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Description: There are more singles in--and out of--the church today than ever before. Wendy Widder knows the struggles of being single from the inside out, and she has something to say. While there is no shortage of books about singlehood on the market, Widder's approach is markedly different. In Living Whole Without a Better Half readers study the character in Hebrews 11. Widder uses these Biblical examples to show readers how to embrace singleness as an abundant life and a God-given gift, not as an unfortunate stage they should move past as quickly as possible. By examining the lives of biblical heroes such as Abraham, Moses, and Jacob, she reveals that trying to bargain with God to follow our plans and timing often keeps us from appreciating the opportunities he places in our path.
I was going through a time I was super discouraged in my singleness. I was turning thirty and found myself frustrated with my single state. I turned to books to help me process. I read or started to read a lot of less then helpful books. I was beginning to think that all the singleness books could easily be placed in three categories: 1. Books that promise you will get married someday so hold on. 2. Cheesy upbeat books that talk about how awesome being single can be. 3. Books by disenchanted people who blame the church and everyone around them for their unhappy single lives.
Thankfully, I found some books that were truly helpful.
This book was the best.
Why was this book so good? Honestly, instead of trying to be an exhaustive guide to dealing with singleness, Widder addresses the heart of the matter on a spiritual level. Yet, she doesn't ignore the practical. She knows from experience the ache and the hardships of singleness. She didn't promise that one day I would be married. She didn't try to make singleness into the ultimate life. She led me through a spiritual journey that helped my heart come to a place of peace.
Widder drew lessons from scripture that weren't shocking or nothing that I hadn't thought about before, yet she framed them in a way felt knew because she related them to my singleness. It was the fresh perspective I needed.
I think every Christian woman, struggling with singleness should read this book and have a copy to underline and make notes in.