While writing Chapter Two of Single Ever After, I found myself returning to the same question over and over again: Are single Christians destined to live that same kind of solitude? Many churches seem to assume yes. But I wanted to go back to the biblical source for the answer.
I find your writing, Dani, affirming and very wise. I must admit It’s taken me quite a bit longer to amass even a fraction of the wisdom you pack into your writing. I’m reading your other book “The Meaning of Singleness”, a bit heavier read.
I’m a 75 YO never married, single female who was born again/saved in my mid 50s (was raised Catholic) after a busy life of work, leisure sports, travel and independence (aka complete self interest).
Thanks for making the biblical connections to what really matters - the spiritual and eternal. Until this sunk in I never ever felt my singleness was a gift. I considered it a lifestyle vs a vocation. That’s changed. Now, I serve as an Elder in my church (Protestant evangelical) focused on discipleship and missions. I love Jesus and His Church!
I’ve pre-ordered and be recommending to many. Thank you for this work.
Footnote: there is so
much to everyone’s ‘family of origin’ stories that prevents generalizing. To that I will add that sin, unfavorable as it is to mention, played into my decision to remain single early on. Nothing horrible, just purely selfish behavior as I got sucked into in a culture in the 1970s that ok-ed sex and now has normalized sex outside of marriage and worships independence, especially in New England where I grew up. Thank you Jesus for setting me straight.
I often hear that as the Biblical reason to go out of my way to find a wife. So often we forget about the other relationships that should exist in the Church that we are to grow from. I have preordered the book even though I am trying not to buy too many books this year since I have so many; however, I really wanted to support you as I find your writing a good read and very thoughtful.
This is so good, Dani! I just pre-ordered from TGBC. Had the joy of attending one of your talks in DC last Fall, which was a real treat since I had just started The Meaning of Singleness. Looking forward to reading this book and maybe introducing it to my church.
Really appreciate the nuance yet insightful comments about Gen 2:18 'alone' (my limited understanding of the Heb) gives the notion, 'separated from others' or 'exclusive of anyone or anything else'. Clearly not a reference to marriage.
Definitely as you say Dani, "God’s solution wasn’t simply marriage—it was human community.
If you’re a single Christian, you are not a glitch in God’s relational design. Your life is meant to be woven into the full richness of spiritual family—not hidden on the margins of church life."
Thank you for this insight. I am looking forward to reading the book once it is out.
I find your writing, Dani, affirming and very wise. I must admit It’s taken me quite a bit longer to amass even a fraction of the wisdom you pack into your writing. I’m reading your other book “The Meaning of Singleness”, a bit heavier read.
I’m a 75 YO never married, single female who was born again/saved in my mid 50s (was raised Catholic) after a busy life of work, leisure sports, travel and independence (aka complete self interest).
Thanks for making the biblical connections to what really matters - the spiritual and eternal. Until this sunk in I never ever felt my singleness was a gift. I considered it a lifestyle vs a vocation. That’s changed. Now, I serve as an Elder in my church (Protestant evangelical) focused on discipleship and missions. I love Jesus and His Church!
I’ve pre-ordered and be recommending to many. Thank you for this work.
Footnote: there is so
much to everyone’s ‘family of origin’ stories that prevents generalizing. To that I will add that sin, unfavorable as it is to mention, played into my decision to remain single early on. Nothing horrible, just purely selfish behavior as I got sucked into in a culture in the 1970s that ok-ed sex and now has normalized sex outside of marriage and worships independence, especially in New England where I grew up. Thank you Jesus for setting me straight.
And thank you Dani for your wisdom.
Thank you for sharing Lize and for your encouragement about my work!
I often hear that as the Biblical reason to go out of my way to find a wife. So often we forget about the other relationships that should exist in the Church that we are to grow from. I have preordered the book even though I am trying not to buy too many books this year since I have so many; however, I really wanted to support you as I find your writing a good read and very thoughtful.
This is so good, Dani! I just pre-ordered from TGBC. Had the joy of attending one of your talks in DC last Fall, which was a real treat since I had just started The Meaning of Singleness. Looking forward to reading this book and maybe introducing it to my church.
Really appreciate the nuance yet insightful comments about Gen 2:18 'alone' (my limited understanding of the Heb) gives the notion, 'separated from others' or 'exclusive of anyone or anything else'. Clearly not a reference to marriage.
Definitely as you say Dani, "God’s solution wasn’t simply marriage—it was human community.
If you’re a single Christian, you are not a glitch in God’s relational design. Your life is meant to be woven into the full richness of spiritual family—not hidden on the margins of church life."
Thank you for this insight. I am looking forward to reading the book once it is out.