Building a Life of Meaning (No Matter Your Vocation) + (w/ Lillian Fallon)

A question for anyone single and reading this KZbin description: what if you never get married?
Do those words send chills down your spine?
Lillian Fallon-Catholic writer, personal stylist, and fellow single-proposes that our worst fear is not to die alone. It’s to live a life without meaning. We crave the fulfillment that we anticipate from marriage-the fulfillment of our God-given need to love and be loved.
Today, Lillian gives us a game plan to build a life of meaning today; to use your talents today; to love today; and to not wait for the wedding bells to ring in the rest of your life.
Follow Lillian on Instagram ( lillian_fallon) or at www.lillianfallon.com
For more relationship discernment (and all kinds of other discernment), check out Pray, Decide, and Don't Worry (tinyurl.com/2o...) from Jackie Angel, Bobby Angel, and Fr. Mike Schmitz.
❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍
- MORE FROM ASCENSION -
🔸Ascension’s main website: tinyurl.com/2a...
🔸Ascension Media: tinyurl.com/26...
🔸The Great Adventure Bible: tinyurl.com/25...
- SOCIAL MEDIA -
🔸Facebook: / ascensionpress
🔸Twitter: / ascensionpress
🔸LinkedIn: / ascension-press
🔸Instagram: / ascensionpress
🔸Subscribe: / ascensionpresents

[@SunBear2000]

I truly appreciate these videos on the single perspective. I too am single, in my 30’s, and working on my vocation. God has a plan for everyone, even for the single people, and I’m putting my trust in His plan for me. Many blessings to you and all!

[@alexanderbrown2717]

♥️ The gospel ♥️ 2 Corinthians 4 KJV 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 KJV 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ♥️ Truth ♥️ Ephesians 1 KJV 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

[@jessicamay6217]

Mmm

[@peyton4366]

This series is long overdue. Thank you, Ascension Presents, for recognizing the need for videos on the truth and beauty of singleness! Lillian - you're awesome!

[@alexanderbrown2717]

♥️The Gospel♥️ 2 Corinthians 4 KJV 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 KJV 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ♥️know♥️ 1 John 5 KJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

[@chrisobrien6254]

How is Singleness beautiful unless you have taken religious vows?

[@metsanmet582]

I don't mind being single, since i had lost the one and only love of my life 2 and a half yrs ago. When she died, a moment later, i recognize that i will never ever have another person in my life. I was an atheist who hate priests and Church in general, she was a catholic who always tried to make God being present in my life. She made it in the end. After her death i was in such a pain and despair, feeling like i was hating God for making me wake up every single day without killing me in my sleep putting me out of my misery, then something unreal happend and by a certain point i just turn myself to God and can't leave Him. Now i'm just trying to understand what does He wants me to do with my life.

[@EDTS_0]

ill pray for you bro

[@metsanmet582]

@@EDTS_0 Thank you brother

[@True1-10]

I am sincerely sorry your loved one died 😥 It is a mystery we don't understand as to why some people die so young. I hope & pray you are healing & have loved ones who are helpful on your journey 💗 I believe one day in Heaven we will be reunited with loved ones we've lost along the way 💗🕊 Praying for you & your healing 🙏 May God Guide you always 🌟 God also works through people so maybe a good spiritual director that you can trust may be helpful for you 🙏 God Bless you 🕊

[@alexanderlazowski7562]

I will pray for you. How are you doing? I hope it's all getting better.

[@metsanmet582]

@@True1-10 The mistery for me actually is how is it possible for me to believe in something i refuse almost all my life. I was raised catholic i was baptized, i had the holy communion and the confirmation. Only because i was a kid not because i actually believed it. I was really angry with the church. Like real hate against priests and all the people in it. So something like pray the rosary every day is something i couldn't even believe i'm doing it. Sometime i don't even know why, but i got this urge i couldn't really figure it out. I know the conversion is a long long Journey through entire life but i did not expect it to happens like that. Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@hoakerhoaker]

Divorced, widowed, those with no family members, need to be addressed more in the Church. Ignoring us is a disservice, many are without connection outside of the Church. This video is perfect timing. Wish the homilies were addressing this. During the exchange of the sign of peace notice how single people are waiting for families to finish offering peace and hugs to each other, and then not bother to acknowledge the single. I always look for those alone to acknowledge with the sign of peace because they look just as alone as I do. Alone does not equal lonely. We have more time in prayer with God since we are alone.

