Most of the time, my relationship with my God and His grace are sufficient for me. I know I am loved eternally by Him. He hears my prayers and has opened my ears to hear His voice. Yet because I am human, there are times I feel like an outsider because I am a single woman in a culture that values couples and family. I suppose I have felt like an outsider my whole life.
Upon completing fourth grade, I was advanced two years. The unwanted achievement placed me two years younger than my classmates through the remainder of elementary, junior high and high school. I graduated high school at sixteen. I was also short (4’7”) and timid, which made the experience difficult at best, horrific at worst. Social awkwardness, teasing, bullying, puberty, an abusive father, and coming of age in the 1960s all contributed to my never knowing who I was or was meant to be. They placed me teetering precariously on the edge of friendships, social and emotional maturity, political awareness and sometimes, sanity.
The discovery of the vast hole in my heart at some point in my 30s led to over a decade of exploring ways to fill that hole in the attempt not to feel like an outsider. I experimented with Eastern religions, self-help seminars, drugs, clothes, men (lots of men) and only found temporary relief. The feeling that I belonged somewhere, to somebody, faded as soon as the fog on the mirror cleared.
Years later, when I found the One Man who filled me – who loves me unconditionally, whose vocabulary doesn’t include the words abandon or unworthy or unforgivable – the mirror cleared for good. Most of the time, I feel His arms around me, and I know I am an adopted daughter, friend, bride.
Then there are those other times.
My social circle is centered within my church. I’m part of a weekly women’s Bible study group. Eight of us have been meeting together for nearly three years. These women are married with children. I love that we are an intergenerational group. We are close – we pray for each other. We get together outside of study. As the conversation naturally turns toward marriage or motherhood, I feel on the periphery.
Church functions are organized around families, so I often retreat. When I attend Sunday service, I sit alone, aching for those I know to ask me to sit with them. I suppose if I were bolder or more outgoing, I might ask if I could join them, but Sundays seem sacrosanct. It is the Sabbath; it is time for families.
There is a singles group that caters to those 20-50. The object is to encourage and help them to form families. I am sixty-three. While I occasionally miss the nighttime snuggling of a marital companion, for the most part I enjoy the solitude of my own space. I am comfortable in my own skin and content with my own company.
So I pray to remember that I am not of this world, I am of it only for a time. Someday, I will not be an outsider. I will be face to face with my Redeemer. His very own. An insider for eternity.
Susan Irene Fox at www.susanirenefox.com
A Holistic Journey 
Great read! Loving yourself is a great feeling. Not many truly experience it. 🌺
Thank you. It’s only due to Him that I can say that.
I so hear you. I’m an old married lady now, but in my 30’s I was a divorcee and I felt I didn’t fit anywhere – and sometimes the feeling was worst at church. I filled the void with serving. Instead of attending a Sunday School, I taught one. I was active in the women’s ministry and I found a niche with the drama department, stage managing choir shows and other presentations. There would still be Sundays that I cried through, but it seemed the more I gave, the less I felt the odd man out.
Me, too, Jane. I serve in women’s ministry and I feel at home in my women’s small group. The emptiness comes during the times I’m not focused on Him. Most times, I’m filled with love from God deep in my soul. I don’t need to serve to feel that, or to sense that He’s in me and all around me.
I appreciate knowing of your challenges back then, Jane. I’m struck by how church, of all institutions, can heighten our sense of loneliness. A mom at my church shared how she always took up the leadership bc she didn’t quite feel like she fit in. What – on the part of the families – would’ve helped? Susan opened up on this but I wonder if hanging out with couples with or without kids would only exacerbate the loneliness.
Diana
Hanging out with couples who didn’t act as if I was some sort of extinct owl species actually helped. If I was with singles I felt weird, because most of them were so focused on THE CHASE. Most married couples treated me like the token single. Look I’ve gotten the single person charm on my bracelet. They said things like, “I really don’t mind at all that you’re single.” Or “It’s so nice to know a single person.” I had a small group that just treated like one of them. My singleness was never pointed out, mentioned or commented on. They were never putting me on the prayer list to find a mate. They never teased me or asked me who I was dating or IF I was dating. If I brought a guy to the group to test the waters, they didn’t make a big deal about it or ask me about him if they never saw him again. I was just Jane and they were glad I was there.
