It's a fragile topic for me, and many I know. However, there is a God courage and boldness rising up within me. I don't know what God is going to do with all this. But, I do believe He is at work in a special and exciting way in my heart. I'm excited to see where and how He continues to lead.
A few weeks ago while driving to work I found myself asking God the following questions:
Where in the church (at large) are the voices of Godly, fun, single people (single, divorced, widowed) saying that you can live a full, joy filled life with incredible relationships, even without an earthy husband? I've grown up in the church. I don't see it.
When and where (in the church at large) is singleness or this message shared by someone who isn't married? (by one who is traveling this road....)
When singleness is mentioned, it is usually mentioned as a side note or parentheses.
How and when is the church (at large) being equipped, challenged, and shown how to love well ones who are not married?
I believe all people want to be loved and known. God created us to be in community together with others.
I have amazing people who love me so incredibly well. Most of them are married. I am so very grateful for all the ways they run the race of life with me, and allow me to be part of their races also.
Singleness is not a left over person that wasn't chosen. It is a loved person who is not married to an earthly spouse. We all have dreams that didn't happen. What do we do with those unmet dreams? How does God fit into that?
There are many things that I don't understand. Why am I single is one of them. So, I have put that and other things in a file in my head called "I don't get it." I then list what I do know for sure:
God loves me.
He has a plan bigger than I see.
I am to Love God and Love others well. Period. Exclamation point.
Our identity is not in our marital status or in having kids, but in who God says we are. Are we living out who He says we are and doing what He has called us to do?
Most Christian books on singleness are all about how to get married. What if God has another plan? What about doing and being what He's called you to to? What about believing if God has marriage for you, He will bring that into your life as you are doing and being what He has called you to?
In many ways, even in the church, marriage is portrayed as an ultimate prize. Yes, it's beautiful and a precious gift. However, it's not the ultimate gift. God's love is our ultimate Gift.
I believe we are to run the race He has called us to! For me, that race looks very different from many I know, but it is the path God has me on. I choose to trust His plan is the best for me.