[@LiLisLounge]

Oh, that awkward moment of waiting for the families to finish offering their signs of peace! I know it well. Thank you for reaching out to the other people who are alone during this time.

[@bryt8158]

@@LiLisLounge this is me lol just patiently waiting

[@AP86777]

Thanks, so true. I often feel that there is so little space for us singles. Greetings

[@katherinebrumley7794]

Thank you. Being Single is terrifying after being married 25 years. I am older and never planned on being single, but here I am.

[@catholicfemininity2126]

Whether a divorcee or a widow... you have gone through suffering almost similar to what Christ went through.......... abandonment by his friends except his own mother. Or when he lost Lazaras or possibly St. Joseph or St. John the Baptist. Worse is how he must feel everytime a soul rejects him and sins.... I pray you heal and are graced with peace right now.

[@jakubratajczak9269]

I've come to the place of accepting my loneliness and singleness. I simply do not understand nor have any experience with women. Finding someone... it did not work in the past and I guess it won't work anytime soon, since I'm not gathering any experience. Never been on a date, never kissed a girl, obviously I'm a virgin. But... I slowly came into this place of acceptment. I no longer have this desire ruling over me. To be honest, some new desires are growing in me - ever since I've come back to the Catholic Church, I want to take another step in my singleness. This step is obviously a priesthood. Honestly, it sounds rather good.

[@TheOshag]

"Sometimes we treat dating like the last plane out of Vietnam" - got a good laugh out of that one - thank you! Great video.

[@teres469]

So did I 🤣🤣🤣 @Ryan!

[@marialiedel7971]

sameee

[@AP86777]

So true, haha.

[@Mark-hj7is]

yeah that was awesome lol

[@sally.g.]

I am glad this video was made. I wish the church would recognise and give more guidance to single/ divorced/ widowed people. And it's nice to see an ACTUAL single person talking about it! Makes me relate more...

[@LiLisLounge]

Exactly! It can be a bit frustrating when it's married people (and people who married rather young) preaching to the singles.

[@sittingduck4602]

As a 34 year old single man, I think this is just the video I needed to watch. Thanks Lillian.

[@3Diva]

God's timing is perfect. If He wants a partner for you, he will bring about the circumstances that will bring that person to you. Often times He wants to mold us more first, and brings us those things a little later in life once we've been tempered by spiritual and mental growth through his guidence. Wait on the Lord. He knows your heart, he knows your desires. And if he wills it, you will have those things that are in your heart. He's working behind the scenes on your behalf. His time is not our time. Trust that He will provide the circumstances and the people who are best for you in the time that is best for you. Be patient and trust in the Lord.

[@mistyviolet3825]

Amen yes 👏🏻

[@aenigmatica8]

Love this! ❤

[@cgo225]

I'm single, and I'd rather live one year in my old age with the right person, than 50 years with the wrong one.

[@ChipNov1998]

I think your work towards building a life of meaning will attract the type of man who is also building a life of meaning. You already know this, but keeping your focus on Christ and His plan for you is the foundation for whatever relationship will come into your life. This is an excellent video! Peace be with you.

[@mistyviolet3825]

WOW 😮 yes 🙌🏻 I agree!

[@fultoneth9869]

This is a topic that never been addressed before. But significant portion of faithful individuals, Inc myself,, are facing hard to win struggle . I think this material helps . Thanks so much ❤️

[@sally.g.]

I would love to see this kind of video made by an older single person on how he/she lived a meaningful life. Sharing the mistakes and giving advice

[@billpowers1807]

You request will fill a novel and could be turned into a mini series. Life is fulfilled through love and you don't have to be married to love your fellow man. With honest love of God and His creation you, by default, will be obedient to the 10 commandments. Think about it. As a man in his 70's I can assure you that self focus is destructive and satisfaction comes from giving of yourself to have a positive impact on everyone around you. Get up and out your door with a mission to make at least one new friend today and don't belittle yourself if you end the day in failure, for there's always tomorrow and more friends to make and people in need of your positive impact. Our longest life spans are still microscopic in the electron microscopes view of eternity. View it as a training ground, Boot Camp if you will, for what is to come i.e. Perfect bliss under the light of God's infinite being.

