Singleness

Single Girl Confessions on Valentine’s Day

It’s tough being single on Valentine’s Day. As soon as Christmas is over, the stores are full of red hearts, love balloons, and Valentine’s Day merchandise. Hallmark Channel even plays non-stop Love movies! Yes, I get sucked into watching each one. Yes, I am a hopeful romantic.

Yes, I love reading the sweet greeting cards in the store aisles offered to the man of our life. It’s embarrassing to tell you, but years ago, I bought several beautifully-written Valentine’s Cards, perfect for my future husband. Perhaps it was like a a self-fulfilling prophecy to buy those cards expressing such deep, unconditional love for the man I know God has for me.

A few Valentine’s Days ago my perspective shifted. It was a cold night. I built a cozy fire. I was excited. I was ready. It was time to write my Love Letter to Jesus. Opening my journal, the following is the Love Letter penned on those pages:

Dearest Lover of My Soul,

Happy Valentine’s Day! Thank you for being my First Love, today and always.

Thank you, Lord, for pointing out and healing the idolatry sin I have suffered for my future husband for years without even realizing it. My heart is changed. Please forgive me.

Holy Spirit, I want to be content in my singleness. Help me. Tonight I look forward to building a fire, taking my old store-bought Valentine’s cards bought for my future husband, and burning them as an offering to You. I am Yours. You are mine. I am at peace.

My Rock and My Redeemer, Gentle Healer, it is an honor to convey a portion of my immense love for You. No journal, no library can record all my love, dear Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Every breath is for You, precious Lord.

How may I serve You more? On this Valentine’s Day, I recommit my life to You. It is You and You alone who I need. (Not the only man I want, I admit). Right now, make me more of a vessel for You and Your Gospel. I want to be your humble ambassador, Your spokesman who only utters worthy, not worthless words. (Jeremiah 15:19). May it be so.

“Speak, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

I Love You With My Whole Heart,

Danya, Your Daughter of the King

Since the Bible is God’s Love Letter, I had finally written my Love Letter to Jesus. That night transformed Valentine’s Day for me. Contentment came.

I’m looking so forward to Valentine’s Day this week. Bring it.

Now read 1 Corinthians 13 and replace the word “Love” with your name. “Danya is patient, Danya is kind. Danya does not envy…” Ouch. Since God is love, may we be love AND Love like Jesus. Happy Valentine’s Day in Jesus’ Name, our First Love.

Reflect:

–Are you content in your circumstances? Please comment.

–How can you express your love for God more?

Renew:

“Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” –Psalm 63: 3-4 NIV

“‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.'” –John 15:12-13 NIV

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. ” –Philippians 4:12 NIV

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” –1 Timothy 4:12 NIV.

Recharge:

–Write your Love Letter to Jesus.

–The Bible is God’s Love Letter to us. Please read it daily.

Vulnerable Relationship Panel Testimony I’ve Waited Months To Share

I haven’t felt like writing much wisdom. I have felt like listening and learning much more in these last months.

The world seems upside down as we grieve racial injustice and pray for unity. I pray, listen, lament, learn, and love.

We are now coming out of three months of being quarantined from the world pandemic COVID-19. I have prayed, listened, lamented, learned, and loved.

Right when the pandemic quarantining began in March, the First Baptist Church Matthews Student Pastor Trey Gouch had asked me to speak on a “Patterns Over Potential” Panel Discussion on Relationships. Four of us were on the panel, and Pastor Trey facilitated. I was the single girl giving part of my testimony. One lady represented courtship, almost engagement. One young man represented being a newlywed. One man represented a healthy, strong 30+-year marriage.

I learned so much from the wise, loving leaders on this panel. As much as I learned I pushed this You Tube aside, not wanting to share the depth of my singleness testimony.

As we learn to love each other well and better, now is the time to share. Please grab a coffee or tea, sit on your porch and enjoy these testimonies and practical wisdom on singleness, dating, marriage and our relationship with the Lord. Please leave comments on how you can relate and takeaways. You are loved, friend.