Robert Beeson - Going Solo: Hope and Healing for the Single Mom or Dad

There simply arent enough books with the insight and hope Robert Beeson gives in Going Solo. Ive personally watched Roberts journey as a solo parent and have been amazed by what God has done to point him and his young girls to true north. Anyone whos been through the desert of loneliness and fear as a single parent will find encouragement and direction through Roberts story.

TROY DUHON

Executive producer, Gods Not Dead

I love this book! Roberts journey of healing offers transformative help and hope for all solo parents who feel overwhelmed and overlooked. Let his story assure you that you are not alone.

DONNA VANLIERE

New York Times bestselling author and speaker

Beesons debut project is honest, hopeful, and full of practical help. As he puts it, Sometimes life doesnt turn out as we envisioned. For those struggling to make sense of being a solo parent whether you are widowed, divorced, or separated this book is for you.

DR. BRAD MATHIAS

Tween Gospel Alliance and Pastor of Four Winds Anglican Mission

Roberts story is humble, heartwarming, and hopeful. In Going Solo, he gives voice to the millions of single parents who need to know they dont have to walk alone and inspires every parent (including me!) to become more intentional in loving our kids well, especially when life gets crazy.

CONSTANCE RHODES

Founder and CEO, FINDINGbalance; author, The Art of Being: Reflections on the Beauty and the Risk of Embracing Who We Are

This book is a truly honest and transparent look at the journey of becoming a solo parent. What a great reminder of how to care for yourself and allow others to help and love you. Going Solo is an essential read for every individual going through loss, separation, and single parenting. All I can say is, Wow.

PRESTON CENTUOLO

Author, speaker, and CEO of The Youth Alliance

Going Solo: Hope and Healing for the Single Mom or Dad

2018 by Robert Beeson. All rights reserved.

A Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188

Focus on the Family and the accompanying logo and design are federally registered trademarks of Focus on the Family, 8605 Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise marked, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com) The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked ( KJV ) are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version. Scripture quotations marked ( NLT ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( NLV ) are taken from the H OLY B IBLE , New Life Version. Copyright 19692003 by Christian Literature International, P. O. Box 777, Canby, OR 97013. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Scripture quotations marked ( NKJV ) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( TLB ) are taken from The Living Bible [paraphrase], copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Peoples names and certain details of their stories have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. However, the facts of what happened and the underlying principles have been conveyed as accurately as possible.

The use of material from or references to various websites does not imply endorsement of those sites in their entirety. Availability of websites and pages is subject to change without notice.

Voice of Truth, by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman, Copyright 2003 My Refuge Music (BMI) Sparrow Song (BMI) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) / Be Essential Songs (BMI) / Peach Hill Songs (BMI). International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Carried to the Table, by Leeland Mooring, Marc Byrd, and Steve Hindalong, Copyright 2006 Meaux Mercy (BMI), Meaux Hits (ASCAP), Blue Raft Music (BMI), Colorwheel Songs (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com). International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Editor: Julie B. Holmquist

Cover design by Beth Sparkman

Cover photograph of father and child copyright Olesia Bilkei/Shutterstock. All rights reserved.

Cover photograph of childs hair copyright arvebettum/Depositphotos.com. All rights reserved.

Robert Beeson and Robert Noland are represented by the literary agency WTA Services, LLC, Franklin, TN.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Tyndale House Publishers at , or call 1-800-323-9400.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data can be found at www.loc.gov.

ISBN 978-1-58997-939-0

ISBN 978-1-68428-045-2 (ePub); ISBN 978-1-68428-046-9 (Kindle); ISBN 978-1-68428-044-5 (Apple)

Build: 2021-04-21 14:33:09 EPUB 3.0

Dedicated to my daughters Zoe, Skyler, and Zara.

My precious girls, our journey through these solo years together was the best thing to happen to me. I discovered the most fulfilling and rewarding thing in all of my life is being your father. You three brought God close to me, and I am a different man because of it. I cannot tell you how proud and honored I am to be your dad. Thanks for the patience, understanding, and strength you brought to our solo-parented family. I love you with everything in me. Always remember Isaiah 41:10.

And in memory of my late mom, Dorothy Smith, whose daily phone calls helped sustain me following my divorce.

I F YOU ARE A SOLO PARENT, then you probably dont have a lot of time to read books. But this one is worth fighting for. Its the book I wish someone could have handed me as I journeyed through my own season as a solo parent, and I dont say that lightly. What Robert has written in these pages is immediate and honest; but beyond the openhearted stories and counsel, this book radiates with something incredibly elusive in the season of solo parenting hope.

The Scriptures tell us that, Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). And if youre living a solo parenting life right now, then you probably know how accurate the proverb is. Hope is a much-needed companion when life has been turned upside down and the ground on which we stand no longer feels secure. It is the call to take another step forward when we must provide stability for children who have been thrust into new realities and circumstances that are likely not of their choosing. It is a North Star when worry and anxiety are closing in like the hounds of hell and exhaustion is a constant companion. Hope is an irreplaceable part of the journey ahead and hope is what