SINGLE AND SAVED

 

TEXT: Psalm 34 vs 18

The Lord is near to those who are discouraged;
    he saves those who have lost all hope.

I've been a single woman for thirty-nine years. Of course I have had boyfriends along the way, but I have never been married. I have always wanted to be, and I would like to have a family too. But I don't stress about it because you cannot make someone love you. I learned that a long time ago.

When I was younger, I had a huge crush on a really smart, cute, funny and, unfortunately for me, honest man. He told me we would be friends because I was a "church girl" and would not do what other women would. In other words, I didn't have a chance. I continued to hear similar comments for years. Today I realize those harsh comments were actually compliments, but back then, the repeated rejection really hurt.

It's not easy being single and saved. You may often feel all alone. But you're not. God is always with you. Despite the heartache, I believe God will someday send someone special into my life. In the meantime, I am working on being the best me I can be.

Choosing to be an active member of the singles' group at my church was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allows me to surround myself with like-minded people. They assure me, despite what others say, that having morals and values is still a positive thing.

Only God knows what my future holds. But whether it includes marriage or not, I've learned to love myself, and I know God loves me too. I have also come to realize the importance of having people in my life who love me for who I am and whose I am, even if they are just friends.

Starlene Stringer

Taken from Fulfilled