From Lonely to Loved
Reflections Workbook
From Lonely to Loved Reflections Workbook is designed to promote readers’ process of their own relationship trials and triumphs and turning of relationship dreams into goals. The chapters follow the content of the book so that the workbook can be used simultaneously to reading the book. It’s a great resource for individuals or for groups of friends that want to process through the book together.
The following is a sample chapter from the workbook. Following the workbook title, there’s a reference to the book chapter numbers in parentheses. In this case, users should read through chapter eight of the book before doing chapter five in the workbook.
WORKBOOK CHAPTER TITLE: 5. Overcome the Contentment Myth (FLTL 7, 8)
INTRO: Sometimes the world messages us that each of us should be perfectly content living life alone as a strategy not to need anyone because people can hurt us. Some people in the church on the other hand can message us that God requires us to pass a test of being content with him alone before he will allow a romantic relationship to come into our lives. From Lonely to Loved took pains to argue against this notion, and this reflection is to help readers deconstruct it.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS (each is followed by writing space):
Has a belief grown in my heart that I need to be content as a single person before I can marry? If so, where did the belief come from?
What effect does this belief have on my pursuing my heart’s desire?
What would it look like if I and others needed to be content without a job, housing, or food before we could seek any of these?
What are some biblical passages that challenge the idea that God expects me to be content alone before he will allow me to find a spouse?
If the contentment myth has stopped me from moving toward marriage, what are the most honest desires I have with regard to marriage?
PRAYER: After noting your thoughts, take time to pour out your heart to God about your deepest and most truthful desires related to marriage.
QUESTIONS AT EACH CHAPTER’S END: Looking Forward
Respond to these questions as they relate to your life with an eye toward the subject of each chapter.
What gave me hope in this chapter?
What steps can I take to move closer to my relationship goals?
What short-term steps can I take this week to move toward my relationship goal?
What difference will this step make?
Who are the people, experiences, or resources that will support me or give me a sense of self-efficacy (can do spirit) in these steps?
