Fifteen

A few weeks ago I went to a Taylor Swift concert here in Houston. I was given tickets at the very last minute so my roommate and I ran out the door and had an unexpected fun night out.

Do I think she’s a doll? Yes, I do. Do I think she’s a bit dramatic? Yes, I do. (I would have never thought that had I not gone to the concert, but the way she talked to her audience was quite humorous and very dramatic. For instance, she kept telling us how incredible and beautiful we were. I just laughed.) Do I think she’s a good role model for the little girls that are falling all over her? Yes, I do. She has a good head on her shoulders and thus far, her walk has matched up with her talk. She’s not gone crazy. I’m praying she stays grounded. You laugh, but I’m serious. Someone needs to say sane! And I say that in the most gracious way. She has a national platform and to see it destroyed would sadden me.

Before the concert I think I owned five of her songs. I knew most of her songs but that was mainly because she gets a lot of airtime on the radio. What I didn’t know, though, were a lot of the lyrics.

Are any of you like me? You think you know the lyrics to a certain song then you look them up and realize you were completely off base? That’s my life. I’m constantly making a fool out of myself in the lyrics department.

After the concert I ended up buying a few more songs that I thought were fun and also decided to look up some of the lyrics. I knew I was singing the wrong words and wanted to fix that. Yes, I annoy my own self.

Taylor has a cute song called “Fifteen”, and it’s all about a girl experiencing her freshman year of high school. She talks about the highs and lows that girls would typically experience.

After lacing themes of friends, first dates, first kisses and breakups throughout each verse, she begins each chorus by singing, “Cause when you’re fifteen and somebody tells you they love you, you’re gonna believe them…”

Taylor is right, is she not? If a fifteen-year-old girl heard the words I love you from a hunk of a boy, she’s going to believe him, no doubt. Those of us a few years ahead of that game know it will probably end in heartache (although those of us hopeless romantics would love to believe they end up as married high school sweethearts), but in the moment, that fifteen year old girl will be floating on cloud nine and will undoubtedly drown out every other voice that tries to whisper otherwise.

But what about the girl that never hears the words I love you from a boy? What if she never hears them period? From anyone?

What if I changed the lyrics of the chorus to “Cause when you’re fifteen and nobody tell you they love you, you’re gonna believe them…”

Our present day culture speaks a lot to the girls that have that heartache and breakup, but I think we forget the girls that never experience that. What about them? What about the girl that spends all four years of her high school career waiting for that special moment and doesn’t get it? Or better yet, all four years of her college career and doesn’t get it? Emotionally, this could be just as detrimental.

As time goes on, if you’re not grounded in Christ’s love, your belief system will become that of, “I’m not lovable.”

Since I happen to know that hearing I love you in high school from a boy isn’t the end all be all, and I certainly don’t advocate it, I’m not naive to the fact that, whether we choose to believe it or not, those words are being tossed around on a daily basis by students everywhere. In fact, they’re being tossed around carelessly by a lot of people. Those words hold a lot of weight and attachment with them.

I happen to be in the latter category. I was not the girl that experienced breakup after breakup. I lived vicariously through a lot of my friends that did experience that, which taught me a lot, but that wasn’t me.

To be very honest, it is so easy for me to write my own words to that song, and even at 26, believe that I am unlovable. If I am 26 and have yet to be chosen and hear those sweet words, am I unlovable? I know that is far from the truth, but Satan himself likes to feed that lie most consistently to me.

What I know now is that no human man can ever out-love Jesus. No human man can tell me I love you more than Jesus whispers and satisfies me with His love. But I have to believe that and claim that. That is the tricky part, transferring that knowledge from my head to my heart. No man will ever know me greater than Jesus does and yet love me just the same.

But, I am old enough to know that doesn’t always take away the sting of desiring that human love. In fact, I might argue that the older you get, if the Lord has placed that desire in your heart, the more it stings. Is it wrong to desire that? Is it wrong to desire marriage? Not at all, unless it becomes a stronghold or idol in your life, lest we forget, the Lord ordained marriage and said it was a good thing. However, as we mature and become more like Christ, my prayer is that we would let the Lord tend to that sting and replace it with joy. That is the beauty of getting older; you know how to tend to that sting when it rises up in you.

