Nali Hilderman is a strong woman, a woman with her feet on the ground but her heart resting in a godly perspective. In this Valentine's Day UPGRADE, Nali has a special message for women who are single on Valentine's Day.
"Maybe this Valentine’s Day," Nali says, "you’re feeling the 'truth' of the Dean Martin song as he croons, 'You're nobody 'til somebody loves you; You're nobody' til somebody cares. ... The world still is the same, you never change it. As sure as the stars shine above; You're nobody 'til somebody loves you.'”
I (Dawn) never much liked that song, but it sure makes Nali's point. This is the world's concept of love, not a biblical one.
Nali continues . . .
Being single on Valentine’s Day can be very hard and I know the temptation is to sink into sadness, bitterness or despair as everyone celebrates around us.
But, as we encounter the holiday, here are a few suggestions for us single women to intentionally engage instead.
1. Treat Yourself
I don’t mean this in the hedonistic Tom and Donna from “Parks and Rec” kind of way. I mean this in the sense that there are things that you take pleasure in and that make your heart come alive.
Is it:
- being outdoors,
- a massage,
- a favorite book or movie,
- cooking, or
- going to your favorite restaurant?
Whatever it is, take time to participate in one of those this week and realize that—
when you experience joy from the way the Lord created you, you bring Him joy as well.
Read Psalm 139 to remember how well He knows and delights in you.
2. Celebrate Others
Chances are that you’ve have some good examples of marriages in your life, so why don’t you take a moment to bless and encourage those who are “running the race” well.
- Your parents?
- Your friends?
- Your siblings?
On a similar note, hopefully you have had men in your life to love, protect, and encourage you.
- A brother?
- A father?
- A teacher?
- A pastor?
- Friend(s)?
Take some time to honor them for the example they’ve set on the man you’re waiting for.
Text, email, or send a hand-written note to say thank you to those who model romantic love as define in scripture. Read Ephesians 5 for reminders of this.
3. Intentionally Focus on the “Not Yet.”
The hardest part of singleness is waiting and living in the “not yet” with faith.
If you want to, spend time on Valentine’s Day focusing on your future relationship. Feel free to lament, but also spend time in faith praying for your future mate, and/or writing him a letter.
Proverbs 31:12 says “she brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Also, pour out your heart to the Lord, asking for His work in both your lives.
4. Meditate on the Greater Love!
Remember that our culture is the one that promotes romantic love as the end goal in life, but the Truth is that it is NOT!
If you have a relationship with Jesus, you already have the greatest love you will ever experience— even more than your spouse will be able to give you.
Get out your Bible and spend time meditating on God’s love for you in and through Jesus Christ. Read John 13-17 and 1 John especially.
Sisters, it is easy to feel sorry for ourselves when the world around us celebrates the one thing we deeply desire, but let’s be intentional about it instead.
Let us not allow culture to define us or make us feel like “we’re nothing til somebody loves us.” The TRUTH is, we are loved more than we could possibly imagine.
While still waiting for the human manifestation of love, rest in and pursue the One who loves you more!
If you are single, where do you struggle on Valentine's Day? Which of these suggestions might help you be more intentional to enjoy the holiday from a biblical perspective?
Nali Hilderman is a professor of American history and Political Science at San Diego Christian College. She is working on her Ph.D. in Public Policy and hopes to continue writing and speaking on matters of Christianity in the Public Square. She attends Del Cerro Baptist Church.
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Terri C. at Pixabay.