ReStoried
What kind of stories come to mind when you think of foster care?
Many stories are filled with heartbreak, pain, and sorrow. But what if we could step in and see them turned into stories of hope?
Hope Bridge is on a gospel-led mission to transform the foster care landscape in Ohio. We're here to raise awareness and empower churches and communities to step into action by supporting vulnerable children and families in their local communities.
We’re certainly not the Author of these stories, and it’s true that we can't change the past, but we are called to be key characters in THE story that God has written for His creation.
His is a story of redemption and restoration, a story of HOPE.
In this podcast, we will share how we link arms with churches, county workers, foster families, and those in the community to rewrite the narrative for vulnerable children and families.
We’ll be shining a light on stories of hope, redemption, and transformation and sharing practical ways that you can step in and get involved.
Subscribe now, and together, let's make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Welcome to "ReStoried," a podcast by Hope Bridge.
ReStoried
88. When Church Hurts: A Conversation About Single Moms and the Church
At Hope Bridge, two of our biggest priorities are supporting single moms and engaging the local church. But bringing those two things together isn’t always simple. In this episode, we’re discussing a sensitive but important topic: church hurt—specifically, how it affects single moms.
This conversation is not meant to overgeneralize or place blame. We are incredibly grateful for the many churches we partner with that do amazing work to support families. At the same time, we also want to honor the stories of single moms who have felt excluded from ministries, overlooked for leadership, or disconnected from small groups. Sometimes, the hurt comes through unsolicited advice that, while well-intended, causes pain. Other times, it’s not about what’s said—but what isn’t. The absence of acknowledgment or representation can leave single moms feeling invisible.
God created us for community. Even when that community has caused hurt, the need for connection remains. We talk about the importance of continuing to seek out healthy church spaces, even after past wounds. Sometimes, God meets us most powerfully outside of a traditional church setting—but we have to be seeking Him. Church is meant to be a place of restoration, hope, and belonging. In this conversation, we explore how we can help the Church reflect that vision more fully—especially for single moms.
Episode Highlights:
- Single Moms
- Church Hurt
- Church Community
- How to pursue healing
- Single Moms Program at Hope Bridge
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