Not of God...

“Abstinence will not work”, the beautiful young African girl declared, turning a broad smile toward members of the audience. “Why is that?”, asked the reporter, holding the microphone close so that she might answer. White smile gleaming, she announced, “Sex is fun, sex is free and young people like to have sex. They will not stop having sex.” A smattering of laughter followed. But, for me, this young woman’s words confirmed an alarming consciousness spreading among youth. Our increasingly cavalier attitudes toward intimacy progressing into a belief that sex is merely a recreational activity. Something to do, a way to pass time—"a fun, free activity".

This was not God’s plan for sexual intimacy though. And, the repercussions of indiscriminate sexual activity can be heartrending. In the month of Mother’s Day, I represent one who has knows well the heartbreak following sex outside of marriage. I am a single parent, and though a good mother, the experience did not have to be as difficult as it has been. I know am blessed for having my sons, certain it is through them that God worked on me first, still there are and have been many trying days. And, not just for me. It’s been most difficult for my sons not having a father in the home. First boys, now young men, they would have had a much easier time of it with a husband/father to role model behavior. But, unlike the young girl speaking above, in most cases I moved too quickly to the physical believing love and sex synonymous. The word is serial monogamist. For the past several years, I’ve lived an abstinent life. And, it’s only when I stood on my own, allowing God opportunity to wrap me in His arms, that dreams I didn’t even know I had began to come true. I’ve written a novel, and it was published! And, I’m finally finishing my degree and doing well at it. I feel like Sarah in the Bible, only birthing dreams instead of babies at this late stage in my life.

Sadly, the young lady speaking about sex in the text above represents a growing mindset in the world today. I remember being young as she, and I remember thinking after hearing about birth-control from friends sharing their exploits…everybody is doing it, so why shouldn’t I? What a crazy reason to make a decision to become one with another; but no more crazy than those given by these young people today, huh? However, young people must realize, Abstinence IS a viable choice. Life can be rich and relationships meaningful for those who choose to live without physical intimacy until within the confines of the marital union it meant for. It helps to remember that we who proclaim ourselves Christian, belong to God. He knows our hearts, and has great plans for us, but we complicate His plan, when we don’t follow His word. Life becomes more challenging. Many fall, under the challenges and some don’t even get the chance to face them. Unfortunately, the fact is, in today’s world, perhaps because too many think of sex as play, it is also a harbinger of death, and I know that’s not of the Lord… 

Cheri Paris Edwards is the first-time author of “Plenty Good Room”, published in hardcover by Walk Worthy/Warner Books in Spring, 2005. She is the 50-year old single parent of two young men and lives in East-Central Illinois. Visit the website at www.cheriparisedwards.com

Comments

[Cindy Swanson]

Excellent comments, Cheri! I couldn't agree with you more.

[Cheri]

Thanks Cindy, for your comments. It's always heartening to know that someone shares your views!
Cheri