Singled Out in a Couples World: Living a Fulfilled Life Regardless of your Relationship Status

by Christa Smith

How many times have you felt like you were singled out because of your relationship status? Unfortunately, we live in a society that equates personal fulfillment to whether or not you have a ring on your finger. Too often, single Christians are viewed as if they are missing out on life because they don’t have a romantic interest or they feel the need to put their lives on hold as they wait for the right partner to come along. In her powerfully authentic book, Singled Out in a Couple’s World , Christa Smith invites those who find themselves in a season of singleness to reconsider their perspective. Being single was never intended to be seen as a curse. Instead it is an opportunity to encounter God in incredible ways, embrace the story He is uniquely writing, and live the life you were always meant to. With beautiful insight and compelling transparency, Christa’s words will motivate readers break off the curse and stigma of singleness; live an abundant life surrendered to God; never stop believing in your God-given dream; remove the pause button and live fully; and wait well and embrace new opportunities.

Genres: Christian

185 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

Reviews

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Being in a place of contentment is when you are able to celebrate someone else having what you want. You can't celebrate what you are envying, and you can't be present when you are discontent." Pg. 58

I watched an interview with Christa Smith on Table Talk w/ Joni a couple months ago and was like I need this lady's book! Even if I'm not really striving to be married or dating right now.

Even as I'm reading this book, there is a lot of insight and wisdom that can be applied to someone who isn't trying to be married or dating currently. So much so that I am thinking of sharing it with someone who isn't really concerned about those things right now.

If you are tired of being told to trust God, and want to launch this book across the room upon seeing those words, I encourage you to press through the comfort zone bubble to continue reading and dig deep here. Christa has a lot of good points about why we are trusting God, why we are yielding the dream to Him, why we need to let go of the idea that what we want in this stage of life is what is best for us. We need to lay down our pride — that we know better than God what we need. Let's ask God to go deep with us and show us want He wants us to know and understand.

If it means a lot to you to get married, what better way to start than to lay your heart open before the King? To be vulnerable with Him like Christa was and say, "You aren't enough[if I never get what I desire], but I want You to be." Even though there is no promise that our dreams will be fulfilled, still saying, "Yes!" to the Father's will for us changes us.

I really loved this book. I felt like it was realistic and challenging — not sugar-coating but also pressing your forward to become the person God made you to be. Really a good read. Definitely one I would recommend to those wanting to be married or struggling with being single.

"In your life, you will have people with whom you are in close relationship who will make very different decisions than you. Just because they are making those decisions, and even at times compromising core values, you shouldn't allow their standards and convictions to become your own. Remember Romans 12:1-2. Not only do we not need to submit to the timeline of those around us, but we also can't allow their decisions to drag us down to immaturity in our faith.

Even when those around me were making very different decisions than I was, I knew I had to stay true to the convictions the Lord put within me. What other people could do had nothing to do with what I knew I was allowed to do and not do. I had to make a choice to not submit to others' standards. In a world where peer pressure is real, you must know who you are called to be and the convictions He has instilled within you." Pg. 70-71

"If I feel desperate, it usually means I believe the outcome solely relies on me, when the truth is, it relies on Jesus." Pg. 80

5 stars.

[Jenna]

DNF 13% I was really looking forward to this book, but then I got started and it was looking like the entire book was going to be a long-winded way of saying "trust in the Lord." That's an important message, but the title made it seem like it would be about navigating life not just navigating faith. Then I got to the part where she asked permission from God every time she got asked on a date. I imagined saying, "Let me pray about it." when a guy asks me on a date. I laughed and put the book down.

[Rachel Tateosian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. God is so good and Christa has so much tangible wisdom and encouragement to offer. So so good. I love the reminders that God is still writing the story and that the desire isn’t for marriage but for closeness with Jesus Christ. Not only are you pushing back against the world, but even church culture and good intentions that place a false expectation on people. I’ve seen it so much in my own life and am incredibly encouraged to read from Christa’s point of view about her own walk with the Lord, learning what it looks like to truly surrender. Jesus is enough!!

[Annie Beurman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 50 stars if I could. I can’t remember the last time I related to a Christian self help book so much. There were times I was convinced Christa Smith was a pen name and this was secretly written by me from the future. So much good advice, so many ways God used this to speak to me. I kept a highlighter by my side while reading this and now my copy is just as yellow as it is black and white. I adored this and it helped to give me hope that God is still writing my story. God bless you, Christa!

[Lashonda Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A inspiring read for the single life

I learned about Christa Smith through the "Heart of Dating" group and conference. Even though I desire marriage, I'm also content in my singleness, and enjoy my single time and personal relationship with the Lord. This book was still inspiring to me I had a lot of good information. I can definitely relate to a lot of her experiences with how others treat my singleness.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book the names of several girlfriends came to mind who I think would be inspired and challenged the way I have been. I’m getting multiple copies to give out as gifts!

Fave quotes:

“You are not waiting to be chosen, but you have the opportunity to choose.”

“Social media is not your diary.”

“Society has created these timelines we are expected to follow, but they don’t necessarily line up with heaven’s timing for you.”

[Mia Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You’re Single You Need to Read This Book

A wonderful book to draw me closer in my walk with Jesus. I can trust in him and his plan for my life whether I remain single or marry again I know that my joy comes from Father! Thank you Christa Smith for setting such a godly example to follow.

[Jenipha Rachel]

Great book

As everyone around me were getting married, I thought that I should just stop being around people and hide at home until I meet my husband. But this book has helped me to spend time with people without getting sad about my relationship status.

[Shauna Masonbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging. Concise in her thoughts. She makes you want to live your best life.

[Brandi Fennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and insightful!

[Dana]

Christa highlights the importance of having a relationship and deep connection with God to focus on him and his timeline instead of society's "norms" while being single.

[Eunice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised about how things turned out for her, but it was a good, quick read!