“They said things like, “I really don’t mind at all that you’re single.” Or “It’s so nice to know a single person.”
??!! For real?! Gosh.
It’s like telling people God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle or telling them ALL things work to good when they just had a tragedy. They meant well, it just didn’t come out right.
“God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle”
My favorite. “Favorite”. Poor theology. So it’s up to man? The measure of our capacity? That is not the gospel I see in Scripture. He gives strength commensurate to the burden. It is all grace, beginning to end. Why do we even need God in the picture if we can handle anything? Both man and God cannot be great at the same time. We are helpless apart from him. All grace.
Jane, you gotta read the guest’s reply to Diahann under Rockabye Hope.
That’s bad theology anyway, and it’s misquoting the Bible. I hate when that happens. The true Scripture is God doesn’t give us any temptation we can’t handle, because He always provides a way out. (Sheesh!)
Reblogged this on Susan Irene Fox and commented:
Holistic Wayfarer, inspiring writer of the blog A Holistic Journey invited me to take part in her ‘Belonging’ series. This week she reveals guest posts from honest and courageous bloggers sharing unique stories of the struggle living as outsiders. This is mine.
Beautiful story Irene.
There are times I feel the need to bond with someone too, and nothing seems to work out right. Sometimes it feels like the value of love received isn’t enough. Such times i remember that God’s love is the greatest ever and i let that envelope me and carry me in it’s loving wings.
Doesn’t always take the need away though, but it helps.
You’re family Irene, I hope you always remember that.
Lots of love 🙂
Thank you for your kind comment, Uju. When I quiet myself and let God carry me, you are right, His love overcomes all. It brings me to tears sometimes. Bless you.
Susan, this honesty is something most people do not have the courage to undertake. I think if you were to have a “hair letting down” session with just about every person you know, you would find a similar story in tenor, while not these specifics. I participated in a number of therapy groups when I was in my 20s, where we used a workbook that systematically took us through all our relationships with family, and every single person had a litany of emotional (and sometimes physical) injuries and abuse, even though we all came from completely diverse backgrounds.
Every person on this planet was raised by unconscious people and surrounded when we were young and vulnerable by others who were looking out primarily for themselves, even though they were not aware of this. My mother was one of the most intelligent, strong, warm and caring people on this earth and a trained educator/expert of the neediest children. Yet she married a man who was the opposite and that man dominated the home in which I was raised and caused both of us unending stress.
So, who among us has not felt alone, abandoned, misunderstood and rejected? We are just too prideful to admit it. It is there, though, right beneath the surface. Being in a marriage or partnership doesn’t cure it because it starts when we are born and the seeds of anxiety and insecurity are planted before we are self-aware (something most people never achieve, being the asleep for their entire lifetimes). I am supposedly embedded in a family group but totally alone and in some ways, being forced to be with them is worse than being alone, because it only exacerbates my feeling of apartness.
We are here for you, even though we are separated by geographical distance. You have built a strong community of people who care for you. And you have helped each of us (I know what you have done for me and am sure I am not the only one) and that means more than the pleasantries or unpleasantness of those right nearby.
Sweet Beth,
Thank you so very much. I know you understand about being alone in a room full of people.
I thought it was important to talk about this as a Christian, particularly being single. Too many times we’re expected to portray ourselves as having it all together. The truth is, we experience the same array of emotions as everyone else. The difference is that we have God to walk through them with us.
You’re right, Beth, I have a wonderful online community of friends – my church – who are loving and compassionate. Thank you for the reminder that distance plays no part in friendship, nor does a building.
Bless you, my friend.
I really appreciate your having opened up about your own difficulties in your encouragement to Susan. Thanks, Beth.
