Lystra, a small boomtown perched alongside a bustling Grecian highway, was known for its wild living and wilder religious 
practices. It was also the boyhood home of Timothy, an early church leader.
What do we know of Timothy’s childhood years? We know his father paid his taxes and regularly worshiped Zeus—and even the Unnamed God—whose temples were near the entrance to the city. In this way, Timothy’s father would please god—whoever he was–and lead a successful life. Based on this description I imagine “dad” as a well-to-do business man; a stand-up sort-of-guy consumed by the lure of cosmopolitan living and providing for his family.
The Bible mentions Timothy’s father, but focuses a bit more on his mother and grandmother in 2 Timothy 1:5— “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”
There may not seem to be much of a story tucked in this one sentence and even less application. But consider ancient Turkey at the time. It holds several parallels to modern America. Citizens were well-educated, the nation was an established center of commerce, and the famed city of Ephesus boasted a one-of-a-kind library along with renowned pieces of art. At the same time, wild living was considered acceptable and temples dedicated to its many gods and goddesses thrived throughout the land.
Given his father’s apparent lack of influence and the culture in which he grew up, Timothy might have become a statistic—another child never introduced to Christ or a young man more interested in today’s address than tomorrows final destination . Instead, Timothy went on to serve as a pastor and missionary in Ephesus. Why?
I’m convinced God worked through the faith of his mother and grandmother! What is the lesson then? There are two things I want us to notice. First, when we parent alone—even if it’s just parenting alone spiritually, fear and worry can become our closest companions. The what if’s can overwhelm us. Don’t allow it!
Instead, begin planting those seeds of faith in your child’s little heart now. Your influence matters.
Then, align yourself with a mentor—someone who can encourage you, come alongside you, and support you. Every Eunice needs a Lois.
So..our final two steps toward relying on God when parenting alone (or anytime) are to remain faithful to the task of planting seeds in the lives of our children and link arms with at least one other Christian woman.
