August 28, 2013

WHAT I'M READING: SACRED SINGLENESS.


I mentioned last week that I just finished reading a singleness book. And while I know this could stop some of you dating/married ladies from reading the rest of this post, I encourage you to stick with me for a second (or more) because I think this book is good for everyone, despite their relationship status.

When I first saw Leslie Ludy's book, Sacred Singleness, at my local library, I was a little skeptical. The cover was a little old (in the book's defense, it is 4+ years old), the title a little too "goody-goody" for me and well, I was basically judging this book by its cover.

But as soon as I opened it up, I couldn't get myself to put it down. And I don't say this with exaggeration, either. I've tried to read other Christian singleness books before but I found them to be too over-the-top or too stuffy (am I even using that term correctly? who knows). Sacred Singleness, however, was not one of those books. It was filled with challenging wisdom, truths I agree with, and a focus on Jesus and our relationship with Him--the most crucial factor for a book like this.

leslie ludy
You guys know my singleness journey. You know it's been a long journey for me, with its fair shares of ups and downs. You know that Ive struggled with making romance an idol and the pain I've suffered from when I do that. You also know my good days, when I seek Him first and the happiness I discover from that pursuit. Leslie's book really solidified this lifestyle choice for me.

She reminded me that my relationship with God is what needs to come first--before my non-existent and existent relationships (both romantic and non-romantic). She also challenged how I view other guys. I don't think I've ever really talked about it, but there are times and days (and guys) where I find myself daydreaming or writing up my own love story. It's the dreamer in me and I know that I'm not the only one who does it (right?). But what Leslie challenged me to do is to pray for this man and his future wife instead of dreaming or fantasizing over him. 

I know you're probably saying, "What? Why pray?" Well, for me at least, turning to prayers makes me refocus and turn to God for happiness instead of my dreams. It also helps me stay in the present and not get too carried away (and then disappointed when those dreams don't come true).

Lastly, I need to point out that Leslie writes and reiterates that fact that desiring marriage is not a bad thing. God created marriage and man and woman for a reason. That doesn't mean that it's included in everyone's stories, but it also doesn't mean that it's bad to want it, either. We just have to be careful how much we think about it and to what extent we think about it, too.

Singleness may by my story and marriage might be, too. I don't know for certain what lies ahead, but I do know that Jesus is a part of it. 

leslie ludy's sacred singleness

What books have you read lately? Have you read one of Leslie's books before? Do you know of another good singleness book for this girl over here to read?

12 comments

  1. Thank you for this timely & poignant review of this book--I *must* pick it up some day soon!

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    1. Yes, you should! It's a really good read and I highly recommend it. :)

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  2. What a blessing that book was in your life! It really does sound like a mature, meaningful book - unlike A LOT of books on singleness. Your heart is so wonderful, Kiki! :-)

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    1. Yes, it really is/was! It's been really hard for me to find a meaningful + truth-filled singleness book so it's definitely a true blessing. :)

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  3. i've read a book by eric and leslie ludy before...back in my early high school days, i think! but i don't remember what it was called! i'm pretty sure it was about relationships though...

    this sounds like a good one! full of good and gentle truth :)

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    1. That's so crazy--I had no idea they've been writing so long! I'll have to see what that book is! And yes, it really is a good read. It's been hard for me to find a encouraging + truthful book, so I'm glad I've found one that finally fits that description!

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  4. this is one of my favorite books...i've read it twice and started reading it recently (and put it down, but need to pick it back up).
    She is spot on...and the little inserts of other womens stories = so encouraging!
    I agree the main push of the book: pray.
    I need to be praying for my future husband more often.
    I actually have a journal of letters to him i started in 2006. I write sporadically (sometimes only once a year) and i hope to one day be able to give it to him. If not, if singleness is Gods plan, then i'm learning to be ok with that direction as well.
    <3
    Good post Kiki

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    1. Yeah, I think this is becoming one of my more favorite books, too! I definitely agree, she is spot on and speaks so much truth. And those stories were incredibly encouraging--I totally forgot to include that part in this post! :)

      I actually have a journal as well! I, too, don't write in it very often, but I've heard of other bloggers who have them and have loved writing letters to that maybe someday future guy.

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  5. Sounds like a great book! Definitely encouraging no matter what stage of life you're in! I am reading Cold Tangerines now--at the recommendation of you! :)

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    1. It's definitely a good book--and one that I hope to re-read if I'm ever in a relationship! And how are you liking Cold Tangerines? I think I read Bittersweet but never got to reading Cold Tangerines (or Bread and Wine yet, now that I mention it!). I'm going to have to go book shopping now! :)

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  6. Ah! I love Leslie Ludy. I've read When God Writes Your Love Story by her and her husband, Eric. That is an older book as well, but so good! They also have When God Writes Your Life Story, that is on my list to read. And now this one is as well! I especially love that quote, "the desire to get married is not an idol in a young woman's life, but the obsession with getting married is." So, so true. I don't think many people think of it in that way.

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    1. Leslie Ludy is definitely a good author! Thanks for sharing those two book titles with me--I'll add them to my reading list now! :)

      And yes, that quote has stuck with me, too. It's so easy for me to think that wanting to get married is a bad thing but it's really all about how I view it and obsess over it.

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