Believing and leaning into truth means believing that you are loved by the One who knows you the best and loves you the most. It means that there is redemption, healing and hope for the girl who has given everything away and is left with a broken heart. That the Lord still desires His best for you. And for the girl who has yet to experience the butterflies, it means there is hope for you, too, and for whatever reason, the Lord has protected you thus far. He is most definitely not holding out on you. Be thankful for that.

Believing the truth means that you are wise enough not to jump at the first chance you have to marry the first guy that asks you on a date out of your fear of being alone. There may be a few good (and bad), dates here and there, but that doesn’t mean you have to marry any of them. Not every single guy you lay your eyes on will be your future husband. Give yourself the freedom to get to know them as a friend without the pressure of trying to win them over so you can be their wife one day. We all do it out of insecurity and fear, do we not? The minute I see a single guy as a potential future husband, is the minute I clam up and don’t act like myself. By setting that aside and shifting our thinking, it’s amazing how the chains fall off and the pressure decreases.

At then end of the day, although culture and media will tell you otherwise, your identity is still found in Christ alone, not in whom you’ve dated or whom you haven’t. You’ll do greater things than date the quarterback of the football team. Praise the Lord.

And for the record, you are dearly loved. And so am I.

“The LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

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166 Responses to “Fifteen”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Jessica says:

    Lindsee,
    This post was a tremendous blessing to me! Thank you so much for writing it! As a single college student, this subject area is one that the Lord is teaching me about right now, and He used your words as another way to show me what He wants me to know. Thank you for being an instrument in that!

  2. 102
    andrea porter says:

    Lindsee, This made my day. You have said what I have been feeling about my 16 year old daughter and her boyfriend. Yes, the love word does get flung about quite a bit these days, with no real heart felt emotion behind it, you may think it does, but it always falls short. I dated a boy all through college and a year and a half through graduate school. I thought I loved him, we were engaged to be married, had the dress and date planned. Just didn’t feel right in my gut. Wasn’t real close to Jesus at the time, but all thanks to him, that he placed my feet on the right path to the right man at the right time. Now I know what true, deep, crazy for you, love is, and I have my savior to thank for not giving up on me. Amen. We will be happily married for 18 years this February, I fall deeper in love with him every day. Yay God!!!!!!

  3. 103
    MiChal says:

    Excellent post!

  4. 104
    Poorna Diaz says:

    Lindsee – Oh my goodness. Thanks for obeying the Spirit’s leading for you to blog on this topic today. I just texted another Siesta and told her, “it’s as if God divinely penned this post.” From one 26-year old to another, I can honestly tell you that Satan was working the same attack in my brain the past couple days. When I say “same,” I mean the EXACT SAME. Weird. But also cool to see how God works. Read on Jeremiah 33….verses 6 – 11…this is what got me out of my funk…also see The Message version. God’s promise to bring health, healing, restoration, forgiveness, joy, and “marriage festivities”!! He will do it, sister…and He will do it up BIG!

    Siesta Mama – Thank you for hiring Lindsee. She is blessing us twenty-something ladies. BIG TIME.

  5. 105
    Anna & Janie says:

    Anna & Janie
    Bartlesville, OK
    Hebrews 13:8- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

  6. 106
    Anna says:

    Hi Lindsee,
    Just want to say I think you’re a very wise young woman, and I love your post. Yes– what about those who never hear those words, whether as a teen, or an adult? There are many longing to hear. Yet, what you say is full of truth– as we mature, we learn how to deal with the sting and place the longing in Jesus’ healing hands. I am married now, and older than you, but your words resonate and ring true– there is no one who knows us better or loves us more than God. And marriage doesn’t heal everything or is the answer to all of our needs– but Jesus is. I wish I had had your maturity when I was your age! Keep sharing good words, Lindsee, and trusting Him!! God bless you, sweet sister.

  7. 107
    Donna says:

    Awesone post! Thank you for your transparency. I am also a single lady who continues to wait on the Lord to both fulfill that desire and tend the sting of an unmet desire. I never expected to still be waiting at 41, but God has faithfully loved me over the years. He has taught me so much during this period of waiting. I’ve been praying for my future husband since I was 14 and have often been tempted to put that desire on a shelf or kill it, but it serves to draw me again and again to the Lord for his comfort and care. And that has been good!

