The Whole In One Experience...

I have been asked numerous times to explain what Whole In One is all about and what it means.  Most assume some sort of golfing association, but all I can say about that is they don't know how to spell. Actually, it could still be possible we were making a play on that sport, but we simply are not.

First, I'll explain what the name means.  The concept comes from Colossians 2:10 that says it is in Christ Jesus that we have our fulness and are made complete.  You've seen this in the banner at the top of our web page.  Acts 17:28 says it another way, that in Christ we live and move and have our being.  Other Bible verses we use as our mission statement are ones that, while not explicitly stated, include non-exhaustive lists that could very easily include singles.  For instance, Paul states twice (Galatians 3:28 & Colossians 3:11) that we are all equal in Christ.  We are neither male or female, Jew or Gentile, slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, or married or unmarried. Also, in 1 Timothy 4:11, Paul tells his protege to not let anyone look down on him because he is young.  I would add that Paul would agree that no one should look down on you because you are single.

Married people will try to say that doesn't happen, but that's only because they've forgotten what it was like to be single. We singles know that we are bombarded from every angle and we live in a marriage preferable world.  Advertising, holidays, family, and friends all work at taking you from lonely singlehood to the magical world of marriage wonderment, as if it's easy to be married.  Being single or married is equally hard.  There is no easy way.  Even Christian oriented organizations like eHarmony are trying to tell us it is simple to fix our problem of being single.  Now, does this mean we are against marriage? No.  In fact, we know that marriage is a Godly institution and a Godly desire.  It's just that we refuse to believe there is something wrong with us if we are not married.

We are not half of a person.  We are not incomplete.  We are not waiting for someone to save us from our misery.  God's love for us is as great now as it will ever be and His desire to use us is as great, too. Who we are in God's eyes is all that matters.

Whole In One is also a symbolic representation of the Trinity, three persons in one, working towards the same goal.  We also live by the advice given in the Bible that a cord of three strands is stronger than one (Ecclesiastes).  We are not meant to be alone in our daily struggles. We can rely on those that share in our experiences.

So what else makes us different?  Well, I'm glad you asked... See, we also eliminate those things that make a typical singles group uncomfortable.  In fact, one of our main goals is the comfortability of the members.  We do this by making sure attendees know we are not a "meat market" or a dating service.  We are together to grow closer to God and closer to each other in the process.  Even those that begin a relationship with someone are asked to consider the feelings of the other members in the group by coming as individuals to the group. There's plenty of time for that couple to be together and nurture their relationship, but the singles group meeting is not the time for that.

Security is a big key as well.  Many singles feel vulnerable, especially the single women thinking of attending.  It can be hard to open yourself to new people, places, and things.  We look to make you as secure as if you were with your family or in your own home, maybe even more.  If at least for one day a week, you should feel safe from what the world would have you believe.

What we do: A typical Whole In One experience includes great fun, great discussion, worship, Bible study, prayer, and ministry for each others' needs.  In the end, our focus is always God and helping each other in the Christian journey. We build friendships and relationships that lift each other up and are accountable to each other in true community.

We hope to see you at the next Whole In One experience!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Day 29: All Things Are Possible

Today's reading in The Purpose Driven Life is about serving.  It is the first of multiple chapters on the topic.  We are made for, called to, and commanded to serve.  Later, we'll see practical ways for that to happen.

For now, I wanted to look at our obstacles.  See, we are the kings of excuses.  As Charlie Peacock says in his song In The Light, we've got one for every selfish thing we do (no, DCTalk was not the originator of this song).  However, when you look at the long list of misfits God used for His glory it's hard not to believe He can also use us, no matter how inadequate.

Many know I am a huge Star Wars fan and I find many spiritual parallels in the characters. In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke attempts to lift his spacecraft out of the swamp and fails.  He turns to Yoda and says, "I can't.  It's too big."  Yoda, at his small size, proceeds to do it for Luke. Luke then says, "I don't believe it."  To which Yoda replies, "That is why you fail."

So, I'm writing on excuses for not serving and I can't help but think it's related to our faith in God.  We don't believe He can accomplish His work through us.  Sure, He could do it on His own, but once He decides to use me, well then, my shortcomings blot out His power.  It's like kryptonite to Superman.  We forget that all things are possible with God and that all includes using us, even in the small things.  So what has God called you to do that you've been holding back on?

Happy Chatting...
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