Diana
Hi Susan! I’ve enjoyed your comments on other blogs and was pleasantly surprised to see you guest blogging here with Diana. She has a knack for working with those whose experiences and beliefs are particularly uplifting and striking.
Your love for humanity and God stands out in your story. Thank you for sharing – it takes a lot of strength to open up your life with all its fears and conquests for others to see and understand.
When I read your post it struck me that for all His Love, I doubt God would want you to be alone if you desired other wise. It seems to me that with your church supporting the younger singles group, that your minister/ priest would be wlling to listen if you told him your thoughts and concerns. You deserve someone special (human) to share your life with Susan. There are many possible ways to search out such a person and with all the love and caring that you have to give, Susan, I don’t doubt you can find that special one. You’re a smart woman with a world of posiblities around you – and YOU DESERVE SOMEONE to love you as you love them.
Great post and thanks again for enriching this series.
Oh, Paul, what a loving reply.
I believe there are seasons, just as Solomon proposed. I am in a season now of serving Him in a task He has given me. Perhaps He will indeed see fit to place someone before me in His time. If I am to trust Him with all things, I must also trust His timing.
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and your encouragement. I have seen your thoughtful replies on other sites as well. So nice to see you here have you respond to one of my posts.
Thank you for the gracious transparency of your truths. As a believer, not being apart of this world creates a sense of not belonging, and praise God, but the feeling of isolation creeps in at times. Thank you for the reminder that we reach beyond the thoughts, the feelings to the Rock that is higher than ourselves. ~Amen :Y
I think as Christians we are expected to be the rock, to be independent. Your comment is exactly right – He is the Rock. It is in our dependence we feel the blessed connection to our Maker. For years I felt as though I “shouldn’t” feel lonely. When I finally acknowledged my true emotions, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. He now carries the weight for me. I can always be authentic with God; that’s when the healing comes.
~Amen :Y
Keen way you put your finger on the disparity between our need to embrace our alien status in this world and our human struggles against isolation, VM.
Love this: “reach beyond the thoughts, the feelings to the Rock that is higher than ourselves.” And Susan, YES, we forget to simply LAY, REST our burdens in His hands, don’t we? Our most raw, basic, unsophisticated or dirty or any and all kinds of needs. Children don’t analyze what kind of pain to come rushing into their daddy’s embrace for. They just run.
~ Amen :Y
My Dear Susan, Thanks for sharing with us. I would add my words from my experience as a catholic priest.
1. I would say, and I want You to recognize and accept, that You are a Chosen of God. As is everybody else, and as I am. In our particular places and fields. The Very Way in which We experience Satisfaction differ!
2. As for ‘Together Time’ with even Married folks, and with their families, there should be No difficulty in that. People are Very kind, and accept us. Feeling Free with them will take Time, both for Us and for them. After all, We are not expecting to become part of their family, are We? Recall Jesus going to Lazarus’ house. He was not going there for Catechetics. Lazarus was Jesus’ Friend! AND Jesus went to Matthew’s house, as to Zacchaeus’ house, and all that.
Wishing You Love and Regards, Yesudas.
Dear Yesudas,
Thank you. I do recognize that I am a cherished and chosen daughter of God. I spend “together time,” that is, one-on-one time with God every morning. That is what sets the course of my day. I am aware that Jesus lives in me through the Holy Spirit. We have conversations together.
I am content and at peace in this realization 90% of the time. My God is my life and love.
I spoke of the reality of the 10% of the time that I forget; that loneliness creeps in; that the enemy has his way with my mind and heart. It is there because I am human. I know others feel it, too. To deny this reality is to carry a burden that we need not carry.
Bless you for your loving and insightful comment.
Thank You for Your comment, Susan! …As for Together Time, I did not mean only with the Lord. …And please do not think I am denying the loneliness factor. I am very well acquainted with it! Yes, the enemy would have us down. But, Christus Vincit!
