And Still I Rise

Got this by email and thought I'd share.

The term "single" according to the dictionary definition encompasses a number of meanings, but for our purpose we will hone in on a few relevant terms:-
-one only
-not double or multiple
-lonely
-unaided
-unattached
-unaccompanied

So how does singleness come about? Singleness may be the result of

(a) choice -- not everyone desires the marriage bond
(b) chance or design -- rejection of unsuitable liaisons
(c) divorce or abandonment-- there may be children of that union
(d) bereavement -- leaving widows with dependent children
(e) circumstance -- total caring for elderly/disabled relatives, leaving no opportunity for self-realisation
(f0 being jilted

The single person has to deal with the desires and the quips of their parents, peers, relatives, pastors, who constantly demand grandchildren, the peers, some of whom may be married-- "when are you going to take the plunge?" "aren't you married yet?" "someday, you'll make a man a good wife" and such-like statements bombard the ear of the single.

But singleness does not mean barrenness either in ideas or in having offspring- there are options available such as fostering and adoption, or finding a cause to which one can devote oneself in love.

Marriage has never been, and never will be a cure for loneliness, nor a recipe for happiness. There is a vast difference between loneliness and aloneness: this difference is well-defined. Loneliness expresses deprivation whereas aloneness celebrates productive power. Loneliness thrives on the depressing, whereas aloneness has, and uses its potential to make life happy and fulfilling. A good marriage relationship is a state of ecstasy, but unfortunately, within a marriage, both loneliness and a lack of happiness often co-exist.

Societal mores which exalt the status of marriage, and not without good reasons: after all, marriage was ordained by God, often denigrates the state of singleness, but in these times when many singles are forging their careers, societal mores still shout "on the shelf" "old maid", "barren", and other derogatory words which it would be denigrating to use in this context.

Let's dispense with societal labels! We are aware of them, but let them not dictate our thinking!