In Jesus, In His Word
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9
It was the summer of 1965. I graduated June 10. College would start August 23. I had never been away from home for more than a summer’s week at Grandma’s. My days were spent planning and preparing for “life on my own.”
There was a lot of talk about “the world out there”. I remember my mother saying in her sharp, scolding voice, “If you get pregnant, don’t bother to come home!” That had a reality to it that I had never felt before – not wanted by my mother!?!?! Why would she say that to me anyway? I had one disastrous date during high school. No boy wanted me so far. What kind of a world is it out there??? Now my mother doesn’t want me – “IF…………”
A day or two later, Daddy took me aside. “Honey, I know your mother told you don’t come home if you’re pregnant. If that happens, don’t tell her. You come to me.” I felt comfort and confusion at the same time.
The next time we visited Grandma Chloe, I got her alone. “I’m confused, Grandma. Mama said don’t come home, but Daddy (her son) said, to come home and to tell him.
Grandma hugged me with her arms and her voice. “Today’s young people are saying, ‘Make Love, Not War’ and ‘If it Feels Good, Do it.’ Jesus taught us that sex is meant for the love of a husband and his wife.”
She told me how sex is meant for man and woman to “become one” – to be intimate and special to each other, and to have a family. Love One Another is a love of the heart and the head – it’s how you feel and act towards people – with kindness, consideration, and respect.
“A boy may want you to have sex. That is not love. Just remember what Jesus taught you. Remember that you love Jesus and He comes first in your life. Jesus said, “You will be tempted, but I AM your strength.”
I met my first husband at college. He was one of our group who went to church on campus. We went to “Lovers’ Lane” several times. When he tried to see how far I would go, I said “NO!”
Grannies, your words of love, and repeating the Words of Love spoken by Jesus, will carry your young family members through difficult times.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10
8/16/20