[@uikmnhj4me]

Super helpful even as someone who is called to marriage someday! We are still single now, so living a meaningful single life is what we are made to do

[@daviddabrowski01]

Currently crossing this bridge. One thing that has helped me is the rule of St Benedict, “Ora et Labora”. When faced with the question of where is there meaning in my life? How can I serve God best? And not natural meaning like friends, family, hobbies etc but supernatural meaning. That answer has come in the form of work and prayer.

[@m093510]

Amen! As a single father who is going into RCIA I feel like singleness is going to be here for a while. This video is so good and empowering. It gets to what is really matters and the content is spoken to eloquently. Thank you!

[@sethn1094]

God Bless you and your children 🙏

[@FoodPaparazzi]

I think you’re absolutely right! I don’t want my happiness to depend on a man. I want it to come from a stable relationship with God!

[@josephmartin6219]

Strong point, thank you!

[@FoodPaparazzi]

@@Roman-Labrador I meant I don’t want my happiness to depend on other people at all or anything in the world. I want my happiness to rely only on God, whose perfect love is everlasting and never lets us down.

[@winall9]

@@Roman-Labrador she didn't need. It was God's plan to show a man is the head of the family which consists of a wife who is a woman and their children.

[@winall9]

Again I say it was God's plan to have St Joseph in Mary's life to protect and provide and care for his family.

[@ThanksHermione]

I've noticed some comments saying that she’s encouraging people to not discern their vocations or cynically claiming she'll be alone decades from now. She's not saying that you should avoid getting married or discerning the priesthood or religious life. She's specifically talking to people who want to get married, but it hasn't happened for them yet. Surely they shouldn't be miserable in the meantime? We shouldn't just get married to be married. You need to find the right person. Imagine if Zelie or Louis married other people at younger ages? Zelie was 26 and Louis was 34 when they met. If they had married other people sooner we wouldn't have St. Therese and her holy siblings.

[@lillianfallon5016]

Exactly! haha thank you for saying that. People quickly want to jump to assuming I'm saying to NOT discern their vocation. I would never encourage ignoring God's call to married life or the religious life. Thanks again for sticking up for me!!

[@RedHybiscus]

My adult children have abandoned me and my ex- husband brought to a state in which I am completely alone. I am working on finding meaning in my life and finding acceptance in the actions of my adult children.

[@robertreese9290]

I'm sorry for your pain, I understand.

[@NikeRunner210]

In sorry Connie. This is your calling to go visit the sick. Help the poor. Visit those in jail. Use the negative and turn it into a positive, do good in the world. God will never abandon you. He’s always there. Maybe He NEEDS you, needs you to help Him, thru those less fortunate than yourself. Prayers to you. God Bless.

[@wms72]

Connie, God bless you. i am in the same situation. Let's pray for each other,and everyone suffering

[@Frank020]

I sympathize with your pain. Jesus will heal you. Mine are adults, and I 'm divorced. They are well, and that is important.

[@mistyviolet3825]

We are in same situation Connie,…… 💔💔💔🕊🕊🕊

[@charflorida5433]

What a great video! Thank you! This topic will help so many people! The single life was basically forced upon me. I was very happily married for 40 years, then my husband passed away. I miss him a lot. But I moved forward on my life without him. I live my passions, love life to the best of my ability alone, and thank God for the many blessings I do have every day. And I now choose to remain single as if it is a new phase of my life. I don't date, I don't want to date, but I have friends and family, and am super busy doing the things I enjoy, now enjoying retirement alone. I try to be kind and joyful to anyone I come in contact with each day, even at the grocery store.

[@annaforever160]

Thanks for the awesome video. The novena to St. Joseph as mentioned in the video is very effective. Recently my mom was saying it and after a fews days she found out some very important documents which had gone missing earlier in the house. I too am happy to be living a single consecrated life in Christ. I love to follow the ascension videos which makes my life more meaningful especially when I'm able to relate my life with how one can follow Jesus Christ. Praise be to the Lord our God.

[@markhanfarmerskypee]

Someone needs to hear this Oh Lord! God almighty! I magnify your name! Yaweh I give you all the glory for my life! Forgive my sins and my un confessed sins Lord! Lord I want more of you and less of me! I thank you for your protection! I am truly blessed and highly favored I sit in heavenly places and I am the son of a mighty King!!! I love you Jesus! This is such a great song. I feel so much of the holyspirit in me. God has been so good and I have never had to hold my knowledge back as I always want to impact people and make them rich as I am. I have had lots of my fellow brother and sisters who reach out to me via email and I don’t heststate to help. If you are willing to do the lords work that is a good thing. I have some of my clients who own orphanage homes and charity organisation. I am so delight that there are good people in the world who want to use money for Gods work. Remain blessed everyone. No matter what you go through God loves you.....

