God is talking always, but it may not be what you want to
hear. For example, I had just moved to a
new city where I had no family. Just
like all the other times I had moved, my plan was to find a church and make
its members my family. There was joy and
pain in the church I chose. The words of
wisdom coming out of the pulpit were life affirming and, excuse my gushing
enthusiasm, glorious. I felt better
every time I entered that sanctuary.
However, the sanctuary was one of the infamous mega-churches. That place was HUGE with a lot of people in
it. I had never felt so alone. Everyone was polite enough, but the cliques
were out in full force. After two
months, I had yet to find a friend let alone an extended family. It was in this moment of frustration God
spoke to me. The person making church
announcements encouraged all the unattached members to attend the next Singles
Ministry event. I am not shy, but I am
bit socially difficult. I can be a wall
flower, the life of the party, or anything in between depending on my mood when
I walk into a social venue. Still,
something told me I should go. May I
take a moment to point out that little voice we all talk about is just a
euphemism for God? So, I decide that the
Singles Ministry event could be a good place to go on the hunt for an
attractive man who was fixated on God like me.
Now, things were starting to get interesting!
On the designated night, I made my grand entrance determined
to be the life of the party. You can
rest assured I was dressed for the part.
Conservative enough to let the men know I was the woman they could take
home to mom but with just enough spice to make them wonder what trouble we
could get into together. It was not
meant to be. I normally can scan a room
and know if a sparkling and tall man with a basketball frame will have to deal
with me making googly eyes at him. He
was not there and there were not even any consolation prizes. I know I sound harsh, but attraction is about
pheromones and there were none floating in my direction. I sat down and listened to the spiel about
honoring God and enjoying life while one accepted His timing for when that
handsome best friend (boyfriend) would arrive.
At the end of the event, everyone participated in an activity meant to
help people get to know each other. We
all answered some questions and then looked for someone who answered
similarly. This how I met the first
friend who shared the same deep faith I have.
This has more meaning when I point out I was in my thirties. It is also relevant to point out that it was
another woman who was also from the north.
I had come looking for a boyfriend.
God sent me a best friend.
I was never alone in that huge church again. It was like a snowball effect. People felt we acted like bobbsey twins, but
they were paying attention. My social
circle grew and I found my family slowly but surely. My confidence grew and so did my excitement. My
eyes were opened. There were a multitude
of very interesting and nice men, reference to their looks was omitted on
purpose, who would not be caught dead at a Singles Ministry event. However, they were not averse to making the
time right after church a singles mingle event.
As all women know, the best way to be seen in a cute and attractive
outfit is to strike a pose and act like you are really engrossed by what your
best buddies are telling you. So, I
heard ‘get a date at the Singles event’.
God was trying to say ‘build friendships first and the dates will
come’. Now, that is wisdom.
