I have the greatest respect for single parents who struggle and

In the words of James E. Faust, “I have the greatest respect for single parents who struggle and sacrifice, trying against almost superhuman odds to hold the family together. They should be honored and helped in their heroic efforts. But any mother's or father's task is much easier where there are two functioning parents in the home.” we hear a call to both acknowledge the sacrifices of single parents and recognize the fundamental truth that parenting is an act of shared strength. Faust’s words are a tribute to those who, day by day, bear the burden of raising children alone, but also a reminder that the journey of life, and especially the journey of parenthood, is far easier when it is undertaken by two hands, two hearts, working together.

The origin of this quote lies in Faust’s deep understanding of the family unit, its central role in society, and the burdens placed on parents. In a world that often celebrates individual effort, Faust recognizes the heroic struggle of single parents—those who carry the weight of love and responsibility alone. But he also sees the wisdom in the balance of partnership. His words are not meant to diminish the efforts of single parents but to honor them and acknowledge that the support of another can alleviate burdens, allowing the family to flourish in ways that might be impossible for one person to achieve alone.

To the ancients, family was the cornerstone of civilization. Homer, in his epic The Odyssey, tells the story of Penelope, who waits for her husband’s return, holding the household together against forces beyond her control. Her strength was immense, but her story also carries a quiet sorrow, a reminder that no matter how great the woman, no one is immune to the pain of loneliness or the pressure of overburdened responsibility. Similarly, Hercules, that symbol of strength in Greek mythology, was most powerful when supported by the gods and his companions. His trials were countless, but even he required the aid of others. Faust’s words echo this ancient wisdom: that even the strongest individual cannot stand alone forever. Partnership, whether in marriage or community, has always been the secret to enduring strength.

Consider the real-life story of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, who, though driven by compassion and devotion, spent much of her life without the support of a partner. Her single-mindedness and sacrifice in the face of adversity helped save countless lives. Yet, as much as she accomplished, there were moments when the weight of her work threatened to crush her. Barton’s story exemplifies the heroism of the single parent, yet even she, who dedicated her life to others, found moments of weakness in the absence of a shared burden. Faust, in recognizing this, calls upon us to honor those who walk alone, but also to see the value of partnership in making the journey more sustainable.

At the heart of Faust’s statement lies the notion of balance—the knowledge that while the burden of single parenting is monumental, the ideal of family is rooted in mutual support. The ancients believed that strength comes from unity—that a group is only as strong as the bonds that hold it together. This truth is as old as time. The spartan warriors, revered for their discipline and unity, fought as a single body, with each man relying on his brothers in arms. Their courage was not simply their own, but shared, and in this shared courage, they triumphed. Faust’s wisdom speaks to this same principle: parenting, like any great endeavor, is best achieved when the weight is borne together.

From this reflection, we draw a profound lesson: to honor those who sacrifice—the single parents who give everything they have to their children—and to recognize that the true power of family lies in its ability to be a unit, a team, where love and responsibility are shared. It is not only the responsibility of the parent to raise the child, but also the responsibility of society to ensure that families have the support they need to thrive. Whether through the partnership of a spouse, the help of extended family, or the support of the community, the work of parenthood becomes infinitely more manageable when strength is shared.

Therefore, as we reflect on Faust’s words, let us remember that while individual sacrifice is to be revered, unity is what sustains life. Let us reach out to help those who carry burdens alone and, more importantly, let us work to create a world where no parent has to walk the long path of parenting alone. For the greatest wisdom comes not in standing alone, but in standing together, knowing that every child, every family, is made stronger by the love and support of a community.