You're listening to mornings with Eric and Bridget here on Moody Radio 89.3.

You're listening to mornings with Eric and Bridget here on Moody Radio 89.3.

And the signs of love are all around us, right? It's Valentine's Day and there are hearts, and there are flowers and there are candies. But if you are single and would like to be in a relationship, this can be. I don't want to say annoying, but it can be like, oh, not another reminder of where I am.

And the signs of love are all around us, right? It's Valentine's Day and there are hearts, and there are flowers and there are candies. But if you are single and would like to be in a relationship, this can be. I don't want to say annoying, but it can be like, oh, not another reminder of where I am.

Well, you know, I was planning on taking today off of work. Not because of Valentine's Day, just because Monday was Presidents Day. I was thinking of like, maybe I can have a nice long weekend. But there are others because it's Valentine's Day, they're thinking the same thing. I'm just going to lock myself away and not see anybody for the rest of the weekend. That's kind of the mindset some might have. And I get it. I guess I understand it well.

Well, you know, I was planning on taking today off of work. Not because of Valentine's Day, just because Monday was Presidents Day. I was thinking of like, maybe I can have a nice long weekend. But there are others because it's Valentine's Day, they're thinking the same thing. I'm just going to lock myself away and not see anybody for the rest of the weekend. That's kind of the mindset some might have. And I get it. I guess I understand it well.

We understand what it's like to have a heart's desire, but have that deferred. And and Lisa, Lisa Anderson is joining us. You also understand that understand that some may be feeling that today.

We understand what it's like to have a heart's desire, but have that deferred. And and Lisa, Lisa Anderson is joining us. You also understand that understand that some may be feeling that today.

Yeah, definitely can understand how so many singles are having a tough time. You know, it seems like there's like a conglomerate of holidays that are rough for singles, you know, coming off of Christmas and New Years and the emphasis on romance and love and all the hallmark movies. And now we've got all the roses and candy and whatnot, and I don't know, I think it's something, though, where we have to look at it and reframe it as, you know what? What really are we celebrating here? What does this look like? I mean, we can be okay with a romantic holiday, but at the same time, we have to recognize, well, where are we in our own hearts? And, you know, with the US adult population, that's 50% single. Maybe it's worth a conversation as many single people aren't in relationships. So I think that's where we land.

Yeah, definitely can understand how so many singles are having a tough time. You know, it seems like there's like a conglomerate of holidays that are rough for singles, you know, coming off of Christmas and New Years and the emphasis on romance and love and all the hallmark movies. And now we've got all the roses and candy and whatnot, and I don't know, I think it's something, though, where we have to look at it and reframe it as, you know what? What really are we celebrating here? What does this look like? I mean, we can be okay with a romantic holiday, but at the same time, we have to recognize, well, where are we in our own hearts? And, you know, with the US adult population, that's 50% single. Maybe it's worth a conversation as many single people aren't in relationships. So I think that's where we land.

Yeah, many people aren't in relationships because their their view, their the way they look at this is well, everybody around me is divorced. Why should I want to do this or I've been harmed by certain relationships. Why do I want. So they just kind of avoid it. Avoided. Does that mean that Valentine's Day is almost looked down upon or mocked by these people? Because it's this will never really happen. This this is just kind of a useless holiday. Do you see that with the people you're talking to?

Yeah, many people aren't in relationships because their their view, their the way they look at this is well, everybody around me is divorced. Why should I want to do this or I've been harmed by certain relationships. Why do I want. So they just kind of avoid it. Avoided. Does that mean that Valentine's Day is almost looked down upon or mocked by these people? Because it's this will never really happen. This this is just kind of a useless holiday. Do you see that with the people you're talking to?

