To All The Single Ladies..

I have been so hesitant to write this blog. I have wanted to for so long but the things I mention in it I'm afraid will make me sound self-gratifying. But I want to write it to show what God has done in my life and what I really believe can do in anyone else's who lets Him.

Last August I was introduced to a challenging concept of not dating for a year. Not only not dating but not pursuing or being pursued for a year. A challenge called "crush the crush"- a challenge that would change myself and my whole world. Now, it sounds silly, and I was skeptical at first, but let me explain what made me decide to do it..

At first,  my thoughts were "what if I meet the guy I'm supposed to marry during the year? Then I will have to turn him away and he will forget about me!" I was so absorbed in the fairy tale of love that I was afraid giving my love life to God would .. mess my life up?

But you know, I was tired of waiting. I was tired of always thinking and wondering and looking! I was tired of it controlling my thoughts. It is tiring, painful, and it's lonely. I didn't want to have control (or at least pretend I did) over who it would be or when he came along anymore.

Because I knew it was too painful and lonely to be searching for a boyfriend, I gave up. I crushed the crush. It was so hard and so easy at the same time. I must say though, I sort of cheated because I did move right after I started it and had no men in my life to really consider. But I can tell you it would have been a lot easier to be lonely if I hadn't started before the move.

Through the year, I learned so. much. Mainly that being single is awesome! Do you know how much more confidence you have when you have no guys to impress?? The moment I gave up my boy search, I began focusing on bettering my relationship with God which essentially led to bettering myself which led to bettering my relationships with others. When you don't have to worry about impressing anyone, you don't think about yourself as much which allows you to think about others more which makes you awesome.

God taught me patience. Because little did I know, I had no idea what it meant to be patient.
Waiting means:
"Steadfastness, that is holding on;
patience; that is holding back;
expectancy, that is holding the face up;
obedience, that is holding one's self in readiness to go or do;
listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear."

God gave me such a peace about waiting that I am convinced now more than ever that is impossible to have without His help. So in saying this, I don't want you to think I'm congratulating or gratifying myself. It was ALL God. Because I am positive I could have never, ever done it by myself. I truly believe he wants to bring peace and patience to you're life as much as He brought to mine. That's why I challenge every single girl out the to "crush the crush". It changed me from the inside out and it will change you too.