Old Maid: Faithful single life in a very married church

Kameika is a lovely and soft-spoken lady, a tremendous singer and worship leader whom I occasionally sung with in choir at my former church. In this episode she shares practical advice on beating loneliness and living in the moment. Old Maid on social media: https://www.instagram.com/oldmaidpod/ https://www.facebook.com/oldmaidpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Why am I single? If you're like me, this question has haunted you a lot. In this episode, I ask a some single women why THEY think they're single, and then explore a few potential reasons. Old Maid on Social media. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmaidpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldmaidpod/

Amanda is a retired teacher whose journey took her from a small farming community to the jungle of Venezuela as a young, single woman--and then back again. Okay, I can't imagine going that far away alone and having to communicate with my family by mail. She's an amazing woman of faith, and says frankly that she doesn't consider herself marriage material--teaching was her niche. Old Maid on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmaidpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldmaidpod/

It can be tough, as a single woman, to make friends at church - especially when the other women your age are all moms. In this episode, I ask five moms how I, a single woman, can be a friend to them. Because we need each other, and we have a lot to give to each other if we can just start the conversation. Old Maid on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmaidpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldmaidpod/

Ethleen Sawyerr is the author of Defiant! Redefining singleness at 30+. "In a world that still treats marriage as an accomplishment, Ethleen Sawyerr found herself conflicted about the arrival of her 30th birthday. Still single, she questioned why God had continued to withhold one of the things she desired most: a husband. With a spouse came a lifetime companion to love, close confidant to share every secret with, and partner to raise a family." The story joins Ethleen on her introspective journey, chronicling pivotal moments of frustration, loneliness, and transformation as a single Christian woman longing for “God's best.” Ethleen's websites: http://www.ethleenwrites.com/ https://singlelifenavigator.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethleenwrites/

Season 2 baby! Bethany and Kristen from Looking for the Middle podcast (A Christian girl's guide to modern dating) talk singleness - what's bad, what's good, and can running cure you of selfishness? Looking for the Middle social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lftm_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lftmpodcast/ Old Maid social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldmaidpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldmaidpod/

Bridget is a sociologist, writer and PhD student. She's written extensively on theology, relationships and sexuality in a Christian context on her blog, Meditations of a Travelling Nun and is currently writing a book on LGBTQ discrimination in the church. Bridget talks about being called to remain unmarried, but realizing she couldn't make it on her own. God led her to another person who felt the same way, and together they formed a family that's different, but beautiful.

Janice is 46 and owner of one of the best laughs you're going to hear. Her mischief streak is on full display as she talks serious things like finances, toxic friends and intentionally building relationships.

Stephanie, 35, is a missionary with YWAM in Kansas City, Missouri. In this episode she talks about being healed from hatred of men, play dates with her nieces and nephews (who call her "second mom"), celebrating milestones that aren't marriage, and keeping eternal perspective.

Margaret, 79, is a retired school teacher who has also done missionary work. She lives in a small Mennonite community in Southeastern Manitoba--she's also my Mom's aunt. On this episode, she talks about not letting bitterness take root, how long it takes to read the Bible (less time than you'd think) and reminds us not to be too hard to please when it comes our church - after all, none of us live up to our own expectations.

Kyla is a missionary working with youth in Thompson, Manitoba. In this episode, she and Geralyn talk about the dangers of Facebook stalking, learning to love, and if teens should read romance novels.

Vanessa, 32, works at a large, non-denominational church where she coordinates their young children's ministry. She's a newly-minted CrossFitter, and she's a content, happy single. But that happiness has come through suffering and much prayer.

In this first episode of Old Maid, I sit down with my sister Jessica to talk about our singleness experience and give the show a little context.