  8. 108
    Diane says:

    Oh Lindsee – I was were you are at!! Seeing my friends all get married and having that desire for myself and wondering if God would ever fulfill that desire. I can say I got a great big YES from God but it took some waiting until I was 36 to get married. God reunited me with a wonderful man that had attended the same Bible college as me when we were both about age 20. I can say I’m so thankful that I waited for the right man and that God said no to some of my earlier prayers for guys that I had thought I wanted. God is still faithful and loves you so much and knows your heart.

    • 108.1
      Lindsee says:

      Diane, that is incredible. How awesome that the Lord allowed y’all to meet that many more years later. And I’m so thankful He knows our heart! Blessings!

  9. 109
    anonymous says:

    I wish there was more information on overcoming loneliness and isolation. Where do single women in their mid thirties fit in the church geared to family ministry? Where do we find fellowship or friends when our friends get married and move on with life?

    • 109.1
      Lindsee says:

      Sister, I hear you and I completely understand. I have found the best way to overcome loneliness and isolation is obviously pressing into Jesus as that rises up, but also, getting up and getting out. Maybe for this season adopt a family and express your desire to love on them while you’re waiting. Or maybe find a church that has a ministry geared toward that? I don’t thing there is one solution. I’m praying the Lord leads and guides you to a community where you feel you belong despite any marital status. You are loved!

  10. 110

    There’s another category that’s even sadder still than either of those. And I can only share this without feeling sorry for myself, because I have now had the incredible healing of being married to a man who adores me and loves to introduce me to people and show me off. I still often have a hard time understanding why he would be proud to have people know me. But for whatever reason, God doesn’t always choose to give these girls a man like mine, and that’s the girl that had plenty of guys wanting her body, but she never had a date to Homecoming or the Prom or any other public event, because they wanted to sleep with her, but not be seen with her in public. She’s just a piece of meat to some guys. That’s a terrible way to grow up, thinking you’re only good for one thing. I know better now, but I believed it for many years, even well into my marriage. It took him a long time to convince me that he really did love me for me. That the words weren’t just words. They really meant something. In fact, it wasn’t until this year that I became convinced that he really does love me for more than just my body.

  11. 111
    Mitzi says:

    That is beautiful Lindsee. Wish I knew someone like you when I was in my teens. I didn’t fair well in high school socially or in love. When I was in high school there was a song by Janis Ian “At Seventeen.” That song was me! I’m so thankful God rescued me from the self-hate. Even though I’m secure in Him now, whenever I hear that I remember the pain. I’m passing your post on to the young and older singles in my church. Your post is a keeper. Blessings to you and your ministry at Living Proof. Keep writing! 🙂

  12. 112
    Lynn says:

    Excellent post, Lindsee. You are wise beyond your years. I had lunch today with a dear friend whose 24-year-old daughter is struggling with similar feelings. The daughter has never had a boyfriend. All her friends are either married or engaged. While she is happy for them, it gets harder each time she is invited to a wedding or asked to be a bridesmaid. She wonders what is “wrong” with her.

    Due to my dysfunctional family of origin, I wanted nothing more than to marry Prince Charming and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, he turned back into a frog and I was left to raise our daughter alone. Aside from one date, with a guy who spent the entire evening talking about his ex-wife, I’ve been alone. I see couples my age at church who have been married 30 years, entering the season of life where their children are grown and they fall in love all over again. They are there for each other when serious illness strikes, as it has with some of them. I wonder who would take care of me and hold me in the night if I got sick? My daughter is wonderful, but she has her own life now.

    The answer, of course, lies in trusting God but I usually grow impatient waiting on Him.

  13. 113
    Katie says:

    OH, did Mama Beth ever hit it out of the ball park when she snapped you up! Great post! Thank you Lord for Godly women, who come in all ages, colors, shapes and sizes. You alone are so worthy!

    PS- Your perfect man is out there preparing and waiting JUST for YOU! Don’t EVER settle for less!

  14. 114
    Lisa H says:

    Lindsey!
    you could have been writing my story here! I was the girl that didn’t hear “I love you”. At least not from the people I should have, like my parents. I heard it from the boys and that is what I craved, those words, and to feel like I mattered. So I gravitated toward a life that now I look back on and am so regretful over it. I now have 2 children (8 & 12) and seriously hope and pray that I can help them avoid that same pitfall. We are on the right road because 6 years ago I made it back to church, 2 years ago I gave my life back to Christ after being away for 18+years. I know now that I am lovable and will never be lacking in love ever again!

