True Love Stories: A Better Love Story

Is it possible to be single in this modern world and content? 

My guest today says "yes" to that question! Welcome Emilie Anne Hendryx, a professional photographer who captures true love stories of real-life people with her Nikon DSLR camera, a writer who's working on her first romantic suspense series and a musician with a heart for the Lord. 

Today, she has a special message for all the single ladies (and men) who are searching for true love or not content because they have not met "The One" person who makes their heart skip a beat, the one person they cannot imagine life without, the one person they want to marry and be with forever. 

I hope you are reminded as you read Emilie's story, that before meeting "The One," you need to be content in all God has given you. Pursing romantic love is a natural and needed aspect of the human experience. But falling in love with Jesus Christ and being secure in your relationship with Him as your Lord, Savior, Redeemer and Truest Friend is key to establishing a romantic relationship with "The One" on a steady and firm foundation that can only be found in Christ.

But don't just take my word for it, read Emilie's story and enjoy her refreshing view on singleness, waiting on the Lord and finding true love.  

~*~
A Better Love Story 

Emilie Anne Hendryx's true love story

How do you write a love story without an ending?

I guess that’s assuming a love story must have an ending. As a writer of romantic suspense, I think of love stories that way. Sure, my characters may be running for their lives but there’s still the beginning of romance, the admission of true love, and an ending that leaves no doubt the couple will be living happily ever after in some way or another.

I can’t say my personal story is as neat and tidy as that, but I can testify to the fact that God has created a beautiful romance in my life and in my heart.

I was four years old when I accepted Jesus into my heart, as the saying goes. Growing up in a Christian home created a lot of opportunity for my faith to develop and be fleshed out, though I still saw lots of insecurity in my appearance and a desire to “hide” from the perceived judgments of others.

Entering into Jr. College, the pull from the Lord became stronger. Like the point in a story where the heroine must risk embarrassment by admitting her feelings for the hero. 

Thankfully, there is no embarrassment when admitting you desire to go deeper with the Lord. There is only grace and truth. 

I remember those years very vividly. I made a renewed commitment to know God. It wasn’t about the faith of my parents or even the faith of my friends, but my faith and desire to obey and follow Jesus—no matter what.

Fast forward to today. I sometimes feel like Rapunzel in the tower, waiting for her Flynn Rider to flash the “smolder” look my way. 

(Flynn Rider and his "smolder" look)

He hasn’t found me yet, but I feel no less loved because of it. Part of that contentment comes from understanding that knowing God is enough. More than enough, actually. 

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. - 1 Timothy 6:6

I want my life to be focused on practicing godliness and actively loving God, not on what I don’t have (insert what’s true for you: a husband, a child, a better job, a house). When my eyes are focused on Him, I find the ability to love others. My trials fade in the face of His love, developing into something even more beautiful than what I could create on my own. And the cycle continues daily through His renewed strength.

That, to me, is more beautiful than any happy ending.

~*~

Author bio: 

Emilie lives in Washington, D.C. and fills her time with creative pursuits. She writes, takes pictures, reads, plays guitar, and drinks too much coffee. She’s a member of ACFW and My Book Therapy. 

Emilie is currently working on a romantic suspense series while dreaming up a YA dystopian world on the side. She’s got a soft spot in her heart for animals and a love for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. 

Connect with Emilie on her blog, Facebook author page, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.