Yes, I understood the compassion and love in your comment. Thank you. ❤
🙂
My heart and prayers go out to you Susan. Blessings
🙂
Thank you for this post Susan. I’m new to the blogging world and to the sober world, and had this subject on my mind a lot lately. My story is a little different, but I too, am sober and single- but trying to raise to kids on my own for the last 10 years. Now, in my early days of sobriety, I really wonder how in the world I am going to find a partner while I’m sober! I know, this sounds silly. I’m truly not ‘looking’ right now, but this is always something on my mind. I am also very lonely sometimes. But, I do believe that when we are doing the things we love and are passionate about (which includes taking care of ourselves), we shine in a new and beautiful way…so, whatever that brings, it’s going to be great I think:) Thank you, I needed this story and your honesty today.
“when we are doing the things we love and are passionate about.” A key phrase. Also surrendering to a Higher Power, whatever that looks like for you.
I always notice when I take my focus off myself, the loneliness goes away. You have your children – I have my blogging community and my small group of women friends.
Definitely taking care of myself and staying healthy is important – just as important is finding wonder and beauty in the mundane. Washing dishes, the first bird song in the morning, a child’s laugh. Breathe it in and enjoy the “now” moments, the “today” moments. They’re gone before we know it. Those are the moments which ignite our daily passions.
“are doing the things we love and are passionate about…we shine in a new and beautiful way…” INDEED.
“I needed this story and your honesty today.”
Wonderful.
HI Susan, your words went right to my heart and I feel compassion for you as a woman, as a friend. I have a soul mate that I know I sometimes take for granted…after reading your beautiful words…I hope that I never do again. I also know that you are a bright light who will share you luminescence with someone who will fit you beautifully. Do not stay in the lonely place…thinking that it’s too late. If you want to share your life with a human, because I know how faithful you are to God, you can and will have what you truly want. Much love to you Susan. Blessitude
Thank you, Lorrie. I don’t stay in that “lonely place” very long or go there very often. It is a place I visit, though, and know it is a part of who I am.
Your words are precious and I have received them with the love you have offered. Bless you for your kindness and friendship.
My pleasure Susan….I didn’t think you stayed there long 🙂
It is easy to see that you are a great loving person. Let that light aways shine and step out showing your love and compasion. God truly has a plan for all of us which includes you. When we have open arms, God will fill them. We just have to open them. I pray that God will continue to guide and bless your life’s journeys.
Thank you for your generous words, Bill. I rest assured in His grace and guidance that His plan continues for my unfinished journey.
Susan, my single sister was the first person, over 30 years ago, to tell me that church was always a little painful for singles. It was an eye opener! She has found other couples that include her in dinners and fun outings, but she shared some similar thoughts to yours not long ago. I’ll introduce you to her in heaven 😉
Thanks for sharing and hopefully raising our ‘sensitivity’ to the others we worship with.
You’re welcome, Kelly. I think it’s something we don’t discuss much, either because of the hurt or because we don’t want to be a bother. I’ve posted about it before, but it’s good to remind folks to be aware.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion.
You have a beautiful spirit.
Why thank you, kind sir!
Susan, I’ve noticed that a few of the single ladies at church sit together. Is that a possibility? Being single would be hard at certain place I can see. Lord bless you!!!
We do sometimes, Levi. Thanks for the thought. 🙂
Wonderfully put, I understand that too as I’m almost 50 and have never been married. Praise God for our redeemer!!! He’s the best husband we can ever have.
Amen! Several years ago, I began to sign off my prayer journal with, “Your loving wife.” It took me about a year, but that one, small act of discipline removed my desire for an earthly husband and placed that desire solely on Him. Now, I sign with, “Your loving daughter.” It reminds me that I am His adopted, cherished daughter, wholly loved forever. Bless you for your comment.
I sometimes wonder about having a child jump grades. I mean, the years are organised so that information builds on the previous year, so missing years would suggest missing out on some vital information, knowledge and learning. Plus then there is the experiential stuff. Fellow classs mates having experienced more things and learned to adapt and become resilient.
