A talented writer at my church, Kim Weidner, wrote this essay. I thought it was beautifully written, so of course I had to ask if I could share it on my blog. With the Pure Freedom Tour coming to our church in just a few weeks, my heart has been examining itself and focusing on my own purity. I read her essay on Sunday and realized time doesn't erase what has been done, God does. I guess I always thought that once I was married that my "mishaps" would go away, but true sexual healing doesn't come with a ring, it comes from our forgiving Heavenly Father. I'm sure this essay will challenge you to self-examine as well. Enjoy this special essay from my dear friend.
A few words from Kim Weidner:
At a Baltimore art museum last week I examined (with my eyes only!) the delicate creations of Cartier, Lalique and Faberge (including two of the famous eggs). These bejeweled treasures of almost inconceivable fragility have survived for a century, moved with the most extreme care from collection to collection, gallery to gallery, continuing to bring pleasure and amazement to their viewers.
Also last week I examined with the eyes of an open heart Dannah Gresh’s book What are you waiting for?, which explores very candidly the precious treasure of our sexuality, a gift created by God to be enjoyed within the context of marriage. This treasure was designed to reveal to us the glorious harmony of the godhead and the union of Christ to his bride, the Church. Gresh traces a very surprising Hebrew word through Scripture to show God’s intention for us to be known intimately and respected through marital sex. Desiring to reach girls age 12-18 with her message about purity, true beauty and modesty, Gresh has created the Pure Freedom Tour, which GBC is excited to host on May 14. Moving beyond the themes of her tour, and targeting a somewhat older age group, Gresh’s book does not pull any punches when it comes to addressing a variety of “uncomfortable” sex topics. I believe any parent of preteens/teens would benefit from reading it, as well as those who minister to our youth. It is an honest, straightforward appeal to girls about to make crucial sexual choices, as well as to those who have already made sexual choices with painful results. To the former, Gresh shows God’s point of view compellingly; she urges the latter to seek with assurance the healing God will bring through honest confession and prayer.
We live in a culture whose messages about sexuality are in no way trustworthy. These messages need to be actively addressed and challenged in the home, as I believe they are in many of our GBC families. God’s view of sexuality, the “big picture,” not just the list of “dont’s,” should also be taught in both the home and church settings. I have taught middle school aged girls at GBC for many years, and find it interesting how squirmy and giggly they become when I mention god’s ultimate intention for our sexuality in connection with some “spiritual topic” like the Trinity or communion or heaven. As if sex cropped up while god wasn’t looking! Generation after generation treats this precious and beautiful gift of God as something indecent! So much is at stake when we fail to educate our children about the biblical picture of sacred sex. Remember, parents, we are helping to move our fragile, bejeweled treasures to sexually whole adulthood, toward fulfilling, Christ-centered marriages or vibrant, unencumbered singleness.
I wonder how many people reading this could honestly state that their lives are free from sexual brokenness. Yes? Praise God! Or have you, like me, been hurt by sexual experiences that fell short of God’s beautiful and sacred purposes? I believe that the pursuit of healing sexual brokenness through confession and prayer is a necessary, if difficult, step toward strengthening and restoring marriages and becoming effective, Godly guides for our teen children. It is Jesus’ redemption, not merely time, that heals all wounds. I am compelled to testify, with a deeply grateful heart, that the healing touch of our loving, forgiving Savior is more than just well-concealed superglue on the broken treasure of our sexuality; it brings true restoration and renewal. Will you trust Him with your treasure?
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