Sister Kristen M. Oaks was a single sister in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until the age of 55 when she met her husband Elder Dallin H. Oaks. She wrote this book as a voice of hope to single people of a Church where dating is not always the easiest thing! While I thought some of this book was a tad dull because it was slightly geared toward older single adults, I still got a lot out of it! She writes to the widowed, the divorced, and the never married, young and old. I would love to meet her just because she sounds so pleasant! Here are some of my favorite quotes! As always they are definitely above all for me to remember! :) "There are no perfect circumstances, only perfect faith. We are all just trying." -pg. 125"Anne Frank, from her World War II attic hiding place, wrote: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."" Pain stayed so long I said to him today,"I will not have you with me any more."I stamped my foot and said, "Be on your way,"And paused there, startled at the look he wore."I, who have been your friend," he said to me, "I, who have been your teacher-all you knowOf understanding love, of sympathy,And patience, I have taught you. Shall I go?"He spoke the truth, this strange unwelcome guest;I watched him leave, and knew that he was wise.He left a heart grown tender in my breast,He left a far, clear vision in my eyes.I dried my tears, and lifted up a song-Even for one who'd tortured me so long.-pg. 139"Dress your best and look your best, but know you have only seventy seconds for people to care what you look like before they notice who you are and what you are saying." -pg. 178President Howard W. Hunter: "We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us."Jeffrey R. Holland state, "Salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation was never easy. We are the Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. Why would we believe...that it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? In turn, how could we possibly bear any moving, lasting testimony of the Atonement if we have never known or felt anything of such an experience? We are proud to say we are disciples of Christ-and we are. But mark my word. That means you must be prepared to walk something of the path He walked, to feel something of the pain He felt, to at least occasionally sometime shed one of the tears of sorrow that He shed.""We have an obligation to lift and love one another. Small and consistent acts of love can make a very difference in the lives of others." -pg. 219"The devil does not practice restraint." -Boyd K. Packer"Henry Clegg Jr.-While crossing the plains, he and his family contracted cholera. His wife died and was laid to rest in an unmarked grave. Henry carried his young son sick with cholera in his arms the rest of that day, only to have him die. Henry retraced his steps to his wife's grave and [buried] his son in her arms and then rejoined the wagon train, now five miles away. He stopped writing in his journal for a period of time. When he wrote again it was simply two words: 'Still moving.'" -pg.268President Ezra Taft Benson testified: "Christ changes men [and women], and changed men [and women] can change the world. Men [and women] changed for Christ will be captained by Christ...Finally, men [and women] captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ. Their will is swallowed up in His will. They do always those things that please the Lord. Not only would they die for the Lord, but more important they want to live for Him." This book is a collection of Kristen Oaks' thoughts about being an older single LDS woman (I think it's more from a woman's perspective). The structure of the book is kind of an assortment of thoughts--there's not a really tight procedure of thoughts. Because of this, some things are repetitive. I connected with the stories she told of so many different single women. I think it's nice to know that you aren't the only one who feels a certain way. I don't think she tries to say "this is the way to be single" or anything. She acknowledges that there are many different situations. I found some helpful thoughts. I actually think it might be most helpful for someone to read this who has a single person in their family or a close friend and wants to understand where they're coming from (what NOT to say :)). That's my take on it.
What do You think about A Single Voice (2008)?
Comprehensive---a sensitive subject and difficult to address--the authore did a great job.
—HideYoWife
It is inspiring and good but I felt like it went on and on.
—Stacy
Beautiful book for all of my single friends...
—acheron
Good book about being 'single'. I enjoyed it.
—candygloss
Love Love LOVE this book so far!
—annaiscoolloveher
