Dear Editor,
Thank you to Ann Culley (May en) for her moving letter on singleness and life after mission work. Her words resonated deeply with me. As a child, I felt called to mission, believing it meant overseas service. Instead, I’ve served in the NHS since 2011.
Raised in a charismatic church, I was taught that a woman’s purpose was marriage and motherhood. Even after moving to a Baptist church, the pressure to marry remained.
Now 35 and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, I’ve often felt my singleness is misunderstood, even devalued. While I’ve longed for marriage and children, they haven’t been part of God’s plan for me. That doesn’t make my voice or calling less valid.
Titus reminds us that older women – married or single – have a role in guiding younger women. Jesus Himself was single, yet deeply fulfilled in His purpose.
Single Christian women are not opposed to marriage. We simply carry wisdom from our journey that can help others. If I’d seen more of that growing up, I wouldn’t have felt torn between calling and cultural expectations.
Every part of Christ’s body matters. Let’s honour the fullness of both marriage and singleness.
Yours sincerely,
Katie Roberts, Kent