[@liamwhalen]

Thank you for this video. I will be following your advice. One part of this processes for me was admitting to myself that I am a single Catholic. There are many paths to service in the Church that involve life outside of a partnership with a woman, and I have considered religious life in the past. But, after a lot of reading, contemplation, and prayer I was finally able to see, in my case, that I was avoiding my single life. Since early grade school, I have wanted (in varying levels of intensity) to be in a relationship. Near the end of high school, I assumed this would be marriage. Not that I had anyone in mind, but that was what I saw in family life and wanted for myself. For many reasons at different times, married life did not become a reality. However, that lack of a relationship does not change what I was called to do here. What it does show me is how my distance from God made it impossible for me to be myself, which made having a relationship untenable. It was difficult to admit this at first because of the implications about my failures to be myself and the constraints it places on my life moving forward. However, within a few weeks of this admission, I started feeling comfortable. This particular sense of ease with myself has eluded me for a long time. Your video is just what I need to help me move forward.

[@ashleyguzman5475]

I first heard Lillian on the beyond the stitch podcast and God has truly blessed her with the wisdom to talk of these beautiful and difficult topics.

[@F3z07]

I sure needed this video today. Thank you.

[@sharonsparks5121]

I needed it 30years ago...

[@nickdagostino1844]

I prayed the novena and got an answer right after I finished it from God to switch back to my current career, very thankful for his intercession

[@philfrank5601]

I can't imagine her being single for very long.

[@DavidMatias79]

Please keep posting this comment in every video she makes 😆

[@monicaloh5945]

I am 58 , married n have two adult son, yet I find this short clip helpful in terms of identifying my gifts by looking back into my life n keep using it. The more I use the more I fall in love with my life. Ask God n trust Him. Wisdom from the young. Thank you Lilian.

[@EcstaticTemporality]

You create your meaning. You do not “find” it. The gifts you speak of are illustrative to this point.

[@catholicfemininity2126]

This gal always has such great talks about singleness.

[@mazikode]

Excellent...treating dating like the last plane out of Vietnam.

[@saturdaysolitude7800]

Lol, such an American thing to say haha

[@wreloise1]

Thank you for motivating the younger generation

[@catherinep.3481]

More of this content, please!! Unpacking the experience of singleness in light of our faith is greatly needed, especially through people like Lillian who’s living it right there with the rest of us!

[@jamesnoriega4698]

If it happens, it happens. I'm tired of stressing over it tbh.

[@unclemano]

Marriage is a state. Being single is a state. Dating is a state. That's all. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but one doesn't trump the other. Marriage isn't a "final destination" in terms of happiness. Talk to any married couple to find out, or just think of what your parents went through. When you're single, you have more freedom and money. You can go on a date if you wish, or not. You can travel much more easily. That's not a death sentence by any means. When you're dating, there's a sense of commitment that's begun. Your heart flutters with thoughts the other person. Marriage is obviously a much stronger commitment and takes a lot of work to resolve differences, find middle ground, and to continuously stay in love with that person every single day. Each state has risks and rewards. If you lament being single and wish to be married in order to be "saved," most likely you'll either stay single, or you'll end up attracting someone who doesn't truly love you.

[@larrymelman]

"When you're single, you have more freedom and money. You can travel much more easily. " This is the offensive kind of comment that adult singles are so very sick of hearing from married folks who never experienced the life of a single adult and simply have no idea what that life is like. When you have all the responsibilities that a couple has, such as a home and an auto and parents and sometimes children too - but have to deal with them all by yourself. Which is not to say that married life solves all these problems, but please don't imagine that singles have it easier.

[@DavidMatias79]

The sacred union of a man and a woman in the bonds of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a PROFOUND symbol - from God to us, from us to the world (see TOB)

[@unclemano]

@@larrymelman I'm actually single my dude. Speaking from experience. Learning to manage your money has nothing to do do with whether or not you're single or married, but marriage can magnify bad money habits.

[@signlanguage7624]

God bless you and thank you for making this video. there’s so many of us out here in the world that needed to hear this. Thanks be to God always!

[@grimspound7981]

I look around my broken and faith-deprived community and lament at the state of it - it makes me feel bad even though I have carved out my own spiritual niche…

[@Dreamwarrior0802]

Very helpful for so many people are lost, and if we can help others finding meaning, then they can help others… and so on. Then we can heal.

