Being a 41-year-old single girl who would love nothing more than to be married to a fabulous, devoted husband, there is one question that strikes a nerve every time it is presented to me. No, it is not “How come a wonderful woman like you hasn’t been snatched up?” …or some variation of that question. The inquiry I hate above all others is, “Where do you see yourself in x number of years?” I’ve made a habit out of spinning my answer so it sounds as if my inability to answer the question is the direct result of my faith in God. I respond with phrases like “Only God knows” or “I’m open to wherever God leads me”. In reality, my answer oozes of pessimism and resignation that hope is just a set up for disappointment. This outlook is the result of years of repeated disappointments that I won’t bother to unpack for you at this time. But certainly a major factor has been hearing over and over and over and then over again for nearly 20 years that my husband is sure to be waiting for me just around the corner and that I was destine to be a mother; and yet that reality still appears to be as elusive as finding a four leaf clover… or finding a comfortable and pretty, yet structurally sound bra.
I adopted the word “courage” as my motto for 2011, but it wasn’t until reading Carol’s post that it dawned on me…being courageous is a spiritual discipline.
By reaching for the dreams I have put out to pasture, I can practice resting in God and trusting He loves me and wants good things for me. By taking risks I can exercise acceptance that my failures and/or the things I lack do not determine my value. For I believe in the God of the Bible who has told me my worth come from the fact that I am a daughter of the King and His unending love is what I need to feel whole. So I am going to take chances and celebrate each risk I take in the coming year with the hope of growing closer to God in mind. Whether I succeed or fall short I am positioning myself to take flight on wings of faith.
May I truly come to know and rest in the truth that "God has not given [me] a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Tim 1:7 NLT
Hugs & Smooches,
Lisa Ann
Hugs & Smooches,
Lisa Ann
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your blog! I love it!!! Thank you for being so dang real! I love how your share your real life and faith. Keep writing. And I love your comments about Carol! She's one of my BFFs! Love her! And I love you too!
Blessings,
Melissa
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm stopping by from the Tea Party and I'm excited to have found your gorgeous blog. I love the design.
ReplyDeleteI'm turning 40 in a week and 2 days. I can't wait. I'm not married, but I'm in a LTR w/ a mortgage (same difference?). The question I get the most is "when are you getting married?"
I really think marriage is a hot topic for women; because no man has ever asked me that. LOL
You're a great writer.
HI, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping by from The Lady Blogger's Society and am so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and the way you are able to be transparent. I am going to be 36 this year and am not married, though I have been before. I have been in a relationship for over two years now and hear the 'married' question all the time. Being married is not something that has to define you. I am totally inspired by strong, single women who have the strength and grace to wait for who God has chosen for them instead of jumping into something that may not be exactly where God is leading them.
As for the bra... if you ever find the perfect one, let me know!! :)
Stopping by from LBS's tea party.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good post. Your trust in the Lord will increase more as you take risks, and you will know Him more as your comforter if you ever get hurt.
This was a really good post - it made me laugh a little. I was just turned 41 when I met the man God had for me (we married 7 weeks later). I'd been a single parent for 11 years and was living life to the fullest, never expecting (altho, yes, I was believing... so I guess I WAS expecting) him to come along (he was a widower and wasn't "expecting" either). Wait for God's best but live your life to the fullest until he comes along. Visiting from LBS Tea Part and glad I did!
ReplyDeleteDear Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through the Lady Bloggers Society 'Tea Party'. The title of your blog intrigued me so I decided to take a look :) Thank you for a beautiful blog and sharing a difficult, honest but real experience. I feel like I got a glimpse in your life and your faith. I wish you all the strength with encountering that special someone but I also trust that your faith gives you so much spiritual sustenance meanwhile. Faith allows us to continually work at ourselves and structures our growth as human beings. I hope you will continue to have the strength and confidence to trust in your own beauty and gifts and to trust in the beauty that the world has to offer.
Many warm blessings,
This Good Life
Hi, new reader visiting from the LBS tea party.
ReplyDeleteNever give up hope, but don't stand still and wait while hoping, live your life, don't let the comments of others get to you and whatever is meant to happen, will happen :)
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!