Black - Savoring Single

Savoring
SINGLE

SHELLEY BLACK

Copyright 2017 Shelley Black.

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-1059-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-1060-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-1058-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017918070

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/22/2017

Savor

[sey-ver]

to give oneself to the enjoyment of

Dictionary .com

Contents

Devotions

I sign off on all of my blogs by saying, in this with you girl. When you read through to the end of this book, its closed the same way. Even from the beginning of how Savoring Single unfolded, I realized how much of what I shared, God was still working in me.

It also comes from a place of having likely walked a very similar path to yours. I grew up playing with Barbies and dolls, convinced Id have my own love story and family in my early twenties.

When all those years came and went and still no dream come true, I probably had the same thoughts youve had. Believed the same lies the enemy has told you. Felt similar grief, not by loss, but spending my best years without the one thing I wanted the most.

I have sat in that same dark room wondering why my life didnt seem to matter. Cried the same tears as realities became too hard to bear alone, but having no shoulder to lean on, because I was. Alone.

This book isnt because I did it all right, and isnt because my life is perfect now. The only reason I have anything to offer is because God pursued me as I ran, kept speaking even when I ignored Him, loved me when I was unlovable and hasnt changed a single one of His promises over my life.

In my heart, I still desire to get married one day. Its just that now my heart is wrapped in the arms of my loving Father who whispers to my longing, Ive got you. Its going to be okay.

I figured by now I wouldnt deal with the same things I used to, but thats really just an unrealistic expectation. I still do. I still see proposals on Instagram and long for my own. I still get asked why I havent gotten married yet. When I run into friends from back in the day, I still wish I could tell them who I married. And still fight the temptation to be ashamed that I cant.

The circumstances of being single havent changed. But I do respond different, now. My self-talk uses different words. Depression doesnt visit me anymore and despair no longer stays for the night.

I am truly in this with you girl . Still single. Still desiring to one day be married. Still loving Jesus and wanting to live a life that pleases Him. Since you are reading this, I have a feeling this may be how you feel, too. So just know, that were in this together.

Hey girl,

I am thrilled that this book has made it into your hands!

Soyoure single, huh? Me too. At least were in this together. And Ive got a feeling that theres a whole bunch of us feeling pretty close to the same way as we journey through what it means to be single.

For me, coming to terms with my singleness has taken a long time. I fought it, denied it, tried to run from it. I finally faced it and, so far, it hasnt been so bad. Ive learned a ton about who I am. Ive also really gotten to know the heart of my Father God through the process. That alone has been well worth the journey! I hope this book unfolds a better way for you and, hopefully, will save you some of the heartache and pain, disappointment and loss that I have experienced.

Why Savoring Single? Because if we idolize another season, we will be blind to the importance of the one we are in. If we think our best is ahead of us in marriage, career or success or even behind us in memories of days gone by or that time when everything seemed perfect, we will miss the treasure of our todays. You have such a treasure in this moment, that you wont have in the next. Enjoy life from this place, experience it from this perspective, appreciate the view from this point. There are so many amazing things to pull out of this time. So savor it!

I want to pray for you, so that as you read this book, God will speak in a special way that will impact your heart and this season of your lifes journey.

Dear Abba Father,

Thank you for your wrap-around presence and your all-consuming love. Be with my girl as she reads these pages and speak to her between the lines about how you see her. I pray that her ears would be open and her heart responsive so that as You speak, shell take the time to unfold the treasures you have waiting for her. You already know how special she is, so please help her see herself like you do. Thank You that you are leading her on a journey with you that will mend her heart, even in areas she may not realize shes hurting. I pray you bring peace to the storm of her soul that has allowed lies to trouble the waters for far too long. You are her hope, her love, her peace, her life. Rewrite her story with the pen of your love and redefine in her Your purpose. You have the most careful and tender hands of a master surgeon that leaves no scars, so take out old mindsets, uproot lies and untangle the web of cultures influence on her heart. I ask that You would then seal her again with Your embrace as You call her by name into oneness with You. You are simply too good for words. Thank You.

In this with you, girl!

Shelley

I flew on my first airplane when I was eight years old. Alone. Yes, you read that right. Alone. Granted, it was in the early nineties when flying regulations were much simpler and the world felt like a safer place. My parents checked me in for my flight and walked me all the way to the gate where I boarded the plane. I was headed to visit my BFF, who had moved out of state, and my age didnt seem like any big deal at the time.