I think sometimes, I mean, of course, there's the joke that there's the trend that we're actually celebrating. Sad Singles Awareness Day, you know, that's been kind of the the alternate thing that we can celebrate. But, you know, I think it can be hard and exactly what you're saying is, right, that a lot of singles are delaying relationships or certainly marriage, because they're just looking around and saying, can anyone even do this well anymore? But at the same time, I think there's a great hopefulness around relationships, and maybe this will be my year, and maybe this is maybe the next time it will work out. And so I think that's good that there is that hope in the light of that. But at the same time, I think singles are pretty careful to not put all their stock in being in a relationship, especially those who claim Christ, because we because we know that that's where, not where our identity is. I often say to my single friends, remember, your singleness isn't the biggest thing about you. Just as for married people, their marriage isn't the biggest thing about them. And so I think where our culture has put an emphasis on relationship status being so paramount for who we are, that might be something we have to turn on its ear.

I think sometimes, I mean, of course, there's the joke that there's the trend that we're actually celebrating. Sad Singles Awareness Day, you know, that's been kind of the the alternate thing that we can celebrate. But, you know, I think it can be hard and exactly what you're saying is, right, that a lot of singles are delaying relationships or certainly marriage, because they're just looking around and saying, can anyone even do this well anymore? But at the same time, I think there's a great hopefulness around relationships, and maybe this will be my year, and maybe this is maybe the next time it will work out. And so I think that's good that there is that hope in the light of that. But at the same time, I think singles are pretty careful to not put all their stock in being in a relationship, especially those who claim Christ, because we because we know that that's where, not where our identity is. I often say to my single friends, remember, your singleness isn't the biggest thing about you. Just as for married people, their marriage isn't the biggest thing about them. And so I think where our culture has put an emphasis on relationship status being so paramount for who we are, that might be something we have to turn on its ear.

Yeah, I've heard the statement, I just love, love. Right. We just kind of love the feeling of romance or hearing stories of other people's romance or watching romantic comedies. We can almost fall in love with something that is not the reality of of what it's truly like to be in a long term relationship.

Yeah, I've heard the statement, I just love, love. Right. We just kind of love the feeling of romance or hearing stories of other people's romance or watching romantic comedies. We can almost fall in love with something that is not the reality of of what it's truly like to be in a long term relationship.

Yeah, sure. And that's why, you know, I never want to say like, oh, Valentine's Day, let's forget about all the romance and just, you know, diss the couples and all of that because I think that is very valuable to celebrate. But I think that we can also look and maybe expand the tent a little bit and say, hey, what does it look like to love those around us as Jesus would love them. And so maybe thinking, hey, you know, I can include people who might be lonely, who might not have someone around this holiday, who might be maybe new to the area or new to singleness, having been widowed or divorced, or maybe out of a relationship now. And what can we do to recognize those folks and say, hey, I see you, I hear you. You matter. And that makes a big difference to.

Yeah, sure. And that's why, you know, I never want to say like, oh, Valentine's Day, let's forget about all the romance and just, you know, diss the couples and all of that because I think that is very valuable to celebrate. But I think that we can also look and maybe expand the tent a little bit and say, hey, what does it look like to love those around us as Jesus would love them. And so maybe thinking, hey, you know, I can include people who might be lonely, who might not have someone around this holiday, who might be maybe new to the area or new to singleness, having been widowed or divorced, or maybe out of a relationship now. And what can we do to recognize those folks and say, hey, I see you, I hear you. You matter. And that makes a big difference to.

How do we do that, though? How would you, on a day like this, how would you tell somebody they matter? I'm thinking of you mentioned some people who, you know, have lost somebody. So they're single, not because of a choice, but because of a loss in one way or another. How do we serve them well without bringing up pain or hurt, I guess is one question.

How do we do that, though? How would you, on a day like this, how would you tell somebody they matter? I'm thinking of you mentioned some people who, you know, have lost somebody. So they're single, not because of a choice, but because of a loss in one way or another. How do we serve them well without bringing up pain or hurt, I guess is one question.

Sure. I think one thing is just to be a person who's recognizing the folks that are out there. So maybe for I say this say this especially for the married couples and others who are in a place to do this without it being super weird. You know those single women that, you know, maybe at work or from your church, maybe write them a note, send them a Valentine? I mean, I think of all the single women who are going to be at work today and everyone else is all the other women are getting flowers from their husbands or whatever, or maybe not. When I talk to the husbands, they're like, that's too expensive. I'm not doing that.