And the same may apply to holding a child back for a year. My sister started her second son late at school as she did wanted both boys to be the same age in each year. The problem was that the older one started a year later because of where they lived and so was the same age as his peers. Conversely, when she moved back to Melbourne, she held the second one back until he was six years old, meaning he was a full year older than most of his class mates, yet he was taller but less experienced than his class mates. I have wondered if this has placed him on the outside a little bit? I wonder if parents make these choices more for their own benefit, the pride associated with an “advanced” child? Holding a child back when they are not coping with the classwork is a different issue. That seems to make sense as the child needs more support and putting them in a higher grade without understanding the year before seems pointless; setting the child up to flounder.
I do wonder if my sister’s decision to hold the younger one back a year was due to her own experience. My brother and sister started school the same year even though there was a week short of a year difference in their age. So my brother started at the start of the commencement date on July 1 and my sister, born on 22 June the following year started the same year as she fell before the cutoff date of June 30.
Not surprisingly my brother did significantly better than my sister at school, being that one week short of a year older.
My sister resents that she was not held back, believing that she would have achieved more had her commencing school been held back a year.
Maybe she would have achieved more. And maybe she would have been less troublesome, as she was, had she not had to deal with the constant comparisons to my high achieving brother?
Or maybe, like me, she was always going to flounder somewhat.
But I was different to her. I was always the “placid” child. Good academically, but uncoordinated and failing to thrive in most other areas.
I have never found the person to settle down with and make a life, having only had one relationship in my nearly 50 years and that only lasted a little over two years and was riddled with problems as I did not know how to act. The obsessions and paranoia had also taken hold my that stage, although I lacked the insight to see that I had any problems. Even making friends has always been difficult for me. I was always an easy mark to be taken advantage of as I always saw the good in people and it never crossed my mind that people could take advantage.
As the song goes “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do”.
I think each child is different and must be treated as such, with unique needs and desires. And certainly no one ever thought to teach any of us social skills. Couple that with spoken or unspoken illnesses (depression, obsessions, addictions, PTSD, you name it) and it’s truly a wonder any of us have experienced a single healthy adult relationship.
I’m quite familiar with that song; remember, though, it continues to say, “two can be as bad as one.”
Praying we both get another chance with someone who is honest, loving and compassionate.
cheers Susan
My sister, being one year older, started school before me. My mother had me do all the first grade assignments while in kindergarten and I was skipped to the second grade. My sister and I were in the same class until she flunked grade five. That put me, a year younger and one grade ahead. It totally destroyed her feeling of self-worth for many years and I carried guilt feelings as well.
Thanks for sharing your story.
A beautiful philosophy of life
Thank you!
Beautifully written, God bless you in every my dear sister.
Thank you so much.
Suzan, the story of your life is touching. I really thank God for giving you the courage to write this because it is not everybody that will have such courage to do so. One thing I want you to always have and bear in mind is that God’s love and care is sufficient for you. Always focus on Him so that you can overcome that loneliness that always fill your heart at times. Let His love be your refuge always. Love yourself the way you are because you are not the creator of yourself. No matter how you feel, you were created in the image of the Most High God which is enough reason to always be happy and don’t let the feeling of those around you take that joy away from your mind. Stay bless and I pray that He should give you the understanding of whom He has created you to be and may He beam His light of love upon always in the name of Jesus Christ.
Henry, you are always such a light. Yes, in those moments it’s important to remember He created me wonderfully, and I am His vessel. I do thank Him and pray the Spirit reminds me my concerns are small compared to His vast love.
Oh Susan, this touched my heart. Someone as lovely as you would always be welcome at my table or in my pew or wherever we might gather together. The Lord has definitely dug down deep in your soul by allowing all these past and present hurts to come against you, but look at the marvelous woman He found down there. You are such a treasure to Him and those blessed enough to know you! I pray that there is someone out there smart enough and deserving enough to throw his arms around you and make you his forevermore! Love and hugs, Natalie 🙂
😀 Bless you, Natalie. There is such comfort here. I must bookmark this post and these wonderful comments. I know the Lord had me issue these words aloud to anchor my heart in Him through all of you. Thank you so much for being His vehicle in this way.