[@angrypotato_fz]

Good point about finding the meaning - not in the potential partner. Hard to execute, but worth pursuing. Thank you, I needed that.

[@user-7lf7w]

Thanks Lillian Fallon for all advices and your story

[@marty2476]

Really appreciate ascension presents making videos on this topic; it is not the most commonly spoken about.

[@kentadamson6992]

Great video! I do think this is an area where people need to learn to just mind their own business. I have never thought of questioning why some is is married or single. It is no concern of mine what someone else has chosen to do in these areas. I think people forget that both marriage and singleness are encouraged in the Bible. What matters is are you living for Christ. If you are married, are you honoring God with your married life. If your single, are you honoring God with your singleness. I don't personally have a desire to get married. Its not because I am angry or bitter or sad. I just genuinely don't feel the desire inside me. Maybe that will change at some point, but for right now I am not only ok, I'm happy being single.

[@rodrigodias4328]

This topic is such a necessary thing to be talked about among young adults. I'm a 32 yo Brazilian man who just joined the Diocesan Seminary this year. God is always surprising!

[@epic5945]

The problem is we have to depend on other human beings to bring our gifts to fruition with the opportunity we desire and after so many failed attempts to hope someone will give us a chance will naturally lead to disparity and ultimately giving up.

[@EcstaticTemporality]

Indeed. This is a disjointed video…starting as being single than bait and switch to “finding” meaning and gift giving/knowing your gifts. What??

[@matthewluisantero5051]

Thank you for this video. As someone who's learning how to be "alone well," I really appreciate this.

[@00juls00]

Beautiful message! It's so important to find fulfillment in your life, no matter if you're single or not. This video validated how God is using my talents to serve others and to live the life he wants for me. It's no wonder I'm single yet fulfilled!

[@christinapelssers5749]

I really love your video Lillian. Hope there will come more video's about single life on Ascension Presents.😃

[@mistyviolet3825]

This is a new amazing thing! I LOVE ❤️ her & is refreshing for our spiritual journey…. Is this going to be a regular talk from Lillian here on KZbin?!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Mark-hj7is]

I'm 50-years-old and a single dad of two, toddler girls. My kids' mom didn't die, she left me for another and i'm not sure if i want to re-marry. Maybe become a religious brother after the youngest leaves the house or something IDK. But I'm going to apply these to my life. Thank you Lillian

[@Life-er6mq]

I’m not even single and I needed to hear this!!! Going to pray the St. Joseph The Worker novena

[@michaelchovanes6033]

"The only way we can know ourselves in the image of God is to give ourselves to others." Boom.

[@shaunhickland3440]

I love creating art and medieval manuscripts and pray God will help me use them to help people and evangelise the world!

[@oasisjuani]

This was one of the most important videos i've seen in my life. Thanks for the St.Joseph novena recommendation. God bleess you Lilian!

[@AP86777]

Sometimes, I can't even concentrate on my gifts because the wish for a partner is so big and the loneliness too... It's a process and often not easy. I lived a worldly life in the past.

[@denverrandy7143]

Thank you Lilly, excellent 👌 video.GodBless all Amen

[@MissPopuri]

From my earliest days, I’ve been told I have a great memory. I seem to also have super sensitive ears that can pick up just about anything (it gets really annoying when I feel like I am eavesdropping on someone else’s confession). I get random lyrics from music pop into my head as I meditate on scripture. Recently, it was The One I Love and Man on the Moon by REM in addition to Superman (It’s Not Easy) by Five For Fighting. I like singing, and I do like writing; yet, the idea of song writing is actually fraught with a creativity block. Nothing would be good enough and worthy to be shared.

[@caterinadc5567]

Hmm maybe it could be worth it to take a songwriting course! I took one once, and there were great exercises (like non-stop writing for a certain amount of time without self-censoring, and only going in afterwards to pick up on assonance/consonance and the few good words/ideas in there, to combine and build on). I don't think music is my primary call, but perhaps it is yours! Working on skill-development through courses here and there (and maybe volunteering with the choir or something) could be sample ways to test out your interest here. And I'd also suggest seeking a healthy spiritual director and/or counsellor to work through your inhibitions about having nothing "good" or "worthy to share". I think we can all struggle with that, but remember that our Father created you good, and the gifts he has given you are good. I'm sure you do have good gifts worthy of sharing! And I just want to say I think it would be worth praying about and exploring that (with the focus on God's glory, to avoid self-consciousness).

