Was brought up in foster care by my aunt. Grandparents died long time ago but
hardly role models even when alive.
Now looking after my elderly aunt who can't look after herself. So I call the shots
make all the decisions and have done for years. Look after the house, my aunt,
do the gardening, work part time, sort all the finances, tell my cousins when their
mum is not well as they wont take any responsibility for looking after their own
elderly mother or give any practical or financial support. In fact they borrow money
from us.
Sorry to any men listening in
but honestly have to say that women are just as
capable of doing all the above and more, I even do the decorating, sort out the
repairs around the house, fixed a leaky radiator last year. Sorted out some damp
coming in a bedroom, unblocked the shower drain etc. All without the advice of a man
or the covering or accountability of a man. Oh and prayed over and anointed my
aunt when she was in hospital and not expected to live. Praise God he brought her
through - uh oh maybe that was stepping outside my role as a female, should have
brought in a pastor to do that. Slaps head lol.
I know women are regarded as the weaker sex, but when it comes to a caring role,
looking after others, multi tasking, dealing with illness, dealing with difficulties in
life. My own personal experiences are that women are mentally and emotionally
stronger. I have seen this also in my female married friends.
In an ideal situation a husband and wife will compliment each other and balance each
other with Christ at the head of the table. But it seldom seems to work that way.
Incidentally depleted you are doing an amazing job holding everything together,
you are far more stronger and resourceful than you think.