Welcome my sisters!
Some of the posts and things you will find on this site will challenge you, make you uncomfortable and maybe downright mad. You may even stop reading or visiting this site. With that being said, I also know that we (my sisters around the world and I who will share on here) are not here to tell you lies, deceive you or coddle you. We are not here to appease you or tell you what you want to hear. Instead, we are called to speak the truth in love. We have an obligation to uncover the lies the enemy has fed us and to take a stand while we push each other to become who Our Creator has already called us to be–even while we WAIT.
Ok, so now that I have gotten that out of the way, Hey girl! I hope you come back, stay a while, and are encouraged as you read through the site, so much so that you bring a friend or two back with you.
Let me begin by telling you a little more about Lady in Waiting (LIW), its concept and how it all unfolded (and is still unfolding). It was birthed out of many conversations I have had over the years with many of my girlfriends about when we were getting married, why we weren’t married yet and wondering if God had somehow forgotten about us as He was watching over the other 7 billion plus lives on this earth. Then, in 2013, as my relationship with the Lord began deepening, I grew tired of having the same conversations and still coming up short with no answers. Frankly speaking, many of my friends had already tried it another way and it had not worked out for us. Instead, we ended up with shattered hearts, sipping from a cup of bitterness and giving men the side eye with raised eyebrows. You know that look ladies. To say we were skeptical and suspicious is putting it lightly. Along the way, however, we did gather many funny stories as well as red flags to watch for in relationships (more about that in another post). You won’t believe some of the things guys have said to us over the years, haha!. But I digress…
As my mindset began to shift, I no longer desired to figure out the answers to those questions my friends and I were asking. The Lord began challenging and asking me questions-two in particular: “What are you really waiting for to get started on what I called you to do in this season of your life?” and “What are you doing now while you wait?”. I pondered these questions knowing good and well that He was going somewhere with this. It was then that He gave me the title, “Ladies in Waiting” and called me to start a life group at my church. As I began searching for a book for the life group, I found a similar book title, “Lady in Waiting” by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. After the first launch of the life group, where more than 40 women signed up for my group (there were about 12 other groups), I realized the huge need. We were only allowed to have no more than 12 per group if there was only 1 life group leader. I felt terrible having to turn these women away. Women were desperate for a place where they could talk openly and honestly about waiting–to be married, to have children, to start school, change careers, buy a house, to travel and the list goes on. After two cycles of the group, I became even more aware of the importance of supporting other sisters through the struggles of singleness, difficult marriages, separation and divorce, starting over, transitions and just life as a woman in this world. I had only scratched the surface. Thus, here we are!
There is so much I want to share with you about my journey of singleness and my hopes to be married one day. More importantly, I want to share with you the lessons I have learned along the way-about myself and God as well as others (especially men), the balancing act of starting and maintaining healthy relationships, the struggles as well as the victories and yes, the beauty of finally embracing your season of waiting for whatever that maybe. I am not sure how this blog or site will evolve, but I am confident that all that I and others who will share on here have learned will be beneficial to you in some way and draw you even closer to the One who has been and is still waiting on you. So, while you wait, whether you are married, widowed, divorced, separated or single, I hope that you will be encouraged, empowered and challenged to become your BEST self right NOW!
Digging Deeper
What is one thing you feel or believe you are supposed to be doing right now, in this season of waiting? What are you waiting for to do it? I welcome your comments.
Photo credits: Ramon Mariano, Google images
Lady In Waiting 222 
Great job, Charlene! I have been waiting on this blog, my friend. 🙂 I can only imagine how difficult it was to turn away ladies from LIW. My prayer is that God will supply you with the additional support needed to minister to all who have ears to hear. I needed this blog and this group a few short years ago. Accepting your singleness as a gift is not always easy. Hindsight being what it is, I wish I have reveled in my singleness a little bit more and used that time to draw close to God. May blessings abound in your ministry! I’m so proud of you!
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Thank you Michelle! Indeed it has been a long time coming but it hit me yesterday and I had to start writing until I got it out. It was hard to turn them away. I know the Lord has allowed this experience in my life to reach out to others, single or married to ultimately draw them closer to Christ-the best relationship anyone could have. I pray He will use my experiences for His glory and my good to encourage all women who are waiting for whatever they are waiting for.
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Reblogged this on Two Are Better Than One and commented:
Waiting is so difficult in this pop tart world of ours. We want it now — whatever it is, and if we can’t have it now, we want to know why. Take a few moments to read Charlene’s blog entitled Ladies in Waiting. She is a servant leader and my mentee. She will offer you practical advice and encouragement as you learn to embrace your singleness. Even if you’re married, check out her blog. God may just use you as an instrument of encouragement in the lives of other Ladies in Waiting.
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Wow thank you Michelle for sharing this! This literally came out of nowhere yesterday and I couldn’t move away from it until I finished writing. So it’s time to get to writing! I pray that any woman- single, married, separated, divorced or widowed can benefit from those who will share on this site, including you! Thank you for your support! It means more than you know!
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Amen, my new friend. Amen.
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Before I checked my email and the WP Reader this morning, I’d been praying over the same sort of challenges in my life as you mention in this dynamic post. I’ve been separated from my husband for over five years and moved four times to remain with my sister during her post-divorce season that also began in 2010. I’ve wanted to move forward into a housing situation that’s more suitable for me, but I’ve been afraid to leave my family, feeling I’d be abandoning them. How silly! My God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I can ask or even imagine. After much prayer and fasting, and reading this blog, I’m stepping out boldly, in faith and moving back home as our faithful God leads me.
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Wow Roos, what a testimony! This is what it is all about. I pray that as you take that leap of faith that indeed our God will meet you there and supersede your wildest dreams. May you trust Him through the process and I thank Him now for the testimony that is coming out of this for another woman or many! Here’s to new beginnings. Blessings to you.
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Thank you, Charlene. I was concerned about such a long comment, but I followed my heart. I mean to be supportive without over elaborating. Too often we easily become bound in our shame/failure, especially regarding relationships. I hope to help dispel that mess for someone. Life today is not just an adventure, it’s a faith walk. A huge fan of Michelle Malone at Two Are Better Than One, I am delighted to have found your blog. Be blessed and keep praying it forward!
Roo.
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I am so glad you followed your heart. I guarantee you someone has read your message and has been set free. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, but also by the word of our testimony. So keep sharing. The enemy would have us to cower in fear or get us to shut our mouths. I am so glad you ignored him! Thank you for joining this journey with me and so many others 🙂
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I enjoyed reading this post and I believe it will minister a lot to women in all categories and walks of life even married ones. Women need to be more supportive of each other and such groups help to foster a sense of well-being and belonging. Well done.
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Hi Jacqueline and thank you so much for reading! This is my prayer as well and I just believe we all have something to offer our fellow sisters to help them along this journey whether single or married. The truth is some of the struggles we have are still true with or without a mate and encouragement and support help us to maneuver through them and be victorious! Blessings to you!
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This was a great read. Thanks Charlene. I am sure it will bless many women. Glad u are following the lords calling for this. Anything I can do to help lmk 🙂
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Thank you Giselle for reading! It was because of following Him that I was able to meet you! Yes, if you have any ideas, please let me know. I would love for you to contribute in some way.
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