Spiritual Warfare for Catholic Single Moms

Solo parenting can be a beautiful journey, but it can also be incredibly challenging. When crises arise, single mothers can feel like they're battling something bigger than what they can see and touch. Whether it’s a family conflict, a health scare, or a financial struggle, mothers often find themselves in spiritual warfare. The devil loves to target mothers, and families. So in these moments, it is essential to leverage the strategies the Catholic Church gives us, to ward off any oppression and find freedom again.

In this post, we will explore practical spiritual warfare strategies that single mothers can use during times of crisis. These strategies are designed to empower you, validate whart you're feeling, and help you find a way out of the spiritual struggle. In the case of narcissistic abuse recovery, you're likely dealing with a Leviathan spirit. Only God can handle that one, keep that in mind. The following still applies, as Leviathan doesn't work alone.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare refers to the struggle against spiritual forces that seek to disrupt our lives. For single moms, this can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, fear, and doubt. Understanding that these feelings can be part of a larger spiritual battle is the first step in overcoming them.

Recognizing the signs of spiritual warfare can help you respond effectively. Some common signs include:

• Increased conflict within the family - continuous litigation is a great example

• Feelings of hopelessness or despair

• Physical symptoms like burnout or illness

• A sense of confusion or lack of direction

  
  

By identifying these signs, you can begin to implement strategies to combat demonic oppression.

Prayer as a Powerful Tool

One of the most effective strategies in spiritual warfare is prayer. Prayer connects you to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Mary, Saint Michael and all the Saints. It provides strength during difficult times. Here are some ways to incorporate prayer into your daily routine:

1. Set aside specific times for prayer: Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, having a dedicated time can help you stay consistent. I personally have the Rosary playing the background (I use YouTube or the Hallow app) during the morning routine.

   
   

2. Pray with your family: Gather your family together to pray. This not only strengthens your bond but also invites divine intervention into your situation.

   
   

3. Use scripture in your prayers: Incorporating verses from the Bible can provide comfort and guidance. For example, praying Psalm 91 can remind you of God’s protection. (Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence....)

   
   

4. Keep a prayer journal: Writing down your prayers can help you track your spiritual journey and see how the symptoms of demonic oppression evolve over time.

   
   

5. Praying the Rosary: Mama Mary is the OG devil crusher. Praying the Rosary daily, even by relying on YouTube or on the Hallow app to play the Rosary in the background while you're preparing breakfast or having your morning shower, is powerful.

   
   

By making prayer a priority, you can create a strong foundation for your family during crises.

Seeking Community Support

No one should face challenges alone. It's hard enough being a single mother, so seeking support from your community can be a vital strategy in spiritual warfare. Here are some ways to connect with others:

• Join a local church or support group: Being part of a Parish can provide encouragement and resources. A lot of Parishes have dedicated groups that you can join depending on your reality.

  
  

• Reach out to friends and family: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Everybody's busy, everybody's dealing with challenges, so remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. ASK for help.

  
  

• Participate in online forums: There are many online communities where parents share their experiences and offer support.

  
  

Having a support system can provide comfort and remind you that you are not alone in your struggles.

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare the Catholic Way

The Catholic Church gives us powerful strategies in spiritual warfare. It can uplift your spirit and provide a sense of peace. Here are some ways to incorporate those Catholic tools of spiritual warfare into your life:

• Daily Rosary: See above.

  
  

• Listen to uplifting music: I personally listen to Bethel and to Hillsong (Protestant, I know, but terrific regardless). The lyrics are mostly rooted in scripture and they remind me that in the end, we win!

  
  

• Holy Water: Holy Water does two things mostly; it decreases the impact of venial sin on our lives, and it wards off evil spirits. Makes sure to use it on your body when you go to Mass, and also have Holy Water at home to spray in all the rooms.

  
  

• Attend Sunday Mass and receive the Eucharist: The Real Presence of Jesus in your body is a powerful tool to ward off demonic presence.

  
  

• Miraculous Medals: Again, calling on the Virgin Mary for protection. Satan does not mess with Her. I had many medals blessed by a Priest, then I put one in each family member's pillow case (remember to remove them when you do laundry!), in all school backpacks and in my purse.

  
  

• Engage in Monthly Confession: I learned recently that sin is a way we open doors into our lives, to demonic spirits. Confession closes these doors.

  
  

• Prayer to St Michael the Archangel: His job is literally to crush the demons and make them flee. Talk to him.

  
  

• Invoking the Holy Spirit: On mornings where I wake up feeling awful, repeating "Holy Spirit Come" over and over lifts the black cloud and gives me Joy. It's amazing.  

  
  

You might want to go beyond this and also nurture relationships with other parishioners to build supportive friendships.

Embracing Forgiveness

Forgiveness IS spiritual warfare. Embracing forgiveness can free you from oppression and promote healing. Here are some steps to practice forgiveness:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize the hurt and pain you may be feeling. It is essential to validate your emotions.

   
   

2. Make a conscious decision to forgive: Forgiveness is a choice you make for yourself. Decide to let go of resentment and move forward. I found it helpful in my journey to remember that hurt people hurt people, and that the people that would make you feel the most terrified have often had an awful childhood.

   
   

3. Seek reconciliation: If possible, reach out to those you need to forgive. Open communication can lead to healing. This does not apply in cases of domestic abuse. Here, I say "forgive and remember". These people need to be kept at bay through the no contact / grey rocking methods.

   
   

By embracing forgiveness, you can release burdens and create a more peaceful environment for your family.

The Power of Rest and Self-Care

The devil wants us tired, hopeless and addicted to Chaos (I have an entire series about this, Episodes 15A to 16B). When under demonic oppression, it is easy to neglect your own well-being. However, self-care is crucial for maintaining your Faith, and your vitality, especially as a single mother. Here are some self-care strategies:

1. Prioritize rest: Ensure you are getting enough sleep. Rest is essential for physical and mental health. I KNOW you want to scroll until 1AM, don't. I've set an alarm clock for 9.30PM every night, that's my cut off.

   
   

2. Engage in physical activity: Exercise can boost your mood and reduce stress. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s walking, dancing, or yoga. Personally I manage to squeeze cardio into my busy week, simply by leveraging the many trips to my ASD kid's therapies: he's on his bike and I'm walking fast behind.

   
   

3. Practice mindfulness: Take time to meditate or practice deep breathing. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and focused. This does not work very well for ASD Moms, see Episode 19 of the podcast for an ASD-friendly meditation.

   
   

By prioritizing self-care, you can recharge and better support your family during crises.

Embracing the Journey

Solo parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. During times of crisis, it is essential to remember that you are not alone. By implementing these spiritual warfare strategies, you can navigate challenges with grace and strength.

As you embrace this journey, remember to lean on your faith, seek support, and practice self-care. Each step you take can lead you closer to peace and healing.

A mother and child engaging in prayer for Spiritual Warfare.

In the end, the journey of single parenting is not just about overcoming challenges. It is about growing together as a family, deepening your faith, and finding joy in the little moments. Embrace the journey, and trust that Jesus has the Power to rid you of demonic oppression.