    I am a divorced mother of 2 great children and I have a God who loves me so very much. He knows the plan he has for me and I am patiently waiting for him to reveal small pieces of it to me!
    Lisa

  15. 115
    Jill says:

    It is VERY important to “take captive EVERY thought”! Repeat the TRUTH over and over: Father, oh how you love me. Thank you for loving me. You love me. I am your bride. –I say these words often even as a woman married 14 years. My first two years of college were at Bible college, and I would be all restless on weekend nights, watching others going out on dates. Oh, what time I wasted not going out myself to the bookstore, enjoying having time to myself, which I as a mother long for now! We sheep always want that grass outside the fence!

  16. 116
    Katy says:

    Lindsee,
    Thank you so much for this sweet reminder. A couple of years ago my husband and I were going through a very difficult time in our marriage. At the same time, I was participating in Beth’s “Esther” study and reading So Long Insecurity. There were so many times that I remember crying myself to sleep at night and telling God that He must have made a mistake this time, there’s just no way that these things can work out for my good. Finally, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me to just let God romance my heart. My husband wasn’t doing it at the time, but He would. I’m so glad I was able to do just that. It’s hard to hear His still, small voice sometimes, but I’m learning to listen more each day. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! May God romance your heart as He prepares you for a wonderful man to share your life with someday.

  17. 117
    Peggy says:

    Thank you for this post, Lindsee. I have been divorced for 11 years now and am understanding a lot more of God’s ways than a I did previously. It is so hard to believe that God is good and protecting me after my life fell apart and over the last 11 years of healing. We think we want to go from hurt to healed without any of the work in between. But the work that God does inside us is so precious, as is the time spent waiting on him. Unfortunately, I didn’t see this at first and now it is almost in retrospect.

  18. 118
    Lee Ann says:

    Lindsee,
    This is such a great reminder to our young girls and just want you to know that this link is being circulated by several Moms to other Moms to have their teenage daughters read. We tell them this over and over, but they need to hear it from young women who they can relate to. Thank you for being that voice.

    • 118.1
      Denise says:

      Lindsee and Lee Ann,
      Yes I totally agree…thank you Lindsee for being a voice of wisdom! I read this post to my 13 year old daugther who is struggling with these exact same feelings. She feels “less than” because she has never had a boyfriend. But I am so grateful for that. I appreciated Lindsee words because it was the truth coming from someone else and not advice from me, the Mom. Thanks again. And we, Moms, need to pray “without ceasing” for our daughters, no matter what their ages.

  19. 119
    Shelli says:

    Thanks for the beautiful post, Lindsee. I can totally relate..I am about to turn 40 in January and I am still single. I never thought I would be 40 and never married. At times it is a struggle, but I do know that Jesus’ love for me outweighs all human love. Yes, Satan does try to get me to feel like something is wrong with me..society plays into it as well, but we must stand firm in the Word and know that we are loved by the Quarterback of the football team!! I will definitely pass this on to other singles!! It was so encouraging to me this morning!

  20. 120
    Anonymous says:

    I was single until 31. God brought me an amazing, godly husband and we have been happily married for 10 years.

    When I was single and wondering….

    God brought this 3rd Day song into my path.

    I’ve heard it said
    That a man would climb a mountain
    Just to be with the one he loved
    I never climbed the highest mountain
    But I walked the hill of Calvary
    Just to be with you I would give anything
    I would give my life away

    It certainly helped me rejoice in the perfect love I already had in Christ.

  21. 121
    Abby says:

    Love this!

    I need so much to be reminded of these truths. For some reason it is always more difficult for me to be single during the holiday season. But I have found over the years that Christ is MORE THAN ENOUGH for me. This post, as well as the comments, are an incredible encouragement. Thank you for sharing.

    And this may be embarrassing, but I am a 27 year old girl who proudly rolls down her windows and sings Taylor Swift songs at the top of her lungs. Haha!

  22. 122
    Betty Murphrey says:

    Thanks so much, Lindsee. I’m going to send this to my 16-year old granddaughter, Amy. She’s a strong Christian, loves Taylor Swift, a senior in high school, and has lots of friends, male and female, but no “boyfriend”. She will love your words from your heart.