[@anthonytropiano6650]

God has a plan for us I am so happy being 51 and single I have time for my koc council and I trust in the plan that God has for me

[@sally.g.]

Lillian, I love your positive attitude!❤️

[@bluejay4620]

Excellent, I needed more Lilly in my day! ♥️♥️

[@nancyk777]

Being single doesn't mean that your life doesn't have meaning! There is so much more to do with your life than getting married and having babies. Nothing wrong with those things, obviously, it is a blessing to find love and have children. But there is also nothing wrong with being single and your life can have great meaning. Why are people so afraid to be single? How do you become the best version of yourself if you fear being alone with yourself or just settle? Getting married to someone doesn't magically give my life meaning. When you get married because everyone around you is getting married, you fear being alone, etc. you do yourself a great disservice. Spending your life with another person is a big commitment, doing so just because you're following the perceived "norm" doesn't leave room to find the true meaning of your life. It's sad that actually.

[@franciscos.a.l.135]

I would simply stop wasting my time if I knew. I think you're right, it's the fulfillment that really grinds into us. It wasn't fear of death, I felt that in my own cowardly ways and imperfection, I was willing to take it on. As St Peter maybe, but take it on. There came a time I met someone and I'm not a comparison freak in any way, but this person just seemed to have their life together. From the oiled lamp to the heeled boots. Then I would look at myself, in debt and the many things I could have done this whole time. It wasn't fear of death, it was fear of not living this life as I would want for myself, but also not doing those things God has called me to do regardless the vocation.

[@theteachingromance]

Thank you. I needed that to see the postponement of my passion for teaching as a good thing for me to build upon that passion even more.

[@orbeuniversity]

@Lillian Fallon, Thank you for making this video. This is the second video I watch of you and I found it totally insightful.

[@leonafraser3797]

Thank you. This is very helpful. God bless.

[@captainskully]

This has been so helpful since I have graduated from professional school and I'm trying to discern what I wanna do with my life now. I would like a partner but I also value my freedom. Hopefully I can achieve both somehow, but for now-- my passions it is!

[@franciscos.a.l.135]

"Your gifts are as diverse as creation." -Lillian Fallon Hey everybody, looks like we got another saintly quote. Now how do we submit them again, write directly to the Pope or his secretary.

[@angelinadicarlo6136]

this literally brought tears to my eyes thank youuuuu 💛💛

[@mariateresarodriguez8864]

I loved this video too. Totally needed it

[@Richie016]

thanks for preaching this sermon.

[@elisac.8611]

Thank you, Lilly!

[@justynaharasimczuk9251]

What She said, really works

[@AnonymousViewer1000]

I think that MOST Christians view marriage and having children as God's expectation of all people when 1 Corinthians 7 makes it clear that choosing singlehood for God is actually holier. I read this in the Bible as a child and kept an open mind to staying single and focusing on God. Well, here I am forty--five years later with the same attitude. I probably would have married if I had had the chance to marry the right person and I am still open to this, BUT it would take an extraordinarily good fit to make me consider marriage at this point considering that I am getting close to completing a life of singlehood, I am getting old for fatherhood, and sexual desire is no longer the source of near-constant torment it once was (this is truly one of the greatest blessings of advancing age for me, BUT it has also involved a deliberate focus on being spiritual and FASTING which has been remarkably helpful with overcoming lust because it teaches one to focus on being spiritual over satisfying urges for physical pleasure). I would not "settle" for a poor match out of a sense of desperation to marry, as I fear many do. This can lead to unhappiness and the sin of divorce (yes, I called divorce a sin because it is under most circumstances according to the Bible). Lillian, I praise you for doing the holy work of de-stigmatizing singlehood which is inappropriately stigmatized by many Christians -- and very often by Catholics because of the traditional Catholic ideal around having large numbers of children.

[@karinagbarros6301]

God bless you! Thank you :)

[@priusuguusiii3633]

Thank you. More of these please.

[@dan_blessedalvarado2394]

I really needed to hear this Blessings ❤️🙏🏼

[@juliakolbe511]

so excited to read Theology of Style by the way 🥰🥰

[@person-ie1fe]

I disagree on the theme. Become the kind of person a good man/woman would want to marry, then seek them out as a priority, not just career/passion.

