The Perfect Match

By Patrice Henry

Have you ever wondered...

"Why don't my relationships work?"

"Am I asking too much from my partner?"

"Am I too driven to find love or to be found by love?"

This book is for the girls who wonder...

If time is on their side.

Or if they are running behind the clock that never stops ticking.

This book is to remind those girls that delays are not synonymous with denials.

And that the process beautifies the product of the wait.

And they are a worthwhile investment.

Filled with principles for healthy living and relationships, The Perfect Match discusses relevant issues women encounter regarding their identity, sense of worth, relationships, and their purpose in larger society. Using this book, readers will have the opportunity to engage in reading, reflection, and dialogue about what it means to truly be present. This book seeks to anchor single women in the beauty of who they are today so they can maximize their potential

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9781638441014

Book preview

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The Perfect Match

Patrice Henry

ISBN 978-1-63844-100-7 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63844-101-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Patrice Henry

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Dedication

Foreword

HeARTwork: Love

It Is What It Is

HeARTwork: Why We Fall

Beautiful from the Start

Prayer: Everything Included… Let's Start Over

Perfect Is Impractical

Feeling Pressed for Time…

Prayer: Naming My What-Ifs

I'm Not Her: Staying in My Lane

Building an Empire

HeARTwork: Dare to Dream

Prayer: Guide My Pursuit

The Unknown Is… Unknown

Known by One

Prayer: Open My Heart to Friendships

Love Is Not Your Weakness

Is What I Want What I Need?

You Get What You Train For

The Day I Realized I Wasn't Getting a Boyfriend for Christmas

Prayer: Free to Be

Let's Talk Transitions

Why Seasons Are Important

Closing Thoughts: The 2020 Transition

Prayer Blessing

About the Author

Dedication

To my grandparents, the late Willie D. and Daffice Winns, and the late Elizabeth Exley, you all have exemplified strong faith and commitment for as long as I can remember. To my parents, Barry Henry and Warren and Cynthia Winns, thank you for loving others well in front of me. To my siblings, Brandon and Beonica, how I lean into your encouragement to live authentically and creatively! To the many family members and friends who supported me throughout this process, thank you for being committed to my growth.

And to Cassie, whose honesty inspired me to pick up my pen again…and finish.

Love you all!

Foreword

Being single has often been associated with the person thinking they are unfit or unworthy of a mate. However, being single can be a very sacred time-a time to experience intimacy with Jesus which can improve your view of life and your relationships with others. While married couples may seem to just have it all, the reality of the situation is that a successful marriage takes much work because we are all human. Perfect relationships don't just happen. It takes effort and commitment to ensure the assignment is fulfilled. Don't let the smiles fool you. Although you may desire the company, the hugs, the kisses, the gifts, and the handholds there is much more responsibility and dedication that comes with being a Mr. or Mrs.

In our daily walk, many of our experiences change the way we view life. Singles must embrace, accept, and love yourself as you are. God made you special for him. Spoil yourself! And should God, in His infinite wisdom, allow you to experience a sacred marital union you will be more prepared to fulfill your God-given purpose. Dwell on the words written by Patrice Henry and apply them to your experience. Don't let your single status negatively define you. Experience singleness and all its glory which will indeed bring glory to the Father and set the stage for when we shall be united with Him eternally!

Melissa Jones-Chunu, Assistant Principal, Tulsa Public Schools

HeARTwork: Love

Love is the unshakable conviction—

Might I add, not a modern-day convention

To remain true

To pursue self less

Despite where one's self is…

In that moment.

It is not proven through pristine presentations,

Nor does it become embedded through self-flagellation.

Love lives within this space of grace—not leaning on righteous acts for emotional support—not requiring more than I can give.

Love knows that my imperfections make me

Perfectly human.

Entirely captivating.

Love is embodied through the delicate balance of strength and humility

Through extraordinary sacrifice

For the sake of potential.

Through honest passion

And honest pain.

Love is a choice

To commit,

Flaws and all.

Love weathers the storm.

It decides to splash in the rain.

Love grows over seasons and time.

Love is a choice I make every day.

To give such a gift to myself.

Chapter 1

It Is What It Is

Truth: Running from the present is disorienting.

There I was. I'd mustered enough courage to be quiet, only to hear my heart echo the truth of its core: I'm alone. I'm