Not again! Will this ever end? That’s why I stepped away, but when my devout Christian physician encouraged me not to “give up”, I opted to try again. As Dr. P. noted, I might have to kiss a lot of frogs before I found a prince. Yet, I never arrived at “kissing the frogs” before I jumped onto higher ground.

Over twelve years ago when I found myself alone after a forty-four year marriage, my then husband chose to spend his life with another. I believed God would bring me a new friend; not necessarily a mate, for I took a vow to love and honor the man God had given me. Sometimes goals and promises are not always shared by others, whether in friendship or more serious relationships such as marriage.

After living in solitary  for several years, I was hopeful to meet someone. He must love God for I knew if he loved God, he would care about others. I began my search in church, volunteer organizations, community events and local match-making organizations. When all those resources were fruitless, I reluctantly signed up for on-line dating.

Recently, I had a harsh reminder. The text was the justification I remain “friendless.” The man had never met me. We conversed via telephone and text and he informed he expected physical intimacy by our third date. Evidently there must be a version of the bible for those persons that are Christian in “name only”, but don’t walk with Him or believe what He teaches.  Of course I’m being facetious!

My profile on the on-line dating sites leaves no doubt of my beliefs and my walk with God. It is very evident I believe what the bible teaches. So why do these men believe I’m not a person? Why do they not respect my feelings or beliefs? Why do they view me as only a physical object to be used as a toy?

Why must I be subjected to such demeaning requests repeatedly? As I reflected back on the men I’ve met over the past decade the majority had no desire for a friendship or relationship. They all believe a cup of coffee or an inexpensive lunch required special benefits.

Each time I was appalled and profoundly offended. The greatest offense occurred several years ago when I met a man at my church. Even though he had been married and divorced numerous times, I believed he must have some desire to walk with God as the church I attended was biblical and conservative. Certainly he must believe God’s teachings about sexual infidelity and fornication.

I quickly realized he not only didn’t believe God’s teachings, his harassment was unlike any I experienced. Because of that encounter, I’ve had to realize that just because a man attends church or states he is a Christian, doesn’t mean he walks with God.

For some of us, God allows us to be alone so that we know He is all we need. He will never betray us or abandon us.  Deuteronomy 31:6- ESV “ Be strong and courageous…for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”