Kirsty Brown reviews Kimberly Smith's book What we cannot be alone
Our church family is made up of unique individuals, all of us with a different life story and experience, this is part of us being created in the image of God. The beauty of being in church is that we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter our relationship status!
Kimberly Smith’s book “What we Cannot be Alone” is a book written for the whole church about the real challenges, considerations and blessings of singleness and the role we all play in being to singles what they cannot be alone. This makes it an unusual book, as most books on this topic appear to be written directly to those who are single.
Smith’s personal story has given her a helpful viewpoint on broken relationships, miscarriage, childlessness, singleness and loneliness. Whilst covering some challenging material, this book is easy to read with a good balance between narrative, biblical reflection and practical suggestions on how to care for those in our midst who are single, in an environment that is naturally family oriented,.
This is an encouraging book to read if you are single – it’s a reminder that you’re not alone and that God has placed you in relationship with your brothers and sisters to help you through this either long term or temporary season. This is a helpful book for those who are married as it helps give a perspective on life that may be long forgotten and yet is part of everyday experience as we share in community.
As Smith encourages us, it is important not to make assumptions and to recognise other people’s sensitivities and respond accordingly. Good advice for any interactions with any other human being, created uniquely in God’s image.