Holding Her Head High

Life lessons from single mothers throughout history form the inspiration for single mothers today. Single moms are not just a product of our modern culture. There have been single mothers throughout history, women who have raised not only their children but also nations with a higher vision for life. Holding Her Head High recounts stories of twelve such women from the third to the twenty-first centuries, women who found ways to twist their fates to represent God's destiny for their lives. These uniquely powerful, brave women, within the scope of their own world and times, are like the ninety-nine percent of single mothers today who never intended to carry that distinction. They are abandoned, widowed, or divorced, all carrying wounds, yet they also all found ways to exhibit courage, kindness, dignity, and faith to heal themselves by healing others. Actress Janine Turner, herself a single mother, describes the social implications for women and children from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages to Pioneer days, including a single mother of slavery. Stories from women like Rachel Lavein Fawcett, abandoned single mother of Alexander Hamilton; Abagail Adams, a wartime widow; Harriet Jacobs, an unwed mother of slavery whose autobiography was published the year the Civil War began; and widowed Belva Lockwood, the first woman to officially run for President, all carrying wounds but all offering insight, wisdom, and encouragement. Lessons include: Listen for God's higher calling Hold your head high Dare to dream Champion your children Heal with humor Don't Give Up Before the Miracle

Agnes Doncha Cry, Hold Ya Head High is a semi-autobiography of the life of the author. Agnes has been through many adversities in her childhood, as well as in her young adulthood. She had a father who left when she was just a baby, a mother who eventually gave her away to her grandparents, and a marriage that turned out to be disappointing. While going through these adversities, Agnes has managed to hold her head high to a higher power for strength to help her get through it all. Throughout the story, you will read about the thoughts that were going through Agnes head and how she dealt with the outcome of them all. The author wrote the story, in hopes, to give a message to those who have been through many adversities and felt like giving up: Even in the midst of those adversities, you can make it. Though struggles may come, you will overcome.

Ollie Johnson wrote this book hoping she could help someone who have lost a child. Tyrone was a special child. His mind was far beyond his eight years. Ollie didn't know so many people had heard about this little brave boy. People would come to the door and just pass gifts for him. He was so special. All the times he was in the hospital, he wouldn't let the nurses do anything. He would say my mother and my sister will bathe me. He passed at home, when they could not help him anymore. Ollie said she will take him home and take care of him. The doctor always explained to him what was happening to him. Tyrone seemed to understand what they were talking about. He loved church. He wanted to be baptize, so they let him. Tyrone told Ollie he wouldn't be with her when he becomes an adult. His dad was so fond of him. He was born ten and a half years after Ollie's last child was born. During Tyrone's last days, they had a nurse coming in. He told her, "You can change my bed and dress me." This was Sunday. His doctor on Friday had called and told them to go and make plans for his funeral and that she would be there on Monday. Tyrone died on Sunday with lots of people and family there. In Psalm 127:3aEUR"5, it is said children are too often seen as liabilities rather than assets, but the bible called children "an heritage of the Lord," a reward. We can learn valuable lesson from their inquisitive minds and trusting spirit. The person Ollie is today is because of the time God loan Tyrone to her. As he was passing, he looked at her and said, "Hold your head up, no more tears." He closed his eyes, and he was gone.

Single moms are not just a product of our modern culture. There have been single mothers throughout history, women who have raised not only their children but also nations with a higher vision for life.

It is not what others believe about you, but what you believe about yourself, that makes a big difference. One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.

Written partly in response to the criticisms of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by both white Southerners and black abolitionists, Stowe's second novel, "Dred," attempts to explore the issue of slavery from an African American perspective. Through the compelling stories of Nina Gordon, the mistress of a slave plantation, and Dred, a black revolutionary, Stowe brings to life conflicting beliefs about race, the institution of slavery, and the possibilities of violent resistance.