RICHARD: Hey everyone, welcome back to Single and Blooming, the podcast where we, um, chat about how single Christians can really thrive, grow, and just, you know, walk in purpose. I’m your host, Richard, and today—oh man—you’re gonna love our guest. We’ve got Helen with us. She’s a leadership consultant, a speaker, and honestly just such a passionate voice for, like, intentional single living. Helen, so glad you’re here!

HELEN: Aww, thank you, Richard! I’m super excited to be here. I just love that we’re talking about this today—it’s such an important topic, especially for anyone who’s, you know, in that season of singleness and maybe wondering what God’s up to.

RICHARD: Totally! So let’s jump right in. There’s this idea floating around in Christian circles that singleness is kind of like… a waiting room before marriage, right? Like, you’re just holding a ticket until your number gets called. What would you say to that?

HELEN: Oh, that’s such a good one, Richard. And honestly, yeah, that mindset’s super common. We’ve kind of built this, um, invisible ladder where marriage is, like, the top rung, and singleness is just… the step before it. But the Bible paints a different picture, you know? Paul actually said something like, “Hey, I wish more people were single like me,” because he saw it as a good thing, not something to rush through.

RICHARD: Wait, so Paul actually calls singleness a gift?

HELEN: Exactly! Just like marriage is a gift. The real issue is—we just don’t unwrap the singleness one. When you’re single, you’ve got this rare chance to be fully devoted to God without divided attention. There’s this part where Paul says something like, “A single person can focus on pleasing the Lord,” and that’s so freeing! It’s not about being “better” than married folks—it’s just about realizing what’s available to you right now.

RICHARD: Wow. So instead of seeing singleness as, like, something missing, we should see it as an advantage?

HELEN: Oh, totally. Think about it—your time, your energy, your focus, your prayers… they’re all in your hands. You don’t have to juggle a partner’s schedule or family stuff. You’ve got space to listen to God clearly. Marriage is beautiful, of course, but it naturally divides your attention. So when you’re single, God can do something special with that undivided focus—if you’re open to it.

RICHARD: That’s such a refreshing perspective. It’s like, instead of asking “When will I get married?” maybe it’s “God, what do You want to do with me now?”

HELEN: Exactly! You nailed it. When we shift our focus like that, singleness stops feeling like a waiting room—and starts feeling like a season of purpose.

RICHARD: Alright, Helen, let’s get practical for a sec. So, for someone listening right now—maybe they get what you’re saying, but they’re like, “Okay cool, but how do I actually live this out?” What are some real ways single Christians can make the most of this season?

HELEN: Yeah, I love that question, Richard, because it’s like—okay, let’s move from theory to action, right? So first, um, time. You’ve got time, and that’s such a huge gift. There’s this verse that basically says we can make all these plans, but it’s God who really directs our steps. When you’re single, you can literally wake up in the morning and say, “Alright, Lord, what do You want me to do today?”—and you can just go do it. No need to check with anyone’s schedule or manage five calendars.

RICHARD: Haha, yeah, that’s real freedom right there.

HELEN: Exactly! You can, like, jump into ministry, volunteer, start that small group, take a mission trip, or maybe even go back to school. You’ve got so much flexibility that sometimes you don’t even realize it until you step into it.

RICHARD: That’s good. And I guess that ties into, um, stewardship too, right? Like, how you use that time matters.

HELEN: For sure. And not just time—your finances, too. When you’re single, you’ve got more freedom with your money. You can choose to be super generous—support missionaries, invest in something God’s calling you to, live simply, give more. And then there’s mobility. When God says, “Go,” you can actually go. You know, Jesus Himself was single—He just went wherever the Father led Him. That kind of freedom is powerful.

RICHARD: Yeah, I think sometimes people overlook that.

HELEN: Totally. And then there’s emotional availability. When you’re single, you’ve got the space to really pour into others—mentor someone, disciple younger believers, build deep friendships. It’s not about being busier—it’s about being available.

RICHARD: That’s really good. But, um, I think we also need to be real—loneliness is something a lot of singles deal with. How do you, like, navigate that without getting discouraged?

HELEN: Yeah, that’s such a real question. Loneliness hits everyone at some point, and honestly, pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t help. But here’s what I’ve learned: loneliness can actually be an invitation—an invitation to deeper intimacy with God. Like, there’s this psalm where David basically says, “Who else do I have but You, Lord?” It’s that raw moment where you realize—God’s presence is enough.

RICHARD: Mm, yeah… that’s deep.

