I wish I could tell you that this Valentine’s Day is special because I finally met The One, but this Valentine’s Day is no different than last Valentine’s Day. Instead of being curled up on the couch with a handsome Christian man wearing a navy pullover sweater and an almost mischievous side smile, I’m writing yet another blog post about singleness. “An Honest Confession on Valentine’s Day” seemed like the only appropriate title for a post about the major gap between where I am and where I want to be this Valentine’s Day.
A Better Approach to Singleness: Interview with Author Shelby Abbott
In this video interview, author Shelby Abbott opens up about what his singleness journey looked like, how he met his wife and got married as a 29-year-old, and how his past (and current) struggles have shaped his ministry mindset. He candidly shares how single girls can approach singleness in a God-honoring way. I know you'll find his story very encouraging!
Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Post-College Life
If you’re in college, you probably have a few long-term concerns that are constantly weighing you down, including the ever-present “Where am I going to meet my future husband?” and “Where am I going to live after college?” and “What job am I going to get once I graduate?” I genuinely feel like every Christian girl in college asks these questions. And honestly, we often base our answer to the second question and third question on our answer to the first question.
Are You Ready for Marriage?
Over four years ago (what the heck?), I wrote a post called “Are You Ready for a Romantic Relationship?” for Valentine’s Day. I described some reasons why readers might not be ready for a romantic relationship and then admitted that I wasn’t ready for a romantic relationship myself. Fast forward almost five years, and I figured that it was time to ask an even harder question: are you ready for marriage?
Dear Single Girl, Get Outside Your Comfort Zone
Single Girl, I don’t judge you for any excuse that you’ve made in a desperate attempt to stay inside your comfort zone. But I want you to know that it’s really challenging to meet guys (and do other important things--life's not all about guys) if you stay inside your comfort zone. Please don’t miss the opportunities in front of you simply because they might make you feel a bit un-comfy.
To the Girl Who’s Dating a Non-Christian
When you were in youth group, you were warned about the dangers of missionary dating. Your youth pastor always said that missionary dating was a slippery slope into an unequally yoked marriage. At the time, you completely agreed with your youth pastor. But then you met [insert the name of your boyfriend].
Dear Single Girl, Consuming Sexual Content Won’t Satisfy Your Longing for Sex
Dear Single Girl, I see you over there—watching Redeeming Love as you curl up in a ball on your couch with a bag of popcorn in one hand and a can of La Croix in the other. Last month, you promised yourself that you wouldn’t watch this movie because it’s a bit risqué. But that was before your boyfriend broke up with you. Before your best friend told you that she’s engaged. Before you realized that you’re 21 and have never been kissed. [Or insert other scenario that has caused a wave of indescribable loneliness to overtake you.] All you wanted was a little pick-me-up in the love department.
Why It’s Normal (and Okay!) to Look Forward to Having Sex
I think one of the hardest things for a Christian girl to accept is her desire for sex. Or maybe it’s just me. I wish I could say that I’m looking forward to marriage because I want to have a lifelong best friend or because I’m ready to love and be loved by my soulmate. But really, I’m just looking forward to having sex. And if you’re trying to follow God’s design for sex by saving it for marriage, I’m guessing that you’re looking forward to it too.
Dear Future Husband, I Want You to Lead
One character whom I’ve liked since Season 1 of Lost is Jack Shephard. Honestly, he’s not particularly attractive. He often looks dirty, grimy, and sweaty (which is purposeful, of course, but is still a turn-off). Still, he’s my favorite character on the show. Why? Because he’s unwaveringly strong.