  23. 123
    Sharae says:

    I so understand where you are coming from. I may be 33 years old, but I remember very well my middle school and high school years before I had blossomed. I can honestly tell people I was ugly then – I didn’t blossom until college. I remember being devastated that no boy wanted me then, but as I look back, I know I was spared years of heartache and possibly regrets as I don’t think I would have been mature enough to have appropriately handled a relationship. I pray that I will be able to paint an accurate picture for my daughter of her worth and value to the Lord (and to my husband and myself) so that she can have her mind filled with truth.

  24. 124
    Sherrill Bates says:

    I enjoyed reading your posting, so wise at only 26 years of age. I wish I had only had your wisdom when I was your age.
    I really do not how else to say, I was traumatized as a child, and entered into a marriage in which we were unequally yoked. Shortly after we married my husband, began to physically, emotionally, and sexually abuse me.
    Based on my childhood, I never knew how a man should treat a woman. The marriage last 18 years, we have one child, she is just a couple of years older than yourself. My daughter is my heart, as she entered pre-school, it was noted that she had a delayed speech impairment. To make a tremendously long story short, she is developmentally & intellectually disabled. She receives social support from the state and lives in a residential home.
    These young women with cognitive difficulties, they tend to rotate through the young men in the other residential homes.
    She has been with this one young man for ~ 18 months, they want to marry in April 2012. (Believe me we are have many talks) I am going to read your posting to her. I do not want her to ever think that all men are abusive….and for her to never settle for less. Her and her boyfriend attend church together (they usually don’t sit next to me….).
    Lastly, I have been single for 12 almost 13 years….for the longest time I would plead with God….about this desire to be married again. I felt and still at times experience the sense that I am not loveable. But you are so right the devil is a liar, and he wants nothing more than to steal the JOY, that is mine through Christ Jesus & and He is truly the Lover of my soul.
    Thank you for reminding me to stay grounded in the Love and Power I have through Jesus, who fills my every need and desire.
    God Bless, Your sister in Christ….S.B.

  25. 125
    Chesney says:

    Lindsee,

    This is so incredible. All things that I knew deep inside but was so refreshed and encouraged to read. Thanks for sharing!

  26. 126
    Shelly E says:

    This was a wonderful post, Lindsee. You are a wise young woman. As I read this, I was prompted in my heart to pray for your future husband. May the Lord bless you as you’ve been a blessing to so many.

  27. 127
    Emilee says:

    Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder that the Lord has never and will never hold out on us. It’s far too easy to get consumed in thinking about the future and desiring to be married, however it is so important that we keep the Lord as our first love. I love how affirming you word in your post and how evident your love for the Lord is. Thank you for sharing!

  28. 128
    Anonymous says:

    Thank you so much for this post, Lindsee! I am 28 and single and this post was perfect timing and exactly the encouragement I needed. God does have a plan and even when times are hard and it seems like everyone is married we need to keep our Hope in the Lord. His plan is far better than anything we can imagine, but it still does not make things easy and tears are still common. This post is a great reminder to keep seeking the Lord as we wait. Thank you!

  29. 129
    Elisabeth says:

    Oh, man! Every time you write a post, I see more and more that we have in common. It’s almost a bit freaky. I am 29, Dear Siesta, and have never dated. Ever. No boy, guy, and now man has ever looked at me twice. I resonate with everything you said in this post. And I thank you very much for writing it. At my age, when you are struggling to survive financially and coming home to an empty home at night with no one to talk to about your day or thoughts or feelings and when you can’t have a hug when you want it-sometimes for DAYS- its extremely difficult to remain focused and believe God and remember there’s something lovable about you. But you’re right. Jesus is madly in love with you and I and if we even knew how much we’d explode. That’s more than enough said right there. And that’s absolutely awesome, isn’t it?:)

  30. 130
    Monica says:

    AMEN! Agree on all levels. I was so “boy crazy” when I was a teen and my daughter is not at all as a senior. She has a GREAT head on her shoulders. I think the fact that her parents (her dad and me) are still married and her dad is present in her life and her mom (me) is a freak (lol) makes a big difference. We are all trying to find a daddy to take care of us or love us like we think a “father” should, when the embrace of Jesus as our Savior is the best love we can search for in our life. When we can truly embrace that, we can know “true love.”

  31. 131
    christi says:

    that was beautiful!

  32. 132
    Kiersten says:

    Lindsee, thanks for the words of encouragement. Id never thought about it that way, and its so true.

    I’m 18, and yet to have a boyfriend. All my friends do, and honestly, sometimes its tough. Especially when your the third wheel at six flags.

