SMORE for Women - Gail Showalter Book Tour

I am pleased to introduce you to another author this week.

Gail Showalter

Gail has an incredible passion for women, especially single mothers. I am blessed to have an amazing husband to share in the task of parenting. However, my mom was a single mom for many years. I would have loved for there to have been something like this for her when she was in this season of her life.

Thank you, Gail, for reaching out and caring for such a special group of women.
Kim ~ B & B

Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion for single mothers. In
the United States, alone, there are over ten million mothers raising children
alone. Over one third of them live in poverty. After years of being on my own as
a mother of three, I came to realize how little is done in our communities and
churches for this group of children with absent fathers and women with no
husbands. The vast majority does not attend church, but our neighborhoods are
filled with single moms. I’ve created and implemented, along with an eleven
member board, a detailed plan for encouraging, inspiring, and blessing single
mothers. If you have ever wondered what you could do to make a difference for
even one of the moms, this is the answer. It is easy, inexpensive, and
exceedingly worthwhile.

-Gail Showalter

B&B: Gail, You have established a ministry plan for single mothers. What motivated you to do this?

For sixteen years I was a divorced mother with three children. I was fortunate
to have family support and yet the disappointment, emotional pain, and daily
difficulties were devastating. I’m happily remarried now for twelve years and my
passion for the over the ten million single mothers remain strong.

B&B: Why do you think a ministry plan is needed?

Single mothers have a difficult time day-in, day-out. I think churches want to
provide supportive programs for them, but –though there are some successful
ministries—much still needs to be done to minister to single moms. Often what
you see on the outside doesn’t reveal the heartache and fear she is experiencing
on the inside. Church leader I’ve spoken with have expressed genuine interest in
implementing this plan.

B&B: What do you call the ministry?

SMORE for Women. SMORE is an acronym for Spiritual Ministry Offering ReTREATs and Encouragement. Our program assists churches in providing Saturday reTREATs in a home or intimate church environment.

B&B: What is the ultimate goal of SMORE for Women?

Our mission is to inspire and encourage women, especially single mothers, to
discover and develop their abilities and inner strengths. Ultimately I hope to
see churches across the country implement these programs. And in the process
develop ongoing programs and activities for single mothers in their communities.

B&B: Tell us why you prefer that the reTREATs be in homes?

Homes provide an intimate, friendly, and non-intimidating environment. Homes
also have the amenities for several of the pampering areas. A reTREAT can also
take place in a church or other facility.

B&B: What do you mean by pampering areas?

At each reTREAT each mom is treated in several areas. Depending on the home she
may use a hot tub or swimming pool. She will receive a brief massage, and even
have a quiet private prayer time.

B&B: Where can we go for more information about the SMORE for Women ministry?

We have a web site which is www.smoreforwomen.org and a blog which
is www.seeinguthrough.wordpress.com.

In closing, A Retreat can be hosted by a small group of compassionate women. The guidebook, Encouraging Single Mothers to Grow Their Strengths, includes step-by-step guidance for planning and hosting a reTREAT. Once you’ve experienced one Saturday reTREAT filled with joy you will want to plan another and another. In the process you will get acquainted with some remarkable women and you might inspire them as they see Christ in you. Please visit SMORE for Women at www.smoreforwomen.org.

Gail, thank you for taking time to share with my readers today. I hope that you will take a moment to visit Gail's website. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Kim