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 June was National Celibacy Awareness Month. And I must say the crowds showing up to celebrate, were thinner than in previous years.
Dating in the millennium is a lot more difficult than what my mother described in the 80s. During her day, the choice to refrain from sex was not unheard of. But in my generation, young females are encouraged to lose their virginity as early as the age of 9. Those of us, who refuse to adhere to guidlines that urge us to "explore our sexuality", are called losers, prudes, nerds, sexually repressed, abnormal, and other names; sometimes even by fellow church members.
We are taught by our church leaders to uphold our standards and embrace purity until our wedding nights. But with so much negative media around, no one much sees the value in virginity anymore. Even those who should be abstaining, i.e, pastors, are being rocked by sex scandals.
I'm in complete agreement that our Heavenly Father instructs us to refrain from sexual impurity. So why is the pressure to become intimate so overwhelming? Even our own bodies betray us with sexual feelings that threaten, not only our personal commitment, but our very relationship with God.
To add insult to injury, surprisingly the medical profession is not as supportive, of celibacy, as one may think. Their claim that "celibacy lead to psychological problems such as irritability, insomnia, somatization, or clinical depression," is not very encouraging to those us fighting to hold on to something so very precious - our self respect.
Though I'm not sorry I've made the choice to hold on to my virginity until married; it is such an unpopular stand, that there are times I question myself: Is it realistic for me to expect a man to date me for a year or two, without becoming intimate? And can a couple truly remain virgins until married?
To those out there who have sound advice to share, feel free to enlighten us.
~Ebani Greos
| Ebani Greos is a native of Georgia and is currently working on her bachelor's degree in the field of education. To contact Ebani, email yolandarospeakslife@inbox.com, with subject line "To Ebani Greos" |
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