[@tobiasanthamatten611]

Thank you. God bless.

[@MollyAnnaD]

Wonderful. Exactly what I needed to hear

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

Well said, Lillian.

[@chaneaheard8070]

Thank you for this video!

[@ConstantiaVerted]

Great vid, thanks.

[@sheisrhett]

I'm also passionate about writing.🥰

[@eoinMB3949]

Marriage and children have been made an idol in this world. Jesus said of you put anyone, even your wife/husband or children before him you're not worthy to be his follower. That's the opposite of what this world says, in fact this world would condemn this as crazy or even heartless. But everything God stands for the world will advocate the opposite. I'm not saying people shouldn't get married, A Godly marriage and family is a joy to behold, but to put this above God.......that's where trouble begins.

[@TreShadDMW]

I worry about dying alone. 😕 in singleness I have had time to focus on self. And the Arts. Connections in spirit and Ki/chi/qi/ spirit pressure. Study. Didn't graduate college. But found my love for anyway this isn't a dating profile. I took a vow of Poverty at 19 for 10 years. Where I'd only focus on studying for the future. Thinking of joining to the level of Deacon. I know selfish I want to get married? Why. Because it is the ultimate goal. To find a fun house mirror with everything you don't have.

[@whoputyouontheplanet3345]

I want to get married too. I know exactly what you mean here.

[@TreShadDMW]

@@whoputyouontheplanet3345 the modern day problem with it all is being Catholic makes people believe you have some kind of hate in your heart but it's more of a playful acknowledgment of History

[@whoputyouontheplanet3345]

@@TreShadDMW Oh, I definitely agree. I've lost a lot of prospective suitors this way.

[@TreShadDMW]

@@whoputyouontheplanet3345 but it's fine. God provides and it gives us time to focus on making ourselves proverbial prizes for the one that we end up with. And it gives us a chance to work towards our own little slice of Heaven on Earth. But I'm young what do I know.

[@EcstaticTemporality]

Dont worry just give your gifts … blah. I hear you. I think this video misses the mark about the anxiety and fate you describe and it comes off as a simple platitude.

[@JoshJimenez_]

Yes ma'am. God first. I gotta trust him more

[@Mayormyk123]

Thank you I needed this push

[@chrisobrien6254]

How about make videos teaching single Catholics how to meet people instead of trying to make them feel better about being alone? That’s like trying to help an overweight person just feel better about themselves rather than tell them to lose weight

[@commandergoey9570]

I am afraid that my passions will drive me apart from my family and sisters. I am 24 and on my way to become a police officer, but since my grades are not so good I think about going back to the military for a couple of years and maybe fight in a different country or to move to South Africa to become a game ranger since I got a qualification for that some years ago. Both thinks would be far away from home and since I am the only devout catholic in my family I want to be there and try to be a good Christian example also I want to protect my little sisters from the heresy’s they get thaught in School! I consciously don’t follow my passions because I believe that then I would run away from my responsibility’s and this would not please God. I don’t know, I pray every day but I don’t hear his voice or something. Most decisions I chose the harder path since it is the more holy one from what I understand! It’s like my rule of thumb.

[@caterinadc5567]

Ooh, I'm just going to drop this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXm8gGenjJlqrpI&lc=UgyNbar1L2X-LUKfqDZ4AaABAg (That's a Fr. Mike video. Bottom line takeaway: "Harder is not holier." If you'd prefer to search up the video by title rather than click a link, it's 'Why St Thérèse and her "Little Way" will change your life".) Definitely not trying to give you specific advice for your situation! I hope you can find a good, wise spiritual director to help you with that. But please, please do watch this video. St. Thérèse is a Doctor of the Church, and she was similarly raised in a context where many people believed 'harder = holier'... but that's not how it works, and her writings go some way to explaining why not. And it may help loosen a certain chain of misunderstanding from your neck, so you can breathe a little more. (Again, regardless of which direction you choose to walk afterward. There may be good reasons in favour of each direction, I just hope you don't choose on the basis of "harder = holier".) May God bless you in your discernment, brother!

[@rogeriolopes6297]

Excellent video! Thanks a lot!