Sure. I think one thing is just to be a person who's recognizing the folks that are out there. So maybe for I say this say this especially for the married couples and others who are in a place to do this without it being super weird. You know those single women that, you know, maybe at work or from your church, maybe write them a note, send them a Valentine? I mean, I think of all the single women who are going to be at work today and everyone else is all the other women are getting flowers from their husbands or whatever, or maybe not. When I talk to the husbands, they're like, that's too expensive. I'm not doing that.

But amen to that.

But amen to that.

It happens. If it exactly if it happens, it's being aware of that and just saying, hey, maybe write someone a note or better yet, be an inviter. And it might not have to be tonight, but maybe sometime this weekend. Have some singles over for dinner or a game night. Or make it about something that's not just romance and say, hey, the power of community is big and I want you to be included in this. I've had friends who have done that before, and it's been super encouraging for me, just kind of letting me tag along or be part of something or even plan something, and I think that makes it feel more inclusive.

It happens. If it exactly if it happens, it's being aware of that and just saying, hey, maybe write someone a note or better yet, be an inviter. And it might not have to be tonight, but maybe sometime this weekend. Have some singles over for dinner or a game night. Or make it about something that's not just romance and say, hey, the power of community is big and I want you to be included in this. I've had friends who have done that before, and it's been super encouraging for me, just kind of letting me tag along or be part of something or even plan something, and I think that makes it feel more inclusive.

Yeah. You said the power of community because relationships are important for us as people. And it doesn't have to only be the romantic relationship. We can we can, you know, have those friendships. We can have those communities that help fill that need, obviously, in a different way, but really investing intentionally with our friendships and relationships like that, that that can help fulfill an area of our hearts too.

Yeah. You said the power of community because relationships are important for us as people. And it doesn't have to only be the romantic relationship. We can we can, you know, have those friendships. We can have those communities that help fill that need, obviously, in a different way, but really investing intentionally with our friendships and relationships like that, that that can help fulfill an area of our hearts too.

Oh, it absolutely can. I mean, service is such a big way for us to step out of ourselves. I probably told you before of my dear little, uh, elderly friend who now is with Jesus, but I had her and a couple other of my widow friends over for several years for Valentines, and we did a Valentine's, and I made dinner and we watched a classic movie, and I let them reminisce about their sweethearts from 60 years ago. And just hearing their stories was so much fun. And it allowed them, you know, their kids maybe aren't even in this state. So they were alone. And I'm like, no, you don't need to be alone. Let's all get together and hang out and be together. And I think that matters. And it was such a fun thing for me, not just for them.

Oh, it absolutely can. I mean, service is such a big way for us to step out of ourselves. I probably told you before of my dear little, uh, elderly friend who now is with Jesus, but I had her and a couple other of my widow friends over for several years for Valentines, and we did a Valentine's, and I made dinner and we watched a classic movie, and I let them reminisce about their sweethearts from 60 years ago. And just hearing their stories was so much fun. And it allowed them, you know, their kids maybe aren't even in this state. So they were alone. And I'm like, no, you don't need to be alone. Let's all get together and hang out and be together. And I think that matters. And it was such a fun thing for me, not just for them.

I was about to say, is it okay to just sit home and watch Harry met Sally tonight and eat ice cream? But you're saying in chocolate, you're saying that's not the best thing? It's better to be in community.

I was about to say, is it okay to just sit home and watch Harry met Sally tonight and eat ice cream? But you're saying in chocolate, you're saying that's not the best thing? It's better to be in community.

Well, I'm saying it's okay, because the other thing that I do want to mention for singles is if you're having a hard time because you want to be married, or you've gone through a breakup or a divorce or something similar, it is okay to grieve where you are. I think oftentimes we put a a veneer on that and say, oh, well, you know, just act happy clappy and just act like this isn't a big deal. But it is. And we're called to grieve. And certainly we can bring our concerns and our, our complaints, even as the Psalms tell us before the Lord himself, he actually cares, and he has the power to do something about it. And so that's a good space to be in as well. But again, we have to eventually get to the point where are we trusting God with where we are right now rather than looking towards what we don't have. Looking over that proverbial fence. Because you guys know, I mean, we all know married people who are lonely in their marriages. This isn't unique to single people. I think there's a special nature where with singles it can be tricky. But. But we all are struggling with loneliness, especially post-pandemic rates of isolation. People who are just like, I don't know who really cares about me anymore. I don't feel connected. And so what does it look like for us to do that on behalf of all folks that we see in our path?

