1 True Talks
1 True Talks
Beyond Expectations: Embracing a Purpose-Filled Life
What if the world's expectations of marriage and parenthood aren't the only paths to a fulfilling life? Challenging conventional wisdom and explore how faith can guide us to a purpose-filled life beyond traditional roles. With inspiration from scripture and stories of figures like Paul and Deborah, we celebrate the many ways individuals can find joy and meaning outside of societal norms. Discover how these biblical figures thrived with unique callings that defied expectations, showing us that God's vision for our lives is broader and more diverse than we often realize.
As we step into a new year, let's unpack the pressures surrounding the age-old questions about settling down and starting a family. In this episode, shares insights from over a decade as a matchmaker and explore how living for the approval of others can leave us feeling unfulfilled. Instead, we focus on embracing the unique path God has designed for each of us. Whether your calling involves marriage, parenthood, leadership, or any other purpose, it's time to redefine what it means to live a full and meaningful life. Listen in and be encouraged to follow your own journey, celebrating the diverse paths that lead to joy and fulfillment.
Hi, I'm Renee Richel, the founder and president of 1 True Match. I'm here to help you find and cultivate the love of your life. For over a decade, I've dedicated my life to the importance, purpose and dynamic of human relationships. My team and I are disciplined by faith, love and integrity to help our clients find the quality relationship they've always dreamt of. Each week, I will be sharing the tools and tips I've learned that have rooted my success as a matchmaker with other leaders around the world. Hello, loves, I am so happy to be here with you today. We're officially in January, can you believe it? The holidays are behind us, the Christmas decorations are packed away, or almost, and we're diving into the new year with fresh hope and focus. However, let's be real For many of us, however, let's be real, for many of us, those holiday conversations are not so easy to leave behind.
Renee Richel:You know the questions I'm talking about why aren't you married yet? Or why don't you want kids? Or when are you going to have children? Are you ready to settle down yet? And you're left wondering is something wrong with me? And sometimes it's not just family asking us. We might even feel this question bubbling in our own hearts. First, let me tell you this there is nothing wrong with you. God has uniquely designed your life for a purpose, and that purpose is so much bigger than any single role. We're going to dive deep into this question. Is marriage and parenthood the only way to live a full, meaningful life? Spoiler alert it's not God's plan, for you are not limited to what the world expects of you. Today we're going to talk about God's bigger plan living beyond marriage and parenthood. Bigger plan living beyond marriage and parenthood. We're going to unpack what it means to find joy, fulfillment and purpose in the calling God has placed on your life.
Renee Richel:Let's start by naming the pressure so many of us feel, whether it's hints from family or outright comments like when are you going to settle down and start a family? These words can sting. Maybe the questions come from Aunt Sue at the Christmas table, or a best friend who's already married and has children. For some of us, this pressure is cultural. Maybe you grew up in a community where marriage and parenthood were seen as the ultimate goal that we're all searching for. For others it's personal, a dream you've had but haven't seen fulfilled yet. Either way, it's easy to start feeling like your life is incomplete without a spouse or children. But let's pause for a moment. Who gets to define what a full life looks like? Is it the world, our family, or is it God?
Renee Richel:The Bible reminds us in Romans 12 to do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. If we're living for the approval of others, we're always going to feel like we're falling short. When we shift our focus to God's plan, we realize that his vision for our lives is so much more expansive. Remember God doesn't measure our lives by worldly milestones. He measures them by our faithfulness. In Psalms 320 to 8, it says I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will console you with my loving eye on you. God's plan for you is not a cookie cutter version of someone else's story. It's unique and it unfolds in his perfect timing.
Renee Richel:Let's look at scripture, when we see so many people walking in purpose and living full lives without fitting into society's norms. Take Paul, for example. In 1 Corinthians 7, 7 through 8, paul talks about singleness as a gift. He says that his undivided focus on God allowed him to do things that others couldn't. Paul's legacy wasn't in being a husband or father. It was spreading the gospel and building the early church. Then there's Deborah in Judas 4. She wasn't a wife or a mother in the traditional sense. She was a prophetess, a judge and a leader. Deborah's calling was leadership, and she embraced it fully, leaving a legacy that changed the course of Israel's history. These stories show us that God's plan for his people are diverse and unique.
Renee Richel:Marriage and parenthood are beautiful callings. However, they're not the only callings. Let's get into a big question that might be lingering in your heart Can you be fulfilled if you don't get married or have children? The world might tell us no, but the truth of God's word says otherwise. 1 Corinthians 7, 32-34 talks about the unique blessing of singleness. It's a time when you can give your undivided attention to the Lord. Marriage and family are beautiful callings, but so are mentorships, ministry, career and simply being a light in your community.
