When I started putting together the ideas for Experiencing His Love Through Singleness, I knew I wanted to tell my sisters about becoming all God has called them to be. But for some reason, it was taking me a hot minute to gather my starting points for this post. Whenever I find myself feeling stuck and missing my initial upload deadline, it's usually God just doing his thang. He was definitely saying, "Hold on, daughter. I have more before you post this one..."
This month, I signed up to be a part of Kierra Sheard's SistHER Mentorship Program. (I believe God had me wait to post part 3 because I needed a little more inspiration.) And I feel like it's already given me the push I needed, even after just one session. (Shoutout to my sistHERs!!)
Mentorship is so important! And I'm already cherishing the experience thus far. Kierra reminded us to always remain a student because there's always room to learn and GROW. She also had us declare that our voices are everything. This declaration means so much to me because for a long time, I felt as though no one was listening to me, or that my voice didn't matter. But because God is within me, my voice is spirit-led, and for that, I shall not fail! (Psalms 46:5) So when I feel as though I should keep my mouth shut, I have to remind myself that "MY VOICE IS EVERYTHING" and when I'm afraid to speak or write something, God reassures me that my voice is not always for my helping, but for those that need to hear from Him.
And check this out, sis: the song inspiration for this post was chosen way before I even considered joining SistHER Mentorship (Peep the song inspiration below). That's how I know God be working! I'm just thankful for the way He moves.
But without further ado, Join me as I share how you can begin to BLOSSOM in your singleness.
Scriptures:
"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalms 37:4 NIV
"...An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world----how she can please her husband." - 1 Corinthians 7:34 NIV
Song Inspiration:
Things You Do - Kierra Sheard
"I feel like a F L O W E R...blossoming into all that God has called me to be. Today I smile because I know that He's calling me into higher places that I never even imagined I'd be in...But God!! I'm so grateful for the journey..."
Above is a caption on one of my Instagram posts from August 2020. At the time, I didn't know what the future held for me, but I knew God had so much in store. I knew things would Keep Happening for me!
My sister, I'm believing the same for you! As we embark this journey of experiencing God's love through singleness together, I want you to remember that this season of your life can be one of the greatest seasons ever! Invite God in and watch what He'll do!
I've got 3 points I want to highlight today: (1) how delighting yourself in the Lord is crucial to your growth, (2) how spending time with Jesus will help you understand just how much He loves you, and (3) how singleness allows you to focus on yourself and operate in your purpose more effectively.
In Part 2 of this series, as well as on my Instagram, I talked about prayer journaling, and I want to expound on that a little bit. I started taking prayer journaling more serious back in September and within these two months, I've seen tremendous growth in my relationship with God. As a single woman, I'm not ashamed to admit that my nights feel a little lonely sometimes. But when I pull out my journal and begin to talk with God, that feeling of loneliness seems to subside. Because when I spend time talking with Him, He comforts me and continues to shower me with His love.
This week, I encourage you to pull out your prayer journal. (And if you don't have one, please get one sis! I'm telling you, it'll change your prayer life!) I want you to practice "keeping it 100" with your Father. Tell Him about your day. Tell Him how you're feeling. The Good. The Bad. The Ups. The Downs. Your Frustrations. Your Happiness. Your Heartbreaks. Tell it all! My point is this: Don't limit your conversations with the one who already knows everything. Truth be told, writing it all out for Him could be a part of your healing (I know it was for me).
When you've got it all written down, I think the best part is just meditating on what you wrote and listening out for what the Lord has to say (because prayer shouldn't be one sided, Amen?) As He is always listening, I encourage you to also pray that the Lord gives you a listening ear to hear His response. And I realize I'm using words like 'listen' and 'hear', but remember not to limit your Father to audible answers. He can speak to you in so many different ways! And even if the answer(s) doesn't come immediately, find peace in knowing that He will supply you with the answer(s) exactly when you need it.
Now, your prayer time is just one way to delight yourself in Him...
Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians talks a lot about singleness, as well as marriage, but of course, I have to highlight what verse 34 is saying to my single sisters: "...An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world----how she can please her husband."
I also like how The Message Bible puts it: "Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention..." v. 32-35
You see, our single season gives us the opportunity to completely devote our lives to Him, without additional distractions of trying to please a spouse (cause honey, I ain't never been married, but I've had my share of relationships and "situationships" that could be the borderline definition of DISTRACTION! Just imagine the responsibilities and trials that come along with being someone's wife!
I remember how I used to get frustrated with God because I felt as if I was ready for a new relationship. I was ready to feel "special". I was ready to feel wanted...or so I thought...
The Lord said to me, "Daughter, you're already special! Haven't you read my word? Don't you know the love I have for you? I didn't send my son to die because I needed you...I sent Him because I wanted you. I want to spend eternity with you! And this desire to feel "wanted"...this feeling you so desperately crave...know that this love I have for you so far exceeds the feeling you long for...So delight yourself in me and I'll give you the desires of your heart and more."
As I started devoting myself to God more and more, I began to see how God was moving in my life (as He always was). My sister, you have a PURPOSE! And when you delight yourself in Him...when you begin to devote yourself to Him, He'll direct your paths! (Proverbs 3:6) You'll begin to walk boldly in the things He's called you to do and you shall reap the many blessings attached to your purpose as well. You shall BLOSSOM into the daughter that was always within...All you have to do is tap into it. And it all starts with delighting yourself in the Lord.
Be About Your Father's Business, Okay Sis?
I remember driving in the car one day, just jamming to Things You Do By Kierra Sheard:
You Know Who You Are, You Know It
Ain't Scared To Love A Workin' Woman
You Make Me Feel So Comfortable
I Sing Your Praises In The Morning
I Shine So Bright, You Make Me Feel Like That
And You Don't Even Give Me Problems
You're Just My Type, How 'Bout That?
Anything You Want, I Got Ya
Listen, God ain't afraid to love you, so don't be afraid to love Him right back! God ain't like these dudes out here that may leave you hanging. God will never leave you nor forsake you! Remember that!
Your single season is such a special time that allows you to focus on your creator. Not only does singleness allow you to focus on God, but it also offers you the opportunity to focus on yourself and your growth. As a working woman, my sister, please:
STAY. IN. YOUR. BAG. PERIOD.
Whether it's your career, your ministry, your side hustle, whatever it is, stay focus! And keep God in the center of it all! When you start seeing profits (spiritually and financially), don't forget to acknowledge Him! Continue to sing His praises and spend time with Him! And while you're waiting for your husband to find you, continue to cherish your relationship with Christ. Your relationship with Him is the best relationship you'll ever experience. Remember that His Unordinary Love is greater than any love on Earth...
Whew! There's so much more I have to share about Blossoming, but this post would be way too long if I tried packing it all in one part! So, be on the look out for Part 3.5! :)
Until then...
Peace & Blessings,
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