Well, I'm saying it's okay, because the other thing that I do want to mention for singles is if you're having a hard time because you want to be married, or you've gone through a breakup or a divorce or something similar, it is okay to grieve where you are. I think oftentimes we put a a veneer on that and say, oh, well, you know, just act happy clappy and just act like this isn't a big deal. But it is. And we're called to grieve. And certainly we can bring our concerns and our, our complaints, even as the Psalms tell us before the Lord himself, he actually cares, and he has the power to do something about it. And so that's a good space to be in as well. But again, we have to eventually get to the point where are we trusting God with where we are right now rather than looking towards what we don't have. Looking over that proverbial fence. Because you guys know, I mean, we all know married people who are lonely in their marriages. This isn't unique to single people. I think there's a special nature where with singles it can be tricky. But. But we all are struggling with loneliness, especially post-pandemic rates of isolation. People who are just like, I don't know who really cares about me anymore. I don't feel connected. And so what does it look like for us to do that on behalf of all folks that we see in our path?

We are talking with Lisa Anderson from boundless, with focus on the family. She encourages single adults. And I think it's so true that we sometimes are looking for love in all the wrong places, even at times because we are so determined that this is going to happen. And so sometimes we walk outside of God's will for our lives to accomplish this. And that can be that can be a very dangerous place to be to.

We are talking with Lisa Anderson from boundless, with focus on the family. She encourages single adults. And I think it's so true that we sometimes are looking for love in all the wrong places, even at times because we are so determined that this is going to happen. And so sometimes we walk outside of God's will for our lives to accomplish this. And that can be that can be a very dangerous place to be to.

Yeah, it sure can. And I often remind folks when they ask me about being single, I say, you know, I don't know if I'll be single forever. I've never felt specifically called to singleness, but the one thing I know is that today I am single. And so what am I going to do with that gift? To steward it and to live in a season of confidence and joy while being hopeful, maybe even for the one to come. And that's okay to do that. But I think at the same time, we have to recognize God has something for us right where we are, and that can be something that we walk out regardless of what we're struggling with or what we're trusting God with, because we all have to trust God with something. For some of us, it's singleness. For other people, it might be infertility, it might be a a wayward teenager, it might be financial struggles or health struggles. We're all trusting God and so we can link arms together and support one another in that process.

Yeah, it sure can. And I often remind folks when they ask me about being single, I say, you know, I don't know if I'll be single forever. I've never felt specifically called to singleness, but the one thing I know is that today I am single. And so what am I going to do with that gift? To steward it and to live in a season of confidence and joy while being hopeful, maybe even for the one to come. And that's okay to do that. But I think at the same time, we have to recognize God has something for us right where we are, and that can be something that we walk out regardless of what we're struggling with or what we're trusting God with, because we all have to trust God with something. For some of us, it's singleness. For other people, it might be infertility, it might be a a wayward teenager, it might be financial struggles or health struggles. We're all trusting God and so we can link arms together and support one another in that process.

So how does boundless help us do this? What does the Ministry of boundless do to help singles?

So how does boundless help us do this? What does the Ministry of boundless do to help singles?

