Book Review: Singles at the Crossroads

Singles at the Crossroads, A Fresh Perspective on Christian Singleness,
by Albert Y. Hsu

One day on my Facebook newsfeed, I read the words,

Rebecca thinks everyone (including all those "marrieds") should read "Singles at the Crossroads.

I fell for it!

I was frustrated by the first half of the book as it connected Scripture passages that aren't necessarily connected and used The Message to prove theology.

Hsu wants singles to feel "normal" and not special in any way. He equates singleness AND marriage, when it is obvious in the Bible that singleness is a gift of a better way.

The problems of singles and marrieds are the problems of human nature: temptation, loneliness, worldliness, selfishness.

Truth be told, Paul said he wished everyone could be single, but agreed that it would be better to marry that special someone than to fornicate. And the apostle DID say that singleness is a gift. Hsu complicated this concept, and I'm not sure why!

Just because you are single, doesn't mean you have the gift. The Bible presumes the most common state is going to be married, but is up front about a special group of singles that are eunuchs for the Kingdom.

This book carries a victim mentality, and is obviously written to placate singles who are unhappy and wishing they were married, assuming this will solve their issues of loneliness, isolation, lack of deeper companionship and personal significance.

The second half of the book picks up and, while it dwells far too much on what mainstream media is promoting, it does have some good advice for those who are struggling in their singlehood:

1. Serve God.
2. Get involved in a church!
3. Stop focussing on dating and romance.
4. Fight loneliness with friendships.
5. Slow down and learn to be alone with the Saviour.

Media Release: Harbour House Grand Opening & BBQ - TOMORROW!

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR Tuesday, August 19th, 2008, 11:00 am

SOULS HARBOUR RESCUE MISSION, in partnership with MELROSE PLACE NORTH and the AFFINTY CREDIT UNION, to host the OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF HARBOUR HOUSE!
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Come join us in a Celebration Barbeque, for the opening and dedication of this 30 suite affordable housing initiative!
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WHAT: This is the official opening of Harbour House: a low-income 30 suite apartment building complex. The morning’s agenda will include a variety of guest dignitaries, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a fellowship barbeque to follow at noon.

WHO: This event is open to all media, Harbour House residents, all project relevant trades people, and the public in general.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19th,2008 – 11:00 am
(Media can arrive at 10:00 am for a private Harbour House tour, and early interviews)

WHERE: 1610 Angus Street, Regina, Saskatchewan –
(If raining, location to be moved to Good News Chapel at 1380 Elphinstone St.

WHY: “Harbour House” is the end product of a collective vision, through the partnering of various levels of government, individuals, groups and organization, to address the need for affordable housing here in the City of Regina. We will also be announcing our Affinity Endowment Fund, a joint initiative to provide educational assistance to the residents of Harbour House.

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

• 10:00 am – Harbour House is open to media only(suites available for viewing as well.) Current residents can talk about what having a place of their own means to them.
• Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services
• Chris Lygouriatas of Melrose Place North (catering and preparation of the BBQ)
• Affinity Credit Union personal including the following: Kevin Haas, Manager of the Scarth St Branch and Barb Rasmussen, Manager of the Hill Ave and Rochdale Branches
• Rev Ken & Michelle Porter, Founding Directors of Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission can talk about the continuum of care Souls Harbour provides to Regina’s less fortunate.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission is in its 18th year of operation, and is an amalgamation of Souls Harbour Soup Kitchen, and Regina RESCUE Mission’s Recovery Programs. We now offer a full continuum of care in our 6 facilities, providing food, clothing and shelter, life changing programs and the Gospel Message to those in need.

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Big Dog shows off their new Cruiser for a Cause

It was a sunny day for a surprise at the Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission when morning show hosts Brad and Heather of Dog's Breakfast stopped by for a tour and to donate a very large cheque! We had to get our very own Mission dog in for the shot, too!

(L to R, Big Dog's Heather Prosak; Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission's Michelle Porter, Executive Director, Derrick Moore & Trapper, Public Relations Officer. Cameraman, Brad Grass!)