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Robert Beeson, the founder of Solo Parent Society, is also an author and former music executive for Grammy nominated bands like Jars of Clay and Casting Crowns. His career brought him much success but it was within the busyness of that success that Robert will tell you his marriage crumbled away. After 13 years of marriage, Robert was left to raise his 3 young daughters on his own. He became a bit of an expert on navigating the Solo Parenting life. Which brings us to talking about his lessons of identity that he chronicles in his book, Going Solo: Hope and Healing for the Single Mom or Dad.
If you’re not single parenting or divorced, don’t think this episode is not for you! Have you ever felt abandoned, frustrated with your situation, or been forced to start over in your life? I think my time with Robert and the wisdom he shares, speaks to all of us, as well as those of us who are walking the road of being a solo parent or those who have been divorced.
When Robert hit rock bottom, that’s when he found Jesus. Even though he always knew about God and would say he was definitely a Christian throughout most of his life, it was when everything was stripped away that he began to truly understand how his identity had very little to do with his role or title in life. For Robert, this realization began with his divorce and parenting his kids on his own. But for any of us that are walking a road of difficulty and loneliness, Robert’s lesson is available for us to learn too.
Another important aspect we discussed in this episode, was supporting those who are single parenting. Robert brought to light that supporting a solo parent doesn’t always look like what we think it does. Being consciously aware of those in your life is an important tip in loving on others. It’s vital to the struggling single parent that they have support. And so many of us can make that effort to reach out and encourage them in the best way possible by simply saying, “I see you. You’re doing a great job. I’m here for you.”
If you’re a solo parent, get ready to be nodding your head In agreement with the struggle that Robert has faced as he was isolated from church, family, and friends once he was divorced. He recounts the awkwardness of divorce as everyone secretly wonders what “went wrong.” And the tricky matter of who is to blame for the crumbling of a marriage. Ultimately, Robert brings us back to how he found that God loves him for how God made him and no other role will hold the same kind of worth.
And, one of my favorite parts of Robert’s book was an unlikely lesson he learned through N’Sync and Justin Timberlake. Let me know if you enjoyed that part too!
I was amused that even Robert learned a few lessons from his own story in our time together. If you’re a solo parent, I hope you feel encouraged today! And of course we all know somebody that’s walking the road of parenting solo and has struggled through the difficulty of divorce. I hope you feel more equipped to be able to help your friend! Consider grabbing Robert’s book today and walking the road with a solo parent. Thorough Robert’s book and The Solo Parent Society, there’s an abundance of opportunity to learn more about yourself and how God views you.
