Posted August 9, 2011 Book: One Like Jesus: Conversations on the Single Life Author: Debra K. Farrington Loyola Press. Chicago, IL. 1999. Pp.197 An Excerpt from the Jacket: Being single doesn’t come naturally to many people, yet almost half of adult Americans are single today. Whether by choice, through divorce, or after the death of a spouse, many adults find themselves on a road that has very few street signs. In One Like Jesus, Debra K. Farrington offers a map for the journey in a series of biblically based meditations that affirm the value of singlehood. Whether you have been single for years or find yourself newly single, whether you are happy or unhappy in that state, One Like Jesus offers encouragement, support, and practical suggestions for leading a rich, full life. An Excerpt from the Book: First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed throughout the world. For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:8-12 Living alone means that I do not always have someone handy with whom to talk things over. Many times I’ve come home from work or from another activity with something on my mind and picked up the phone to call a friend. But one of the best things I’ve had in my life is a prayer group that offered me regular support and encouragement. We met once a month and kept up with each other between those times. I looked forward to those evenings each month when we would pray together, share our hopes and concerns, and offer each other encouragement and support. Most of us can benefit from this kind of help, from a close group of people who offer support and prayers. Some of us need the encouragement of others who have traveled our particular road already — people who have survived divorce or the death of a beloved spouse. Or perhaps we just need a supportive community in general. My own group consisted of women who simply came together to listen to one another and pray. Churches and various community organizations offer all sorts of support groups. If you can’t find one you like, put together your own. Invite some like-minded friends to covenant with you for a period of time and experiment with the kind of prayer and encouragement you can offer one another. Being part of a community of people who care that we are well and safe and happy can make all the difference in the quality of our lives. Table of Contents: 1. Jesus as role model 2. Other role models in scripture 3. Journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land 4. Manna in the wilderness 5. By the waters of Babylon 6. Seeing a new way 7. The New Jerusalem 8. God’s unconditional love