If you knew how many comments I want to bookmark here. Too many. So glad they’re washing over you. Ah-ah-ah: no more thanks allowed.
*Running away*
Too late!
Dear Susan, I apologise that I am only just now getting to your post, this week has me chasing my tail for so many reasons…!
You write so eloquently and truthfully about your times of loneliness even when you are surrounded by your fellow bible study friends and all I could do was nod the entire time as I read your words.
I attended several bible studies over the years when I lived in CA and although I was married, with kids, I can understand the depth of your loneliness at these groups and at church. As you say, everything is focused around families but my then husband didn’t attend church with us and our marriage was slowly crumbling for years. When the other women spoke of their marriages and ‘date-nights’ and all the things they were doing to keep their marriages and family life Godly, on-track, happy and fulfilled, I used to die inside. I didn’t love or respect my husband, a man who had emotionally detached from me years before. How could I tell them that? Well, I could go on and this isn’t about me…I just wanted to share this with you because I know this feeling of being an outsider in church oh so well.
I do wish though that I went to your church, I would MAKE you come over and sit with me my friend!
Susan, your faith burns so strong and your beautiful heart and spirit illuminates your words and your raw honesty. You are a brave, beautiful lady and you reach so many through your tender, truthful and faith-rich writing. You don’t gloss over the uncomfortable bits, you bring them to the fore because we need to know about them so that we can come alongside you and one another in the struggle.
Yet, it is so good to know that you are content in your own company. That is something many of us need to learn! But you also have many friends here too, and I know you know that, and I for one am so grateful for your friendship and for you…
Bless you dear friend, keep your light shining… much love, Sherri.
Thank you so much, Sherri, for always uplifting and understanding exactly what is in my heart. I do wish sometimes that some of those folks I think are friends would do just what you would – come grab me and walk me over to sit with them! Bless you for your generous words; I appreciate them. You are one of those friends who has made a permanent nest deep in my heart. I wish you were closer so I could give you an actual hug instead of a virtual one, but that will have to do. Love back to you and the fam. \\ 0 // ❤
I love that…’a pernament nest deep in my heart’…. And I would say, as you have made one in mine. Bless you Susan…squeezing those virtual hugs right now… ❤
😀
Funny little thing happened today; I was supposed to have “date” with someone I met last week at my graduation from 2-year Bible Interpretation studies. He’s the father of another graduate. Asked for my email, called and asked to meet for coffee. Went to the coffee shop today, waiting half an hour and he didn’t show. On the way home, I burst out laughing, as a song about thanking God came on my radio. I said, “Alright, God, I get it. You want me all to yourself. Okay, I’m yours! I’ll be your girlfriend!” I honestly laughed all the way home. 😀
Well I’m glad you were able to laugh about it Susan 🙂
But…sorry, here I go…what a jerk for standing you up like that! There could be a million reasons but unless he had a true family emergency, transportation problem or died I see no excuse for him not showing up and not getting in touch. No later apology I assume? I would like to give him a piece of my mind…I just hate that kind of rudeness. Sorry – hope I’m not out of line saying this but…grrrrrrr….it’s not right to be treated like that. You deserve much, much better than that my friend ❤
lol! I didn’t actually go there, Sherri. And, when I got home, I found an email from him. Turns out he got lost, poor thing. He apparently arrived about 10 minutes after I left, probably frazzled. I told him no worries; we could plan for another time. We exchanged cell numbers (which we didn’t have) so we could contact each other in case of “emergency.” I still think I’ll keep God’s VERY clear message in the forefront of my mind. 😀
Ahh….well I’m really glad to hear that. I feel bad now, calling him a jerk…so forgive me for that, yikes!!!! Glad he had a good excuse and did actually turn up, lol 😉 I just can’t stand it when people let other people down as I thought he had with you and for no good reason, but in this case it turned out not to be the case. Yay for that!! Hopefully next time will be more successful and you will have a nice time together…with God’s message in mind of course 😀
What an awesome response, Susan. Remember, His NO is His mercy. And no door He opens will ANYone be able to shut.