    I appreciate that you wrote this!

  33. 133
    Erin says:

    This post has been a wonderful encouragement, Lindsee. Thank you for your words! At 23, I have yet to have a boyfriend or even go out on a date. Even though it can be so hard, I must always embrace the love of Christ above all! He is truly the only One who can satisfy my every desire. And, oh, He is SO kind to meet all of my needs. May you continue to be strengthened by His love for you, as well!

  34. 134
    Jan says:

    What a blessing this post is to me. When I read it Monday I couldn’t believe how well you articulated what I’ve felt over the years. I have been meditating over your words all week. I’m so glad I decided to reviste this post this morning so that I could see all the wonderful comments! Oh what a blessing!

    I am 42 & still waiting on the man the Lord has promised me. I have experienced such a range of emotions over the years, which so many of you have expressed so well in your responses. But the one I want to address is “the sting.” You articulated this so well! That sting of having such a strong desire in your heart & not having it fulfilled has brought me to tears over the years, along with the feelings of being unlovable & that there is certainly something wrong with me because no one has chosen me. But I can honestly say now that God is taking away the sting & I am coming to learn God’s true love for me. It still doesn’t take away the desire for earthly love & I don’t think it supposed to, but it is certainly a superceding love which rises above all others. God’s love has brought comfort & confidence to know I am an awesome woman!

    It’s been a blessing to see how many others there are out there that never dated in highschool or college & who are not dating now. I realize I am not alone & that my waiting is not in vain.

    I’ve had one real relationship which happened at 37. He told me & anyone who’d listen that he loved me & wanted to marry me. I was estatic! Unfortunately, he up & walked away from the relationship without even saying goodbye. With God’s love & help, I can say I hold no bitterness about this. It was what it was & he was not the man for me.

    Thank you so much to the married women who have responded in a positive manner to this post also. Your respnonses have been so beautiful & God-filled! I get so tired of some married women who are always trying to convince me that I shouldn’t have a desire to married; that married life & children are not good things & that I should be happy I don’t have them. I know that this is a lie from Satan. I am proud to say I want these things, but am willing to wait on God.

    To all of us siestas out here who are in the same boat, God loves us & he will send us a man who will love us. We are lovable & there is nothing wrong with us. We are kept women who hold a special place in God’s heart! Thank you Lindsee!

    • 134.1
      Lindsee says:

      Jan, I think you very well articulated your hearts desire. And praise the Lord He’s tending to that sting. Thank you for sharing your story! Much love to you, dear Sister.

  35. 135
    Bev says:

    I came upon your blog today by chance…and did God ever speak to me through it!! I’ll be 23 in a few months and have yet to have a serious boyfriend. Becoming a wife and mother has always been my dream and my desire, and it’s been so trying and downright painful on days watching friend after friend match up and walk down the aisle with me still waiting on the sidelines with no prospects in sight. It’s so easy to become defeated and feel hopeless when nothing seems to be happening, but your blog spoke to my heart and gave me the peace of knowing that I am not alone in this waiting period, and that ultimately God is for me and loves me more than I can put into words! Thank you for being so open and honest with your feelings…what a blessing this post (and you!) have been to me!!

    • 135.1
      Lindsee says:

      Praise the Lord, Bev! You ARE loved and cherished. And not in the least bit forgotten or looked over. Much love to you.

  36. 136
    Sara says:

    You, my dear, have been used of God in writing this post. I am 22 years old and I needed to hear this. My Husband has left me and I just had our second child, I find myself tonight asking the Lord “Will I ever be loved again? Will I ever get the chance to be with someone again?” And no answer comes, but I know why. Because a man’s love isn’t the answer. Jesus is. Thank you for the reasurrance and confirmation of that….and to know that it’s human and it isn’t a sin to want to be loved by another human.

    • 136.1
      Lindsee says:

      Sara, my heart is tender towards you. I am so sorry. I am praying you know the sweet love of Christ and that He is ever so near to you! You are loved, Sister.

    • 136.2
      Joy Barnes says:

      Thank you for being so honest, Sara! My sister was literally in your very same place. She has two beautiful daughters and a father with the same jeans, but letting his first love be it drugs and alcohol. Needless to say, this road has not been easy, nor the one she would have chosen for herself, but she is now engaged recently to a wonderful, godly man that loves and is committing to provide and protect their family as long as he has breath in him to do so. The one thing that i can say about my sister is that she never lost hope, and in the moments of loneliness, she leaned on her heavenly groom for strength and comfort. God was it! And then a father figure was added to the mix.

