After a recent conversation with my neighbors, I started to notice a pattern. Every time I would mention what I thought was a character flaw, I was gently reminded that it was a strength. The Mrs. of the husband and wife team that I had come to respect and notionally adopt as another set of parents, would find a way to include it in every conversation. No matter what situation I bring up, she always finds the good in it. Recently some of our conversations have been focused on relationships. Here am I wondering why that special young man hasn't come around and stayed, expressing the desire to pursue a relationship with me that will prayerfully lead to marriage and I think I'm scaring them all away. Maybe I am but it's not a weakness or a downfall. It really is my strength and confidence in knowing who I am and what I want. But let me share this. I've met some amazing, ambitious, talented and handsome eligible bachelors and although they may have initially considered me to be beautiful and strong it seems my strength was a little too much for them or they just were not ready for everything I have to offer. By know means can I let this discourage me. First of all if he's bold enough to speak and show interest then he will. If he's confident in who he is and committed to getting to know me with out feeling pressured then he will stay around. If my conversation and the sharing of my relationship goals don't scare him away but attract him we may be off to a good start. Note for all my male readers, especially my secret admirers, thank you. Please don't take this the wrong way. These are just my thoughts about the situation at hand. I've never been asked so many times then in the past few months why I'm single. I have no children, I have high morals and character. I love Jesus and I'm an all around type of girl. Everything is right with me. I'm patiently awaiting to be approached and pursued by the right one. Who knows, maybe this blog will peak someone's interest and cause them to reach out 😊 Clearly I'm not afraid to share what others may just speculate about.
Fast forward another month, I recently had the privilege of sharing some awesome quality time with one of my sisters in Christ. It's been years since we've seen each other and we didn't even miss a beat. Matter fact we put it at a double time. The conversations we've been able to share have been very delightful. She too complimented and encouraged me. I was able to share with her some of my hardships and like my neighbor she helped me see the strength in what I'd overcome. I write this gracefully with a new perspective that I'm okay. I'm comfortable being me. My character strengths developed with the victories of my accomplishments and overcoming many of my challenges. Not one situation was allowed to destroy me. Some of it was fertilizer to help me grow. I'm grateful for the way I carry myself and the level of respect my demeanor invites. There's something good to be said of a young lady who pursues a particular disciplined lifestyle. It may not be popular but she's not trying to win a contest. She's simple just trying to be her best. One of my favorite scriptures help me consistently take confidence in who God has created me to be. "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." (Proverbs 31:25 NLT) I'm so grateful that I have finally come to a place where I am happy with me, regardless of what I have been through, it takes nothing away from my awesome, strong, bold and daring personality. Life is a learning process. It refines us if we let it so we can be great.
Be blessed. Be inspired. Thanks for reading.
-Joi
