Is this your year to "get yoked?"

I was this close to pulling the plug.

After almost five years, Getyoked almost vanished forever. I was going to take down the site, cancel the domain, delete the Youtube account, re-brand the few video personals I have in full quality format, and re-release them as a new series on RI - like a Christian version of the old MadTV bit, "Lowered Expectations."

I felt like it was time. It was a great idea that never found its groove. I had moved on to other projects, namely the Sensitive Christian Man. But then, at the 11th hour, something happened. I got an email from an old friend, one of my best friends, telling me that he had just seen an advertisement on TV for - I am not making this up - ChristianMingle.com

Christian? Mingle? Really?

Let's go back five years in time. I was about to get engaged, about to get married, and I wanted to leave a legacy for other singles, something to inspire them not to waste their single years. It was a constant struggle for me to focus on the Lord rather than my own loneliness, and I wanted to do something to encourage others who were or would go through the same battles. I prayed about it a lot, and I decided that if such a site already existed, I'd let the matter go. But after exhaustive searching, all I could find were meat markets. There were literally no hub sites for singles dedicated to spiritual growth. EVERY link I found, every search I did, every place I looked, all I saw were personal pages. CrossDaily, one of the bigger Christian portals at the time, had a big, bold link on their menu labeled "SINGLES." It led straight to a personals site for Christian singles.

At the same time I was searching for the non-existent singles edification website, I was polling Christian singles in my circle of friends and on Myspace. Do you know what 99% of the respondents said when I asked them who put the most pressure on them to date and get married? It wasn't parents. It wasn't friends. It was their PASTOR.

I'm sorry, but that's pathetic.

There are those on the other side of this issue with legitimate concerns about singles remaining single. Many people stay single to pursue a career rather than a family. Many of them just are too immature for that kind of commitment. Yes, those are problems. But not everyone is single by choice. I believe it is still an ordained, blessed time not to be wasted pining away in Christian single chat rooms waiting for the Lord's will to reveal itself!!!

As you can tell from my tone, my friend's email re-ignited my passion for the site. Getyoked is back up, with a new look and the same attitude. Getyoked.net features video personals (not a one of them real, by the way) that poke fun at the Christian singles scene, Christian singles, and those who would pressure them (to paraphrase King Solomon) to arouse or awaken love before it so desires. You'll also find "advice" from Dr. Gary Rosenberger (fake) and Prunella Douglas (also fake), archetypes of the "you must get married or God will hate you" crowd that permeates our churches and Christian culture.

You'll also find links to several films, including "God Told Me to Break Up With You," and a book I wrote, 'Throwing Eggs in the Shower,' a chronicle of my own single years and the lessons learned during that time. No, the book isn't free, BUT all proceeds from the book are going to the production of a Christian film very similar in tone and message to Getyoked. It's called "Youth Group," and it was written by Christian comic Thor Ramsey, who also stars in the movie. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of Christian movies being nothing but CGI apocalyptic shlock, and I'm happy to contribute what I can to what promises to be a very funny Christian film - one you won't be embarrassed to show your non-Christian friends.

So if you are single, or a single sympathizer, surf on over to www.getyoked.net and check out the new digs. And please consider making a donation to "Youth Group," even if you aren't single and don't need the book.

Comments

[Indychristian]

Always enjoy your humor, John. Never stop.