They come to Daybreak almost every Tuesday – sometimes with a baby on their hip or sleeping in a stroller. Some come in pregnant with the very baby they weren’t sure they wanted. Some come by Uber or Medicaid Transport. They jump over hurdles that I can only imagine to get here. These single moms are trying to juggle bills they can’t always pay and relationships that need to change or end. I watch them come into our group every week and I see it on their faces and hear it in their words…the power of gratitude.

Often they walk into our group with heavy burdens, but they always leave lighter than they came. They are grateful for community that is safe – a place where they can be vulnerable and understood. They are in the Presence of the Burden Bearer, who picks them up and reminds them they are not alone.

They named themselves the “Daybreak Club” and their arms are open to any new woman who wants to join. Together, we have looked at Establishing Healthy Boundaries, Freedom from Shame, and Healing from Toxic Relationships.

This month we are reflecting together on The Power of Gratitude. They each have a journal to begin their own gratitude journals and share reasons to be thankful in the midst of trials.

They share prayer requests, resources and invitations for play dates and birthday parties. They visit each other’s churches and worship together. They have found friendship with other like-minded moms and they are grateful. Here are some of their reflections:

“I am grateful for the ‘Daybreak Club’ because I have gained friendships. I love how it allows me to be vulnerable to God and His love through others. I am becoming a better mother and woman because I see other women being graceful and loving, even after coming through trauma.”

“It has been a blessing to meet all these different women with different backgrounds. We are different but also similar in many ways. This has been a safe place for me.”

“The support group at Daybreak has become a safe place and a sanctuary of love, trust and support. It has allowed me to surround myself with like-minded women who have supported me with courage, faith and strength when I couldn’t find it myself. It is a place of healing through Christ.”

“I’m grateful that Daybreak can be my safe space. I feel like I’m not the only one going through things and trying to get through it. I can feel at home.”

"Meeting these amazing women who are on the same journey of healing as me has been a true blessing! I love this group and I’m so grateful to Daybreak for bringing us together!”

“Daybreak brought me in with open arms and no judgment. I am forever grateful for the opportunities to heal and to grow. Daybreak is my forever family!”

I will be forever grateful to the Lord for giving me a front row seat to watch Him work in the hearts and lives of these beautiful women.

I have learned so much from them. May we all share their hearts of gratitude for God’s amazing grace.

He is worthy of all praise!

Julie Armstrong

Client Services Counselor

julie@daybreakcola.org

Supporting mothers who choose life for their babies involves a lot of resources, including a lot of diapers! And you can help us re-stock our diaper supply by way of a friendly competition between the Gamecock and Tiger fans of our donor base. It’s called “Daybreak’s 3rd Annual Diaper Bowl: Dollars for Diapers” and runs through midnight on November 30. The Gamecocks have won the first two Daybreak Diaper Bowls, giving us the means to purchase EveryLife diapers for our clients. Why EveryLife diapers? Here’s why:

EveryLife is an unapologetically Christian company that does not support organizations that destroy innocent life. Every other major diaper manufacturer, including Huggies and Pampers, includes coverage for abortions in their employee benefits plans, in addition to direct support for Planned Parenthood. EveryLife does not, and that is a company we love to support!

If you would like to join in this friendly competition, there are two ways you can do so:

1. Go to https://www.kindridgiving.com/App/Giving/daybreakministries. The webpage will open to the “One-time” giving tab. Then go to the “Fund” dropdown box and choose either “Gamecock Diapers” or “Tiger Diapers” to make your donation.
2. You can simply write a check to Daybreak and include your team of choice “Gamecock Diapers” or “Tiger Diapers” on the memo line of the check. And then mail your check to: Daybreak LifeCare Center, 1601 St. Julian Place, Columbia, SC 29204.

We will be providing statuses along the way on social media to keep you in the loop, and we will announce the winner after November 30. Of course, the real winners will be our clients, who will have access to a fresh supply of diapers from a pro-life manufacturer whose creed is consistent with its product.

As always, we thank you in advance for your support in this life-affirming, life-changing ministry.

Sgt. Simon Kiser

Male Mentor

"I have been married for 22 years to my amazing and beautiful wife, Stephanie. Today, we are proud parents of five daughters and one son, ranging in ages from 20 to 4. My children continue to teach me better ways to love. My wife and I have been involved in supporting pregnancy resource centers throughout our marriage.

"When I was 8 years old at a Christian summer camp, I invited Jesus into my life to be my Lord and Savior. I am blessed to have had parents who raised me and my five siblings to each love Jesus and our spouse and taught us that children are gifts."