Farewell, Single Shantel

Hey there. Guess what? In just one more day I will be a married woman! 🎉 I can’t believe I’m at this point but it’s really happening.

In case you’ve wondered how I’m doing let’s just say my emotions have been a big roller coaster. (Watch out Sixflags Superman!)

I’ve experienced joy, excitement, fear, anticipation, gratitude, love and sadness to name a few. Sadness because I realize that a lot of things are coming to an end for me.

I’ll no longer live with my family, I’ll be mainly attending a new church, and even my job will change. It’s taken me some time to process but I’m grateful for friends and family that have encouraged me along the way. It’s definitely been a learning and planning season.

I recall the nights I used to pray and cry to God for the One to be revealed. Little did I know God would meet and surpass my expectations.

When it was time for Lawrence and I to align it just started happening. People around us were picking up on us becoming an item and I can’t count how many confirmations we received. It’s like God was playing matchmaker, setting us up, and then revealed us to eachother. (We see what You did there, Lord 😏)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for your good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Because I’m a planner, a visionary, and a strategist I just knew that I’d know when the One came around. But Lawrence was not on my radar. He took me by surprise. It was the perfect gift in exchange for my surrender to the Savior.

I’ve learned that the importance on my end was not finding the One but becoming the One. This walk has required faith, patience, and all that good Godly stuff! Lawrence and I have gotten to know eachother more and develop a great friendship. I see how God was preparing me in my singleness.

Ladies and gentlemen, if I may give you advice, I’d say do not waste your singleness. It’s beautiful, it’s freedom, and it’s a gift. We take it for granted sometimes but it’s a very special season in your life. You get to learn/explore who you are and the things you like to do. I’m thankful for my singleness and would like to write a note to single Shantel.

Dear Single Shantel,

Farewell. You’ve been a pleasure to meet and discover. We’ve had some trying, difficult times together. I didn’t always value your worth. But it was in you that God showed me my strength. In you that I realized my identity. In you that I realized I was already enough. I thank God for blessing me with very fruitful single years. I’ve learned so much in the span of 28 years. Married Shantel, I look forward to meeting you tomorrow. You’re apart of my destiny. With Babe and the Lord’s help, we will figure this out.

Sincerely,

Shantel Gross

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

Please pray for us as we embark on this new journey. Thank you all for your love and support. Our hashtag is #chosengraces. The best is yet to come. ❤