Recently, I participated in a small, community health fair at a local middle school and we had the opportunity to ask questions to the kids who came by about relationships and sex. The kids were interested in the questions and they (usually) gave thoughtful answers.
One question that was asked led to a very revealing answer;
“Do you think it is possible to NOT have sex before you are married?”
They were not prepared for this question. The common reaction was one of shock, “Uh…it’s possible I guess, but…I mean, it’s not really realistic.”
Is Abstinence Possible?
Their reaction made me wonder if these kids had ever actually considered that not having sex of any kind (abstinence) until marriage is an achievable option for their own life or if they instead view sex as an expectation in a relationship.
Sure, they’ll list out the reasons to avoid sex and they’ll immediately answer that abstinence is the only way to be sure that you won’t get pregnant or become infected with an STD (they learned all that in their sex education class) but do they realize that this is something actually possible?
Abstinence As Life Choice
Guess what. It is possible! I, for one (now in my twenties), can say that I have never had sex and I have chosen not to until I am married. I’m determined to not let the expectations of the world pressure me into changing my decision. My choice is one that I believe is best for me (now and later on) and a decision that honors my future husband and children as well as God.
Living a life of sexual purity by choosing abstinence has taught me strength and patience and has spared me from the physical risks of STD’s and the emotional turmoil that can come with having a relationship that involves sex.
I’m not the only person who has made this choice of abstinence until marriage. I know hundreds of people who can say the very same thing as I have with a smile on their face. Some of these friends have actually had sex before, but they have decided to start anew because they know that it’s not too late to turn around and start living a life of abstinence from here on out—all is not lost! No one said that this is an easy choice—it’s a real challenge and it takes courage—but it’s a challenge that we each accepted since we think that sexual purity is a worthwhile goal.
Are you up for the challenge?
Do you think you can consider joining us in our choice to stand up against the expectations of the world around us that pressures us to have sex and instead choose abstinence until marriage as a decision for your own life? If you want this, remember that you are not alone. We can do this together!
So if you have never had sex, let me encourage you to stay true to that commitment. If you are sexually active and are reconsidering this choice, you can do it starting today! Are you up for the challenge? Remember you are not alone-we’re here for you, contact the TurnTable group through our website for support.