In honor of the Pure in Heart

Last night I had a bunch of high school girls here for a S*ex, Lies, and Chocolate night. Fun times. ;)

I was a public speaker for a while...about s*ex and purity. Just chalk that up as another random fact about me. Random, but poignant. Because it's one of my passions. I love teaching. And I love encouraging people to go after all that God has. In my mind, that cannot be separated from a life of purity. On the inside. As well as what is displayed on the outside.

And by luck of the draw, Katherine (our youth and college ministries pastor) asked me to be a part of this lively little time. Woo-hoo!

So last night Katherine, Wendy, and I laid it ALL on the line for the girls. And I do mean ALL. No, we weren't graphic, but we were gut-level honest. No. Holds. Barred. And in my opinion, that goes a long way.

For how can you resist someone being truly real with you? I've found that people flock to it like a fly on...manure. :) I even had one teen pull me aside at church to comment about how much our uninhibited commentary impacted her...and how God used it to send her a wake-up call.

Uh-huh. Any time, my friend. As long as you adhere to the "What happens in LivingRoom, stays in LivingRoom" rule. hee hee (nothing spoken in that room was allowed to be said outside of that room!)

But anyway, ONE of the things that struck me about the whole night was the integrity of this 20-something woman who is fearlessly leading our young people. Let me explain...

You know how easy it is, when talking to a younger person (or anyone for that matter), to take on the role of confidant, friend, and all-around shoulder to cry on?

"Yeah I know you're hurting. That so stinks that your parent didn't understand you. What a hard life you have. The nerve of your parents being so harsh."

YET the kid is sharing how they are dabbling with things they shouldn't be, hanging with people that are on the road to prison, and spewing words of poison whenever referring to anyone in authority over their life. Not really something I'd call "okay".

But honestly, in my opinion, I think it's all too easy to take the low road in those situations. To focus on the fact that they are hurting, miserable, and crying buckets in front of you. Instead of the sin issues at the heart of it all.

Yes. Those tears and hurts are real and valid emotions. But...what about the fact that they have knowingly chosen that road?!! What about the adult taking a stand on the Word, instead of inwardly reverting to the by-gone years of middle school where wanting to fit in and be popular reigns supreme? You know...sort of not condone it...or condemn it. Just be their friend.

Aw. How quaint. But hello!! Through this obvious lack of correction, it's like giving the okay to "continue on as you were."

Seriously. Do you know what I'm saying?!

I've found that many times after a "s*ex talk" is officially over, I'll be cornered by girls who want to talk more. Honestly? It's sometimes shocking to hear the things they say. It's like they're just wanting me to affirm their bad choices. You know, get the girl who just spoke about God and his redemptive power to give the thumbs up on my current life situation.

Uh. No.

But I have found myself fighting the urge to just sit there, smile, and say "Yeah, I understand" over and over. Thankfully, after picking my mouth off the floor, I locate my backbone, and put it to use. But still...the temptation was there.

Anyway...Katherine and I got to talk briefly before she left. And all I can say is I came away encouraged by the inner strength of this young woman.

Here is a woman who is not just proclaiming the things of the Spirit but also living an inner and outer life to back it up. Ah, quite the breath of fresh air!!

Here is a woman who is not just teaching these students with words, but also by her actions. Who doesn't just preach purity, but also DRESSES purely (Don't even get me started on the fact that Christian women don't seem to mind these days if their bre*asts are hanging out on a near regular basis...due to "style". Seriously. don't. get. me. started.)!

Here's a woman who not only asks these guys to honor God in their every day life, but chooses, herself, to walk that narrow road. Even when it's not easy. convenient. popular. Or in style.

And though I don't know her really well...at least not as well as I hope to in the coming future...I knew, standing there in my dining room at 11PM, that God was knitting my heart to hers. on a deep level.

That He was introducing me to someone who is the real deal. on all levels of pursuing and representing the Lord. And something inside of me got Excited.

I just pray that by the time my girls are in youth group, there will be someone of her caliber to lead them. In love. And in untainted truth.