Sunday, February 1, 2009

I spent the morning updating my research for a yearly presentation I give at St. Matthews church in Schaumburg, IL. Each February I speak to the confirmation candidates regarding abstinence and honoring God in our relationships. One of the more interesting bits of information that I came across today was from the Kaiser Foundation.

94% of students who have currently chosen to remain abstinent, have done so as a result of their parent's influence.

I know it can be incredibly awkward for parents and teenagers to speak about sex and relationships, but it is also incredibly necessary. Sexual decisions are mostly influenced by parents. Either because of their involvement in the student's life, or because of the lack thereof.

My sister and I often joke about how we can quote my mom's lines to us when it came to physical relationships. I used to dread the "girls, there is something that we need to talk about" nights. I now thank God for the uncomfortable moments, humiliating conversations, and embarrassing talks that my mom and dad had with us. They empowered us to make right choices, and encouraged us to honor God, our future spouses, and ourselves.

7 comments:

Janna Howard said...

while i was dating I had the echo of "a boy shouldn't touch you anywhere your bathing suit covers" in my head

sharonie said...

oh my word...stop it Janna, I totally was going to write that before I read your comment! Too funny...how about this one: always have two feet on the floor!

Cara said...

That is great Bethany! I think every parent dreads giving the "talk" but I would rather tell my kid about it than him hearing it at school!

Ben & Bobbi said...

This is so true! Bethany you are truly making a difference in the lives of others....maybe you should have a talk with the parents too. You are so fortunate to have parents that loved you enough to have those awkward converstations...mine did not and I can clearly see how damaging the "lack therof" was.

mscottberg said...

i would love to hear one of your talks for future use:-) do you record them?

aM <3 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
aM <3 said...

hey bethany,
you metioned this when i came over a couple of fridays ago and mentioned me coming with you.
did you still want me to come with?