Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, wrote a special letter in this month’s Ensign especially for single sisters in the Church. However, the principles in the letter are important for anyone who feels out of place and is longing to belong.
The letter was inspired by a question posed by a single, 48-year-old woman in a letter of her own to Sister Eubank, as well as the “hundreds of letters in my office” she has also received. As part of her question she asked, “How do I get past feelings of emptiness and feel more purpose in life?”
Sister Eubank, also a single sister, came up with seven ideas in response. They are:
- Our blessings come in different orders, but they still come.
- Focus on the “eternal now.”
- Wards can be family too.
- How to fit into a family and family-oriented church.
- How to deal with the pain of feeling lonely.
- Seeing opportunities to grow in new directions.
- Finding emotional support.
To conclude the letter, Sister Eubank wrote, “I hope you know there is no category that can hold you except that of being a child of the eternal God. The Lord sees you. You’re not invisible to Him. He loves your efforts that no one else may see. You’re valuable, and He treasures you in all your quirks and individuality. If you trust your life to Him, His hand will guide you every step of the way until you are happy and at peace with all the desires of your heart.”
