Keep sticking yourself out there
I was 21 and feeling alone, isolated, uncertain about who I was or where I was going.
I had just broken up with my boyfriend, all my close friends were far away at Christian colleges, and I was living at home with what felt like no friends and no purpose.
It was then that my parents started encouraging me to “stick myself out there.” When I stepped out to create a young adults coffee house event that would be the beginnings of SJYA, it was that phrase that stuck with me.
Late night talks with my parents about how I wanted to find my forever person, how I needed new friend groups, how I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life, all boiled down to that one piece of advice from my parents – “Just keep sticking yourself out there and trying new things.”
That advice is what got me through that season, and maybe it’s what you need to hear right now too.
Some of you are single and have been for what feels like a very long time. You’re anxiously awaiting that person that you pray the Lord has for you, but you don’t know where to start. Is it online dating? Are you just supposed to wait for that person to show up in your life, or is there more you could be doing?
The Lord blessed me with meeting Jonathan the day after I turned 29. That might seem young to some of you and old to others, but He knew exactly when I was ready for that moment. In His timing, it wasn’t a day early or a day too late.
But I know He used my decision to keep “sticking myself out there” to bring my husband into my life.
You see, when we met, I wasn’t exactly actively looking for Jonathan. It was Valentine’s Day 2019 at Ani K.’s house in Ventnor. I was stuck in my mind on Valentine’s Day 2018 when I’d had a boyfriend. This year, I was single and at an event I had organized, with mostly females in attendance. I was feeling sorry for myself.
But it was through that initial meeting and the months following that the Lord began to work in my heart, and the rest is history.
Before you write this off as an oversimplification of finding “the one,” this advice to “stick yourself out there” doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships.
Finding good friendships is arguably just as important as finding your future spouse. Godly friendships apply to so many areas we struggle with as young adults – temptations, anxiety, loneliness. Who doesn’t need friends to support them on their Christian journey, friends who push you closer to the Lord, friends who can empathize on your worst days, friends who will push you out of your mood and into the present moment?
How else do you find good Christian friends if you’re not putting yourself in the right places to meet those friends? Bible studies, events, worship nights, dinner outings, are all opportunities to meet life-long friends.
So if you hang around me long enough, whatever the conversation is, you’re bound to hear me say, “Just keep sticking yourself out there.”
Stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people who love the Lord has never served me wrong, and it can bless you too. Don’t let the enemy or your own fears keep you from joining the activities we promote. It might just change your life.
-Jacklyn