I think boundless is unique in that we're kind of that arm around the shoulder for singles, and specifically those in the younger adult demographic, those navigating their 20s and 30s who are like, well, all my friends are dating, what's going on? But really in all areas of life to say, hey, you know, maybe you feel left out at your church, maybe you feel a little bit left behind or feel like people aren't talking to you specifically. We are here at boundless and we have a lot of content, whether it's our articles, our blog posts, our weekly show that are just saying, we want to hear your voice. We want to hear your perspective, we can collectively encourage one another. And so even this week we have, um, we have an article up about creative double dates. So we don't want to say like, oh, singles, you know, never date, don't care about this and just be mad at the married people. No, it's like if you don't want to be single, there are creative ways to get there. In fact, the first part of next week folks can look out for, uh, clever article on maybe a simple thing that might make you meet a few more people and might get you into that dating pool again. So that's kind of a fun thing we have coming up. And today, even on the show, we are talking. And let's be honest, it's going to be a little bit of a cage match. Our favorite romantic movies and rom coms. And so of course, mine are all the best and everyone else gets an opinion. But then I shoot them down.

I think boundless is unique in that we're kind of that arm around the shoulder for singles, and specifically those in the younger adult demographic, those navigating their 20s and 30s who are like, well, all my friends are dating, what's going on? But really in all areas of life to say, hey, you know, maybe you feel left out at your church, maybe you feel a little bit left behind or feel like people aren't talking to you specifically. We are here at boundless and we have a lot of content, whether it's our articles, our blog posts, our weekly show that are just saying, we want to hear your voice. We want to hear your perspective, we can collectively encourage one another. And so even this week we have, um, we have an article up about creative double dates. So we don't want to say like, oh, singles, you know, never date, don't care about this and just be mad at the married people. No, it's like if you don't want to be single, there are creative ways to get there. In fact, the first part of next week folks can look out for, uh, clever article on maybe a simple thing that might make you meet a few more people and might get you into that dating pool again. So that's kind of a fun thing we have coming up. And today, even on the show, we are talking. And let's be honest, it's going to be a little bit of a cage match. Our favorite romantic movies and rom coms. And so of course, mine are all the best and everyone else gets an opinion. But then I shoot them down.

You know, you have it.

You know, you have it.

You should. You should look this up. Uh, we found out earlier this week that the West Palm Beach Airport is the number one airport. If you're looking to date someone to fly into the West Palm Way.

You should. You should look this up. Uh, we found out earlier this week that the West Palm Beach Airport is the number one airport. If you're looking to date someone to fly into the West Palm Way.

There you go. I'm on my way. Guys, there you go. You can.

There you go. I'm on my way. Guys, there you go. You can.

All meet. We can do a meetup.

All meet. We can do a meetup.

We can do a meetup there. Let's do it.

We can do a meetup there. Let's do it.

Okay. Is Walk to Remember on that list. Do you remember that movie?

Okay. Is Walk to Remember on that list. Do you remember that movie?

Um, I yes, I actually.

Um, I yes, I actually.

Put that on my list.

Put that on my list.

Even.

Even.

Though some people hate it because it is such a tear jerker. I just think it's really well done, and I do. I do have that on my list.

Though some people hate it because it is such a tear jerker. I just think it's really well done, and I do. I do have that on my list.

Thankfully, I can say I don't even I've never even heard of that movie.

Thankfully, I can say I don't even I've never even heard of that movie.

Oh, this was back when, uh, this is back teens years, Mandy Moore. Oh, yeah. definitely one of my faves from growing up years.

Oh, this was back when, uh, this is back teens years, Mandy Moore. Oh, yeah. definitely one of my faves from growing up years.

Thankfully, I, I don't even know who Mandy Moore is.

Thankfully, I, I don't even know who Mandy Moore is.

Okay. Wow. We need we really need to bring you up to speed. Eric. Okay. Lisa. Lisa. You know, as I think about this topic of singleness, I think of there is a verse where it says God will be your husband. Is that a place where singles can ever truly find comfort, or does that feel like. Yeah. Thank you. But I, you know, I that doesn't help me in the here and now.

Okay. Wow. We need we really need to bring you up to speed. Eric. Okay. Lisa. Lisa. You know, as I think about this topic of singleness, I think of there is a verse where it says God will be your husband. Is that a place where singles can ever truly find comfort, or does that feel like. Yeah. Thank you. But I, you know, I that doesn't help me in the here and now.