[@Thrifter-rd3rd]

thx lillian

[@larrymelman]

We're sick of the assumption that we're unhappy because we're not married. You hear this all the time from those who got lucky in the dating and marriage lottery in their 20's. And make no mistake, in today's society it's really just dumb luck if that happens. We're sick of those same lottery winners being so smug and sure that we can easily solve our "problem" if only we'd improve our hair or nails or wardrobe. We're really really sick of the claim that "you're single, oh how we envy you because you have so much free time to serve the church". No, we have all the work of home and auto and parents (and sometimes children) that couples can share, but have to do it alone. Free time? Sorry, no. But when we ask those smug couples if they know any singles, they say no without saying no, by suggesting the humiliation of online dating or babbling about "theology of the body". Novenas? No thanks.

[@lorenzolozzigallo2589]

Decent women after feminism have become quite rare in the Western countries. You either go looking for a bride in the Third world, or you’ll just stop looking someday.

[@100Denario]

This was great and thank you

[@Frank020]

As a divorced Catholic, I feel I no longer fit in. Single Catholics: No. Married: No. Priests or Religious: No. Youth: No. Aging yes. Lol. Nice discussion.⭐ Would like to see more of this. I like being alone, except for when I need medical assistance. It's tough to find a group.

[@akiram6609]

So are single Catholics who aren’t married or aren’t a priest or nun, living in sin? Is marriage required of all lay Catholics?

[@Frank020]

@@akiram6609 no but single Catholics can remain single but they are not supposed to be sexual, only after they get married. Single non sexual Married sexual ok Priest or nuns non sexual Divorced if married in Catholic church cannot remarry, unless they get an annulment. (Very unusual) Or x spouse passes away. Divorced Catholic sexual only with xspouse if married in the Catholic church . Or non sexual, until death does one of them part. I'm taking about married in the Catholic church. I think married legally may be required first. I'm like divorced legally, but continue to be married through the C Church until one of us croaks, or we get an annulment ..a lengthy process... highly unlikely. .

[@Frank020]

@@akiram6609 also many do premarital but it just happens, not that they wanted that.

[@akiram6609]

@@Frank020 I’m talking about single lay Catholics who do observe chastity. Are they in sin if they fail to get married?

[@Frank020]

@@akiram6609 No, not at all. Single Catholics can remain single for the rest of their life if they want. Also, before marriage it is a good idea to pray about it and try to make sure if it is for you. If you have any doubt perhaps it isn't. This is because the long term success of a marriage depends on two people, and in my opinion more difficult. Single Catholics can remain single observe chastity and take communion, and go to confession with the proper sacramental indoctrination.

[@nehyeshua]

I was dead for soo long,then someone activated me, like a button was switched on. I love being alone. It's so fulfilling. I have actually never been alone after that. I always feel a gentle presence around me. God bless our saviours who roam the world in simple attire. Freeing us from the clutches of enemy, holding us steady during wild fires. After that the devil came, but that's when I knew, I was something. It's like being lifted, from the swamp,when you defeat the devil, but then you're also taken away for God. Then I became careful. Now it's like I know when it tries to tempt me.

[@priusuguusiii3633]

- [ ] What gifts, talents, skills come naturally to you? - [ ] Is there a certain passion that is a consistent theme in your life? - [ ] Which one fills you with confidence? - [ ] Which activity doesn’t feel like work at all? - [ ] Does time fly when you’re using it? - [ ] Does it bring you energy and make you excited? - [ ] Do you sleep better at night? - [ ] How are you helping people with your gift now? - [ ] What kind of job, activity, volunteer work, schooling, or mission would help you to pursue your passion?

[@AliciatheCho]

☝️

[@renalems924]

Thanks, I'm thinking the option of a consecrated life, I'm single I was in the seminary once, I lefl. I'm 41 and I work in the hospitality industry and I like my job but in my free time I like to spend time praying the rosary and de liturgy.

[@EcstaticTemporality]

So if a married person or LTR can’t give their natural gifts? This is the domain for single persons? If not, then why distract from the well asked and inquired anxiety of loneliness and fear of abandonment? Your gifts/talents (how impressive and graceful they are) do not substitute for the lost that one suffers from. Your response is alittle reductionist. While I understand your intent, it overlooks sincere grief, lost, and fear of abandonment. When a person’s life and lived experience attests to the deprivation of intimacy and union with another human, concealing it with more works or “finding meaning” or other storied journeys does not change my experience, or offers further insight. It assumes I am not pursuing my loves and interests. It reduces my experience to a presupposed idea of fulfillment. Some of us want to affirm the company and being with others for its own sake.

[@mikecooper7784]

Hey!!! If you are still single I'll go on a date with you !