Are you just waiting around for a mate . . . or are you living your life to the fullest? Being single definitely has its pitfalls, but it also has tremendous advantages! The authors take a biblical (and humorous) look at loneliness, discouragement, bitterness, and more. Features a "Dating 101" section and "hot topic" questions-and-answers. 224 pages, softcover from Nelson.

When it comes to singleness, Holly Virden and Michelle McKinney Hammond have been there, done that. These two amazing women don't regard the single life as a cross to bear, but rather an amazing opportunity to take advantage of all life has to offer and to discover their God-ordained purpose. While acknowledging the pitfalls singles sometimes face, they celebrate the advantages that also come with singleness and validate it as a true gift from God. Tackling topics such as lust, loneliness, discouragement, and bitterness, the authors use humor and sound biblical teaching as a point of reference. Unique features include a "Dating 101" section, a Q&A format on hot topics, and an open, honest dialogue between the two authors.

http://www.christianbook.com/singleness-gift-whats-the-return-policy/holly-virden/9780785263296/pd/63293

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Author: Holly Virden
Located in: Nashville, TN
Submitted: May 03, 2003

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I grew up in Central Illinois amongst cornfields. After college at Pensacola Christian in Florida I came home for one winter and thought "No way! I have to get somewhere warm!" That was nine years ago. Subsequently, I landed in Nashville, TN. As for extra curricular stuff, I'm a water nut: boating, skiing, wake boarding, scuba diving, swimming, etc. I also love outdoor activities and sports: hiking, canoeing, biking, softball, volleyball, basketball, and racquetball.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I think the greatest motivator for me was the fact that it seemed like everyone was telling me that I needed to be content but no one was validating me where I lived. The old saying that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care really resonates with me. Books I have read in the past just frustrated me instead of making me want to find that contentment. I wanted to do something bravely transparent that opened the doors to reality and admit that, yes, it's not always the ideal, but here's how I get through those times. It might not work for everyone, but at least I don't pretend like my answer is the only one out there.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  I am really praying that more than anything, that anyone that reads this book will develop a closer relationship with Christ. We try so hard to find someone to complete us and make us whole, when the reality is that the Lord is the only one that can fill that need, even if you are married. My heart's desire is that people will fall in love with Him and see Him for what He really is--everything.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  The author that has impacted my life the most would have to be Max Lucado. I was in high school when I got my first taste of Max's writing and reading "No Wonder They Call Him the Savior" was a pivotal point in my life. I love anything by him. Brennan Manning and Beth Moore are at the top of my charts too. For fiction I run to the bookstore to snag work by Liz Curtis Higgs, Francine Rivers or Karen Kingsbury. As for music, I fear I might be severely biased in my choices. I have been entrenched in music for so long and know so many of the artists that their lifestyle definitely influences my selections. However, true sources of inspiration to me is something from Kim Hill-she’s an amazing worship leader, Eoghan Heaslip's new disc "Mercy", anything Passion and my Paul Baloche disc (which I've worn out). I still love Amy Grant tunes and Erin O’Donnell has some quality in her voice I just love, and she just has plain ol good songs!

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I may have had this great opportunity to write my thoughts down in a book and you might hear me on a radio station or see me on the platform at a church speaking, but I think the most important thing I want to convey is that at the end of the day, I'm just like anyone else out there. I am basically an imperfect woman that is often a mess. I think the line from Twila Paris’s song "The Warrior Is A Child" is what I want to drive home. “They don’t know that I go running home when I fall down, they don’t know who picks me up when no one is around. Deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.” People often perceive that anyone that has opportunities such as I do somehow has it all together. But that’s not always the case. At the end of myself I find Jesus and fortunately I’ve just learned to get there a little quicker, but the good news is His grace is the same for all of us.

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