HELEN: It is. And it’s not always easy, right? But sometimes those quiet seasons, when it’s just you and God, become the times when you grow the most. Loneliness doesn’t have to lead to desperation—it can lead to devotion. Because Jesus promised, “I’m with you always.” And “always” includes your single season too.

RICHARD: Wow. That’s so reassuring. Like, you’re never actually alone, even when it feels like it.

HELEN: Exactly. God fills that space if you let Him.

RICHARD: So Helen, let’s talk about that — relying on God’s strength. Like, practically speaking, how does a single Christian lean into that every day?

HELEN: Yeah, such a good question. I think it really starts with identity. Like, too many people see their relationship status as their identity — you know, “I’m single, I’m dating, I’m married.” But God doesn’t label us that way. He calls us chosen, special, His own. So, when you really get that — that your value isn’t tied to a ring or relationship — you stop living like you’re incomplete.

RICHARD: Yeah, that’s a huge mindset shift right there.

HELEN: It totally is. And then there’s your prayer life. Like, not just praying, “God, please send me someone,” but really talking to Him. Seeking His heart, not just His hand. There’s this verse that basically says, “You’ll find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” That’s the kind of prayer that changes your day-to-day, you know?

RICHARD: Yeah, it’s that deeper connection — not just the wish list.

HELEN: Exactly! And community, too. Oh my goodness — this is so key. We’re not meant to do life alone. God designed us for connection, and that includes friendships, mentors, church family. There’s this reminder in Scripture not to give up meeting together — and it’s true. You need people who’ll pray with you, celebrate you, remind you of who God says you are.

RICHARD: That’s such an important reminder. But, um, what about those moments when, like, the desire for marriage just feels… heavy? You know, that ache that won’t go away?

HELEN: Oh yeah, been there. And I’d say — bring it to God. Don’t fake it, don’t stuff it down. He can handle your honesty. There’s that verse that says when you delight in the Lord, He’ll give you the desires of your heart. But here’s the thing — sometimes He fulfills it, sometimes He shapes it, and sometimes He sustains you in it. Like, He doesn’t waste a single season. Even your longing can lead you closer to Him.

RICHARD: Wow. Yeah, that’s so freeing to hear. Like, it’s okay to want marriage — but it’s also okay to trust God in the meantime.

HELEN: Exactly. He’s working in it, through it, even when you don’t see it.

RICHARD: Alright, Helen, I’ve got one more big question. A lot of single Christians kinda feel like their “real life” starts once they’re married — like their purpose is on pause. What would you say to that?

HELEN: Oh, that one makes me wanna grab people by the shoulders and say, “No, your calling is now!” (laughs) Seriously though — God’s not waiting on your relationship status to start using you. You were created with purpose before you ever thought about marriage. There’s this verse that says we’re God’s handiwork — created to do good works that He already planned for us. That means, like, right now — today — there’s stuff only you can do.

RICHARD: That’s so good.

HELEN: Yeah, like, look at Jesus. He didn’t get married, but He fulfilled the greatest mission ever. Or Paul — single and still changed the world. And even now, there are single people out there — missionaries, teachers, business leaders — who are thriving in their calling. So the real question isn’t “When will my life start?” It’s, “God, what do You want to do through me right now?”

RICHARD: Mmm, that’s powerful.

HELEN: It is. Because, um, here’s the thing — one day, you don’t wanna look back and realize you spent your whole season waiting for another one. God says, “I’m doing something new — can’t you see it?” He’s moving now. Don’t miss it just because you’re wishing for later.

RICHARD: Wow, yeah… that’s convicting, but in a really hopeful way.

HELEN: (laughs) Good, it should be! It’s meant to encourage, not pressure. Just to remind you — your life’s already in bloom.

RICHARD: Helen, this has been so good. As we wrap up, what’s one last bit of wisdom you’d leave with our listeners?

HELEN: Hmm, I’d say — bloom where you’re planted. Singleness isn’t, like, a backup plan. It’s a sacred season full of potential. So, seek God deeply, serve boldly, love people well, and trust that He’s writing your story perfectly — whether that includes marriage or not. Your life’s already full because Jesus is in it.

RICHARD: Amen to that. Friends, I hope today really shifted your perspective. Singleness isn’t something to fix — it’s something to steward. Helen, thank you so much for sharing your heart and wisdom.

HELEN: Aww, thank you, Richard. This was such a joy.

RICHARD: And to everyone listening — hey, you’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re exactly where God wants you right now. Keep blooming, and we’ll see you next time on Single and Blooming.