Renee Richel:Your fulfillment doesn't come from a person or a role. It comes from walking with God. Person or a role, it comes from walking with God. If marriage and parenthood hasn't been part of your story yet, or isn't part of the story God is writing for you, know this. You are not incomplete. Again, your worth is not found in your relationship status or the size of your family. It's found in Jesus. In Ephesians 2.10,. It reminds us. For we are God's handi, prepared in advance for us to do. God has prepared good works for you, works that only you can accomplish. Maybe your calling looks like mentoring young women or men, young women or men building a business that glorifies God, serving in ministry or using your gifts to meet the needs of your community. Trust that it's significant and meaningful. Let's talk about fulfillment.
Renee Richel:The world often tells us that marriage and parenthood are the ultimate marker of a successful life, but the Bible paints a different picture. In Psalms 37, 4, it says take delight in the Lord and he will give us the desires of our hearts. I love that verse. There's nothing more powerful. This doesn't mean God will give us everything we think we want. It means he will align our desires with his perfect will. Fulfillment comes from living in obedience with God, not from a specific role or relationship.
Renee Richel:Whether you're single, married, childless or a parent, your life has infinite value in God's eyes. And let me remind you you're not missing anything when you're walking with God. Isaiah 41 says so. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. So if you're wondering, am I enough? The answer is a surrounding yes, not because of what you do or don't have, but because you are loved by the Creator of the Universe.
Renee Richel:To be honest, people are nosy. To be honest, people are nosy and people are going to ask questions. Well-meaning family members might say why aren't you married yet? Or don't you want kids? While these comments can hurt, they also give us opportunities to reflect Christ's love and truth. Here are a few ways to respond to those questions.
Renee Richel:Shift the focus Instead of looking at it what you don't have. Reflect in on what God is doing in your life. What prayers has he answered? What blessings has he already given? Gratitude can shift your heart in a powerful way. So point back to your faith. Try saying I'm trusting God's plan for my life and I know his timing is always perfect. Lean into your purpose.
Renee Richel:This season isn't just about waiting. It's about refining and becoming who God has called you to be. Ask yourself what is God shaping in me right now. Dive into hobbies, ministries or goals that bring you joy and bring him the ultimate glory and redirect the conversations with grace. I am so thankful for this season. I am excited to see where God is leading me.
Renee Richel:Next, anchor yourself in Scripture. The Bible is God's love letter to us. Verses like Jeremiah 29 11, for I know the plans I have for you. Or Romans 8 28. In all things, god's work for the good of those who love him reminds us that God's plans are always good. We can put 100% of our trust in him. And, to be honest, if you feel uncomfortable, sometimes, vulnerability opens the door to deeper conversations. Try saying something like. I wrestled with that too, but I'm learning that God's plan is better and higher than my own. Remember, you're not obligated to explain your choices to anyone. Your journey is between you and God, and that is enough.
Renee Richel:As we step into the new year, instead of focusing on what others expect from us, ask yourself how can I grow closer to God this year? What dreams or goals has he placed on my heart? How can I be blessed in others and have a servant's heart in this season? This is your time to bloom where you're planted. Trust that God is always working behind the scenes, preparing your heart and aligning everything for the greater good. So, in conclusion, let me leave you with one more thought. Your worth isn't tied in your relationship or parental status, and your story is far from over. God's not finished with you yet. You are chosen, you are loved, and you are called to be a life that reflects his glory in ways that only you can. You are more than enough because you belong to him, so let's make a commitment together. This year, we're choosing faith over fear, purpose over pressure and joy over comparison.
Renee Richel:If this episode encouraged you, share it with your friends or send us a message. I love hearing from all of you about how God is working in your life, and remember God's timing is worth the wait. Stay grounded in his faith, love and keep trusting the process. You're exactly where you need to be. I hope you have found this episode helpful and beneficial. I can't wait for our next chat every Thursday. Tune in, as I share more information and help that will help you through navigating your relationship desires. Next week, we are going to talk about when prayers go unanswered believing in what you pray for. Until then, have a blessed week and lots of love. It's been another great talk on this episode of 1 True Talks by Renee Richel. I look forward to our next chat. Please write in your questions and comments so I can be sure to talk about whatever it is you want to discuss in our next upcoming episode. Lots of love, god bless, xoxo.