Two years ago, my life drastically changed, and I now find myself in a season of life that I didn’t ask to be in and didn’t want to be in, honestly.
I am now a single…and a single mother. My life had been turned upside down and I needed to get it up right again, but I didn’t know how. Being single in my 40's is WAY different than being single in my 20's. Being a single mom has challenges I wasn't expecting to face. On top of the embarrassment and shame that seemed to come along with the word "SINGLE". I didn't understand that, why did single seem to be less than married? Why did single mom seem like an embarrassing title? I hated those feelings.
During this time, I needed God in ways I never needed Him before. I needed to be certain about how God felt about me, that I wasn't less than or an embarrassment to Him. I needed reassurance that I was still worthy and valuable. I needed reassurance that I was still lovable and loved. I needed reassurance that He wanted to STILL use me. I needed to know that there was a great life still ahead of me. God showed that me that all of these things were indeed true in my own life…but also in the lives of each and every other single individual.
The relaunch of Singles Ministry is God's way of telling singles and the church that singles are valuable, are loved, and are an asset to their families, the church, and the kingdom of God. Singles are in a season of life where so much growth can happen. You can focus on…you! Your growth in the spiritual gifts, your calling, your healing, your interests, your passions. This is a season, you get to discern where God is leading you, what He wants to deliver you from, where He wants to stretch you, what He wants to multiply in you.
Singleness is a time where you can focus on being your best you. If you're a single parent, being your best you benefits your children and family. If you are single, and desire to get married or remarried, being your best you now will help you to be a better partner in your marriage and family. If you are single and have no desire to get married or remarried, then being your best you allows you to fully bless the kingdom of God with everything you have.
It's also a time for real healing and growth. I went through a very painful time in my life, and other singles who are divorced or widowed know the pain, anger, and confusion this season can bring. But, God is able to use such a dark period in our lives, and make it work for our good. Romans says just this! "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28) If you are single now due to death or divorce, God understands the grief and pain…but His word has assured us that He can take that situation and use it for good. Some of that good, I believe, happens in the midst of our singleness. Here, God help us rediscover His love and comfort. He can heal the wounds from our current pain and past pains we never dealt with. He can deliver us from habits, idols, and strongholds that need to be out of our lives. He can take all of the broken pieces and create a masterpiece more beautiful than we could have ever imagined…that there is more beauty in store for us.
I am truly excited about the relaunch of the Singles Ministry. I know that God is going to show up in amazing ways and really bless us individually and our church. I am planning a lot of fun events and activities we can do each month, as well as curriculum that will help us grow in our walk with God. This is going to be a place where our community can grow closer to one another, support and encourage each other, develop a stronger intimacy with God, develop healthier relationships, and have fun!
I am so blessed, honored, and excited to be pastoring over this community, as well as growing alongside each of you.
Love yal!