Well I think that probably don't pull that one out today. Um, that might be a little bit tricky to, to levy on some singles today, but I think if we really look at that verse, what it means that that verse is for all of us in the body of Christ. And so I think if we if we think this through, this is where I say to myself, man, Jesus, the good news is, is that Jesus is the only sure thing any of us have. So some of us have husbands now, you know, for this time. But that is a picture of Christ in His church that will be replaced when that is that is perfected and we are all with him and see him face to face. And so I think we can look at that and say, yes, we have to recognize that the care of God himself and the relationship that we have with him through Christ is something that we can all hang on to, because in a world that is crazy, we need to have that confidence. And I think that's great. It levels the playing field between marrieds and singles. And you know, I like the verse too, that the God will place the lonely in families because again, that could be single people, that could be people in relationships. The fact is, is that God is a God of relationship and community, and that's something we can find through him.

Well I think that probably don't pull that one out today. Um, that might be a little bit tricky to, to levy on some singles today, but I think if we really look at that verse, what it means that that verse is for all of us in the body of Christ. And so I think if we if we think this through, this is where I say to myself, man, Jesus, the good news is, is that Jesus is the only sure thing any of us have. So some of us have husbands now, you know, for this time. But that is a picture of Christ in His church that will be replaced when that is that is perfected and we are all with him and see him face to face. And so I think we can look at that and say, yes, we have to recognize that the care of God himself and the relationship that we have with him through Christ is something that we can all hang on to, because in a world that is crazy, we need to have that confidence. And I think that's great. It levels the playing field between marrieds and singles. And you know, I like the verse too, that the God will place the lonely in families because again, that could be single people, that could be people in relationships. The fact is, is that God is a God of relationship and community, and that's something we can find through him.

Is Nacho Libre on your list?

Is Nacho Libre on your list?

No, of course not.

No, of course not.

Nacho Libre is not on my list, though I will say that the Encarnacion song is a fave. I'm going to be honest.

Nacho Libre is not on my list, though I will say that the Encarnacion song is a fave. I'm going to be honest.

All right. Oh, so it.

All right. Oh, so it.

Could. It could sneak in as a maybe. Right.

Could. It could sneak in as a maybe. Right.

Legitimately. You guys, here is what is not on my One member of my panel pitched it out there and I had to shoot him down. The Princess bride? Absolutely not. I can't even stand it. And anyone can fight me on it. I it's goofy. I can't stand slapstick. I can't stand fantasy. The quotable nature of it, when people start quoting it, I'm like, hard pass. So people that does not make my Valentine's Day happy.

Legitimately. You guys, here is what is not on my One member of my panel pitched it out there and I had to shoot him down. The Princess bride? Absolutely not. I can't even stand it. And anyone can fight me on it. I it's goofy. I can't stand slapstick. I can't stand fantasy. The quotable nature of it, when people start quoting it, I'm like, hard pass. So people that does not make my Valentine's Day happy.

Oh, I'm right there with you.

Oh, I'm right there with you.

How about Field of Dreams?

How about Field of Dreams?

Field of.

Field of.

Dreams? What?

Dreams? What?

We're just throwing my. I actually haven't seen Field of Dreams.

We're just throwing my. I actually haven't seen Field of Dreams.

So that's my.

So that's my.

I guess that's my walk to remember for you.

I guess that's my walk to remember for you.

Yeah. Oh, wow.

Yeah. Oh, wow.

Okay, we got a lot of work, Lisa, to help Eric with some of these rom coms.

Okay, we got a lot of work, Lisa, to help Eric with some of these rom coms.

How about any mission impossible?

How about any mission impossible?

Might be too hard. It might be. Isn't. Impossible is not a valid thing.

Might be too hard. It might be. Isn't. Impossible is not a valid thing.

Oh, wow. A lot of help needed.

Oh, wow. A lot of help needed.

Lisa Anderson, thank you so much. You can tune in to the Boundless Show Saturday nights right here on 89.3.

Lisa Anderson, thank you so much. You can tune in to the Boundless Show Saturday nights right here on 89.3.

I guess I just don't know the definition of a Valentine's Day movie, huh?

I guess I just don't know the definition of a Valentine's Day movie, huh?

Obviously not.

Obviously not.