*wink*
I admire your honesty: “Then there are those other times.”
Loneliness is real. I like to think that it is okay to acknowledge it and not always be too quick to look for scripture or activities to assuage it. I sense a kind of contentment in your words. Thanks for sharing.
There is definitely deep contentment in my heart and soul. God gave me that as soon as He brought me to Him. Thank you for seeing it, and for your truly understanding comment.
I think in the church we need to redefine the definition of family from a kingdom perspective. We naturally gravitate to our own as is natural but Jesus asked, “Who is my mother and my brother?” Of course it is those who do God’s will. The kingdom comprises all believers in Christ and not just our “four and no more.” Thank God for your bravery in talking about us singles encounter in the church.
I would love it if we would do that and open our arms to those around us. Great thought; now to put it into practice as Jesus did!
I’m glad you’re out here w/ us again. =) You put it so well. You’re right, the Church that should be a homogenous mix (one body, many parts) compartmentalizes like any secular group. Thanks for the keen exhortative word.
Thank you and it is good to be back. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord!
Beautiful testimony! May our Savior continue to bless you as you find your identity in Him.
Thank you for you kind comment, and thank you for reading.
I appreciate the follow, Eden. Welcome to this wonderful community of thinkers. =)
HW
I’m so glad you got to share your powerful testimony here, Susan. You do so with a poignant honesty that draws us to the table of humanity.
Love,
Diana
Thank you for the invitation to dine, Diana. The banquet has been lovely. ❤
He he. I couldn’t wait for the Great Banquet to come.
Dear Wayfarer,
First a thank you for liking my recent blog at Crossroads:Right Choices. You are welcome back anytime you wish. As a follower, when I have added a new post, you’ll, as you know, will be alerted.
I don’t write too often. But, as I feel something needs addressing from an objective truth point of view.
I find that when I attend Mass(I am Roman Catholic), I come to join a family, that I hope comes together, for the same reason as I; if they truly understand and truly practice their faith. We come for the purpose to give glory to God through the sacrifice of the Mass. We offer ourselves in attendance and participation, and Christ offers Himself in Sacrifice, through Holy Communion. “Communion” meaning just that, coming together to partake of the Eucharist, as family; His family.
So you see, whether you arrive alone at or leave alone from your service you are all one in Christ. And you take that with you when you leave. By letting it be about Him, it becomes about us; as He intended.
-Alan
Thk u for the encouragement, Alan, but you’ll see the byline and signature of the post are of a guest author on this blog. My ABOUT tells you I am not in my sixties. =) Thank you for the follow and for taking a moment. Blessings,
HW
Thank you for the visit to my site. I enjoyed your post because I have walked a similar path. Like you I enjoy myself and trust in my God.
Visit was my pleasure. And the post you’re speaking of was written by a guest. Thanks for sharing.
HW =)
Susan, thank you for your transparency. The thing that jumped at me the most was being in church all alone while all these people are together. I had to leave a church years ago and the rest of my family still stayed there for another 6 months I think. I was used to attending with my husband and daughters and that was just a real lonely place. I was longing too for someone I know to say to me, “do you want to sit with me?” That just brought me back. I love the way you express yourself. Thank you!
As you said on your own blog, I know it’s all God’s intricate design, as He continues to build my heart one brick at a time. 🙂
I line that! I Love to find people with a desire to be honest and real! Thank you
Thank you for sharing your story and for checking out my blog. I really would like to encourage you as I feel your story is the story of so many woman. Not those who are single but those who have found love, marriage, and do “belong” to someone. Congrats on finding your peace. Be blessed.
Cheers,
Bre
Thank you, Bre.
That was Susan, a guest on this blog. Thx for encouraging her.
HW
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