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Loved listening to @SamAllberry at Word Alive this week. Always enjoy listening to him preach on any subject -but on being single in Evangelical churches, something I have long felt that is not the safe family it should be for singles- was a special treat!
Just reached the section on the Difficulties of Singleness in his book (7 myths about Singleness), with every word ringing painfully true. Particularly when it came to losing your closest friends to marriage and children. The pain of being so much less needed than you need them.
Totally unashamed to admit there's been some unrestrained weeping in my chalet (I'm alone, it's me.) The Carrie English quote telling us we're allowed to be platonically heartbroken when our friends marry is something I really needed to hear.
Because that permission isn't there. We're only allowed to be happy for them. One of my best friends from Uni and ministry traineeship was gradually and painfully lost to me through first marriage, then a child, and then finally moving away.
Not that it's wrong for married couples to want to spend time with other married couples, or young mums with each other. It's just hard watching yourself fall down the friendship priority list. She had a second baby a few months ago -I only found out this week second hand. 💔
However, I'm also in a period where the ministry my singleness has freed me up for has lead me to a place of a lot of loneliness where most of my friends are far away.
Having previously been fairly content in singleness, I went through a period of intensely desiring a spouse to support me in ministry -I just wanted one person, and I didn't see how I could manage without.
During that time I clung to the knowledge that Christ was sufficient, even when I didn't feel it. I'm happy to say I've been able to feel as well as know it again for a few months now, And I'm more content than I was before, because this truth transcends my feelings:
That surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Christ is enough. Thanks @SamAllberry for cheering us on and reminding us of Christ's all-sufficiency, who is the joy and delight of our hearts. ♥️
