Yelena is a law student, world traveler and writer at Lovely Thoughts. She has an encouraging story for all you single ladies out there!
She was a new Christian, seventeen years old and persecuted from all sides in 1950’s Communist Russia. Her parents wanted to marry her off to a doctor, hoping that would be enough to make her give up her faith.
The Lord had a different plan for her though, so he sent her a soldier – young, handsome and a man of God. He came across the world into her tiny village in Siberia.
That couple has been together now for 60 years – they are blessed with ten children and more than 170 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And every time I see my grandparents together, my heart melts – the love and faith still glows in their eyes even after years of hardships, persecution, and international moves.
You don’t hear those kinds of love stories nowadays. We’re more in tune with the latest reality shows, bachelors and endless strings of comedies about dating mishaps. We’re told that you must kiss a few frogs and explore before finding The One. Plus, there are hundreds of websites, books and TV shows (even Christian ones) giving out “helpful” dating advice.
From a young age, we dream of Prince Charming and if he doesn’t come into our lives on our timetable, we give up and take our love stories into our own hands.
After hearing the love stories of my grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts though, I refuse to write my own love story. I know there is an Almighty and powerful God that is finding my soul mate and in His timing, our paths will cross.
Until then, I dedicate all my love and life to my Abba – to honor and seek His truth by ministering and serving the people in my life.
“But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little frock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” –Luke 12:31-32 (NKJV)
I’m 22, never been kissed nor have I been on a proper date. I’ve had crushes on boys over the years, been courted, and seen my closest friends find love, but my heart remains whole and pure, while still being romanced every day – with beautiful sunsets, aroma-filled flowers and grace-tinted salvation.
Imagine your heart like an apple – shiny, red and whole. And then you meat a boy – he’s cute, charming and the envy of the entire freshman class at your school. So you bat your eyelashes, send a few flirty texts and finally hook up at a party. The next day he either pretends you don’t exist or you become a couple for a few weeks before he eventually moves on with that popular girl. It’s a common tale and is bound to repeat several more times – in college, your first job and maybe into a mistaken marriage.
Each boy takes a small bite of your apple shaped heart. One bite, then two, which turns into five and eleven and by the time you say your wedding vows, all you have to offer your husband is a half eaten apple or worse, a few seeds and a gaping core.
“But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit… and this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.” -1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (NKJV)
So, protect your heart my darling – keep it whole and pure for some day. Dedicate your days to the Lord and bask in the light of His love and grace. Serve and give as much of yourself to others as your heart can hold, without any romantic distractions.
Then, that apple will grow stronger and healthier – and just when you least expect it, the perfect man will walk into your life. You might feel butterflies and have “chemistry,” but above all, you will feel the calm blessing of the Lord as His peace and approval fill your love story with grace and the kind of love that will last a century (even if there isn’t an eligible, Christian bachelor within a thousand miles of your village in Siberia).
