While we all came into this word as singles (except for the twins among us), if we remain single after a certain age you’re likely to encounter the incessant interrogators and the silent internal questions of why you’re not married yet.
As an older adult single, I know the scenario all too well. While I wasn’t one of those girls who dreamed and planned her future wedding day, I certainly didn’t expect to be on the other side of forty and still navigating life alone.
But I’m not the only. In They Were Single Too, David Hoffeditz highlights 8 Biblical characters who knew what it was like to live the single journey. When I think of singleness in the Bible, Ruth is the one character that often comes to mind. And although Hoffeditz does include her story, there are others like Nehemiah, Joseph, and John the Baptist whom I never considered the impact of their relationship status.
He also disperses some of his own life’s ups and downs as a single. I found the author’s openness about his struggles with singlehood refreshingly candid. He speaks of how he found liberation from several shackles of the single life by turning to God’s Word. His mission of presenting a balanced view of not just the blessings of singleness but also the many discouragements, disappointments and struggles is one I can appreciate. Far too often in books about singleness, I found them to gloss over the struggles singles face.
A few of my favorite quotes include:
A life of purpose concerns itself not with power, prestige, or possessions. Neither does a purposeful life require a spouse and 1.9 children.”
“We must be careful not to base our value to the Lord’s work on our marital status, giftedness, or appearance”
While this book is relatively small, I did find it difficult to get through at times. However, I think many singles will find camaraderie, comfort, and encouragement throughout the pages of They Were Single Too: Eight Biblical Role Models.
[book-info]
Thanks to Kregel Book Tours for providing a copy of the book for review purposes. Views and opinions expressed are my own.
Wanda, I enjoyed this post. Although I am not single, I have many friends who are. I will recommend this post to them. Joy to you! Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, always a pleasure to hear from you sweet friend and I appreciate you sharing with your single friends. Blessings and love to you.
God bless you, sweet sister. You are a shining light for Jesus, and I appreciate you so very much. Have a blessed day in Him!
Thank you sweet. You’re always such a sweet encouragement.
Sounds like a great book that I can recommend to my single friends.
Yes, I think other singles would enjoy the book.
Bravo to you, Wanda! Well said:)
I remember coming up in the church and hearing singleness disparaged as a place of
what sounded almost second best, which is in no way biblical. Jesus Himself was single. How can there be a better model? Cheering you on wildly over there; keep
living to the full, friend! You are blessed and fully so!
-Jennifer
Oh so true! Thank you, sweet friend. Hope you’re doing well.
Blessings…..
It’s been a minute.
I hope you are well and in the best of health.
This is a nice post. I love the quotes.
Hi Rhapsody, always nice to hear from you. Yes, I’m doing well. I hope you’re enjoying the season.