A blooming flower is not the illustration that I feel best describes a woman of God's period of singleness. I understand the well-meaning intention, and it is certainly applicable to different periods of life, however I don't entirely believe a delicate and frail entity is the best imagery. We as women are delicate and that is part of our God given nature, but that doesn't mean we must live life in the same manner, not when we've been called to be bold and courageous for the Lord. I've always favoured the illustration of an eagle; you as a single woman spreading your wings and taking flight, to soar towards great heights of wherever God guides and elevates you.
There is a tendency to treat singleness as a period where you grow in the meadow, and once bloomed you will be plucked by the right one, who will inhale your sweet scent and love your beauty. The only problem is that the meadow is a stagnant place, and a flower only remains rooted in the same place during its period of growth. Again, I reiterate that this is a great illustration for other times in a person's life, but singleness is not a time to remain in a stagnant place, which has been the story of many women. I want for women to soar, let God be your nest to find refuge, but don't limit yourself in your life and experiences. There is an abundance of opportunities to be explored, and it's troubling how some believe that this abundance begins only after 'I do'. Doing life with another person is a blessing, but what if there's far more that God wants to do in your life?.
There are assignments that need you to be single, who could be dependent on you to step out in obedience so that you can reach them?
Everything in life on this side of eternity is temporary, including a spouse, there are widows who are young and old. If you are rooted in Christ, then no matter the changes that take place in your life, purpose is never lost. Experiences such as marriage are an addition to the plans of God, it has the ability to help you become more holy and fruitful in your race to eternity. But the great news is that this is not limited or exclusive to marriage, God is the direct source to holiness, He prunes us to produce more fruit infinitely more than a spouse's limited capacity. The full spectrum of your life is far beyond a day spent in a white dress, and walking side by side with a spouse all the days of your marriage. What a spouse is able to do, is primarily fulfilled by God: you walk side by side with God, His presence will be your satisfaction, you find fulfilment in Him and all the days of your life you are passionately loved by Him. This isn't to say that marriage isn't beautiful and don't desire to become a wife. You can. But there needs to be more intentional living and pursuit in singleness, not just stagnant waiting until a spouse comes - that is if they ever do (I do believe that if you have the desire, then it's God given).
I made a decision as a teenager, that I wanted to live in my singleness and not wait. I wanted to really see the abundant living that God promised to fulfil, I wanted to create memories, I wanted to expand my social circles and broaden my horizons with different experiences. I wanted for Jesus to be my first and true love - I yearned to come to the point where He was all I needed and I was truly content in Him. Not surface level contentment, whilst secretly pining for love from a man to really fulfil me (whew, this is a whole separate post I'll be getting into), I wanted Him fully and to be whole in Him.
It's my desire that more single women join me on this journey of fully surrendering ourselves to God and desiring to do all that we can with Him during this time in our lives. No limits. Intentional living. Enjoying your youth. Let us be testimonies of joyful living with our saviour, in a society that ridicules women for not having a man.
You go girl!