I'm a Fundamental, Independent Baptist...and I'm single. In our circles, that's akin to having leprosy. A woman, at my age, and still single...well! Let's just say...there must be a reason. The idea that single is bad and married (to anyone) is infinitely preferable is a philosophy that has inundated the very fiber of Baptist culture. [Just to clarify...I'm not IFB. That really isn't a thing, you know. And no one had ever heard that term until Dateline made up a story about it...just FYI.] But back to the topic at hand...
Saying, "I'm single" is sorta like saying, "I have cancer." People look at you with pity. They pray for you, try to encourage you, and tell you stories of their second cousin Betty who was single until she was 43, then God miraculously "blessed her with a man." They hope you won't die from it, but they are resigned to the fact that if you're too far gone, there really is no hope.
Being single - a single woman - in a Baptist church is an enigma. No one knows where you fit. You didn't follow the plan. You broke the pattern.
Well, let me help you. "The truth will set you free," and I'm about to lay a few truths on ya...