      He knows! He knows how to plan and time things! He knows when we just need Him…He when we need to wait and see what he does best! He does best in taking care of our every need, desire, hope, dream and even the very last thread of anything we can hold onto. He got you and your family! You are more important than anything!

      Much love,
      Joy:)

  37. 137
    Jacquelynn says:

    This reminded me to tell you about how I turned one of Taylor’s songs into a Christian song… the song “Mean” I turned the ‘mean person’ into the devil and the ‘big ol city’ is Heaven, etc… 🙂

  38. 138
    Lauren says:

    Love this. I am a married 32 year old, but I think this post was for all of us, because all of us at times feel unloved. This was awesome… thanks for sharing your heart.

  39. 139
    Sarah says:

    Well said! It makes all the difference in the world to put one’s hope and heart in the hands of Christ. I work for the country music industry and have spent many “behind-the-scenes” moments around Taylor. While I’m not her number one fan, she is true. What you see at her concerts and in her interviews is the real Taylor. No faking it. If I had girls, I would be happy to have Taylor as a role model in their lives.

  40. 140

    Warmest of greetings to you Lindsee! I appreciate you sharing with us. Your words are wise. He is the One who loves you best.

  41. 141
    jennifer says:

    LOL. I’m 32 and took my 9yr old neice to see Swift thinking it would be good for her, but I would be bored out my mind. Well, she kept her fingers in her ears all night, and I left the concert a closet Swift fan and have been ever since. Praying Swift keeps herself grounded, too.

  42. 142
    Karen Gentry says:

    Karen, Hewitt
    “Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love”. Ephesians 4:2 NIV

  43. 143
    Joy Barnes says:

    Dearest sweet Beth,

    This blog caught my attention tonight, as I am now sitting alone in my recently new apartment after work, feeling like the first girl you described, yet a combination of both.
    You see, I am only 22 years old and have had my fare share of heartaches, and boys who were not men. Sitting here after a comediac, light-hearted romance movie now ending, feeling somewhat alone and unlovable. My past still hurts sometimes, being reminded of the bits and pieces of my heart I gave away. It has never been all the way, but just enough out of fear and desperation for them to stay close to me and fill the huge gap I felt so deep in my soul, the pleasure that they had ro offer never was enough.

    Recently, I have been walking close with the Lord again and letting him bring up some issues from my past hurts, that have, honestly, been very healing with loads of freedom. But still, my heart is asking, “what more can I do to be close to God and do for him?” I have always loved to sing! My family loves music! God has confirmed to me many other times that he will use that in me someday for His glory. I also serve my church by leading a group of 6th grade girls, who have brought sooo much light and joy into my life and I am truly blessed by them.
    These are two things that I love to do, but as a woman of God, still searching and getting more of the fathers heart, how do I apply these?

    I answered my own question….

    “Seek first the Kingdom….and all these other things will be added.” Seek first, then wait to catch the heart of the One that draws people to Himself. Why do anything else, than rather being his beautiful masterpieces?!?!

    Thank you Beth, I think I merely needed a place to just let it all come to the surface! God uses you in extraordinary ways! Love ya! A fellow Siesta!

    Joy Faith Barnes:)

  44. 144
    Havilah says:

    Thank you so much for sharing this. My best friend told me about your post, and I’m very glad she did 🙂

  45. 145
    Amy says:

    Checking the LPM blog used to be a weekly routine for me, but somewhere along the way I fell off. About a month ago, I happened to jump on the site and came across this post. At 27, I know all too well the “sting” you speak of as I have always been “that girl”. I very much struggle with my humanness, and everday is a battle of choosing to believe what I know to be true versus giving in to the lies of my aching heart.

    I’ve come back to this post a few times since first reading it. Once in awhile, in my weakest moments, it helps to be reminded that no, I’m not alone, and yes, I am lovable.

    Thank you, Lindsee, for reminding me.

    Jesus loves us. May we know it until we feel it.

  46. 146
    JacquelineW says:

    Thank you so much for this. I have never had any guy show any interest in me and that is very painful for me most of the time. I’m very grateful for this reminder of God’s all-encompassing and unfailing love for me.

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