I have experienced some significant disappointments in my life. Regarding relationships, no romantic partnership ever lasted long. Either I became disillusioned with them or they with me. I often wondered why this was so. Why, when a deeper connection was something I so longed for, did this never work? When so many others were able to marry and have committed long-term relationships, why was I unable to do the same?

These questions resurfaced over the years with greater and lesser intensity. I often wondered what was wrong with me for being unable to do what was held out as the ultimate goal.

As a young girl in the United States I was exposed to early socialization towards romantic partnership with a goal of marriage and children. It was and remains simply part of our cultural norms. Many children’s books and movies contain versions of the same goal. “Snow White” is, in the end, brought to life by her Prince. The gift of the perfect pebble is presented to his life-mate in “The Pebble and the Penguin.”

Well, it never happened for me. No pebble; no Prince. And after years of disappointment and heartache I gave up. It was through disillusionment, disappointment and some very deep questioning about my life that I found something far greater, deeper and richer. I found my true calling.

There are many ways women can live fulfilling and devoted lives outside of romantic relationship and marriage. Women are called to serve through many different avenues in life. Some women join convents, monasteries or other religious communities. Others are committed to great social causes that benefit the progress of humanity. Some women become great leaders in politics, economics and business. There are many ways to serve and marriage and children, while important, essential and honored roles, are not meant for every woman.

For some women they are specifically called to religious life. It is their calling. Their purpose, meaning and direction will only be found through this engagement. I now know this is true for me. I found my true calling in “The New Message from God.”

The years of disappointment and heartache now make more sense. It was simply not part of my destiny. And when I did find the New Message I took to it like a fish to water. It was natural. It was familiar. It was perfect.

The New Message from God is vast. It encompasses the mysterious and the mundane. It breathes fresh life into stale and faltering religious traditions that do not recognize the needed and natural gifts of women. I have found this Revelation to contain the pathway to deep, profound and living relationships. Marshall Vian Summers, the Messenger of this great teaching, recognizes the important contributions women can make to a world in great need. “We are entering the Age of Women,” says Summers, “Accept this. Embrace this. Consider it. The wisdom of women must come to the fore if society is to advance.”

With this new life has come other questions – questions that move me forward, that expand my understanding and experience of the world. Questions about where I must move and what I must contribute. Questions that reach deep into a well of wisdom. I have been brought to life – a greater life – and for me it is the perfect gift.