Bethany Hamilton is probably more known from the news of her losing arm due to a shark attack while she was surfing in the waters off Makua Beach on Kauai’s North Shore at age 13. But her name is actually also worth mentioning here as a positive role model for anyone who wants to wait to save sex for marriage.Now 24 and newly married, Bethany released a new book, Body and Soul. In it, she tries to reach out to young girls and to advise them to respect their own body and soul. And according to Bethany, one way to respect one's body is by way of saving oneself for marriage."I think growing up I was blessed to have parents that stayed together, and have that husband and wife image of I want … [Continue reading]
Teen Pregnancy Statistics at Record Low in 2013
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported the 2013 preliminary data on birth rates in the US by the National Center for Health Statistics and the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a biennial survey reporting on health behaviors of youth. Combined the reports made two major announcements regarding teen birthrates and teen sexual activity:The 2013 preliminary birthrate for teenagers age 15-19 was 26.6 births per 1000 women, down 10% from 2012 (29.4), down 36% from 2007 (41.5) and down 57% since 1991 (61.8).1Most teens have never had sex. The current rate is down 13% since 1991 when the YRBS began, from 54.1 to 46.8.2Other Key findings for teen … [Continue reading]
Megan Alexander on Remaining a Virgin Until Married
Photo: Inside EditionIt's another success story worth sharing from CBS Inside Edition host, Megan Alexander, who waited until marriage and hope her story would encourage "girls and guys to think highly of themselves, treat one another with respect … [Continue reading]
Delaying Sex After Marriage, Greatest Rewards
With the upward trend of cohabitation as a trial marriage, couples who wait to have sex until marriage are quickly becoming a minority in western countries. The general consensus is that exploration of sexual compatibility before the lifelong … [Continue reading]
Does Forgiveness Mean You Have to Marry? – 2
Responding to your letter.I believe the main thing you are dealing with is loss, and an accompanying broken heart. You became emotionally attached to these two women, and that activated all of your longings and yearnings for a life partner you … [Continue reading]
Does Forgiveness Mean You Have to Marry? – 1
Does forgiving someone's sexual past mean you have to marry the person? This young man's letter echoes the struggle many are facing. This story shows some effects of premarital sex in a relationship that can be detrimental if not addressed … [Continue reading]
Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2012
How did the US population fare in 2012 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the report Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, 2012,1 an annual update of sexually transmitted disease (STD) statistics and trends … [Continue reading]
Keep It Above the Belt
I am a 20-year old female college student. I have always desired to remain abstinent until marriage and fully intend to keep that promise to myself and to God.My boyfriend is a 27-year old professional who lives in a remote town and is very … [Continue reading]
How Can I Keep My Boyfriend Pure?
This is a letter from a reader with a typical relationship situation in college. It is shared with the intention that her struggle and the responses she received will benefit others who are experiencing similar situations.Hi, my name is Tracy and … [Continue reading]
The Moves
by J. BudziszewskiThis Office Hours column is the conclusion to "Who's on First?", (May 13, 2002), which should be read first. You can read the original column here."So does anything work?", Mark was saying. "What are the moves of … [Continue reading]