Silver Ring Thing

Since the weather has gotten nice, we've been taking advantage and having class outside. It's been great. Some of us have also been going to the YMCA on Monday evenings to workout on machines and do Zumba. The biggest news recently with the youth group though, is absolutely our trip to the Silver Ring Thing event. Silver Ring Thing is a high energy event put on by a group of people who travel around the country promoting sexual abstinence. The event was full of fun music and lights, great speakers, and an impacting message of God's expectations of our behavior when it comes to sex. It was presented in a way that really moved those there. Two students who went with other groups accepted Jesus that night and nearly all of my teenagers left with a ring and a new promise to God that they will wait until marriage for sexual intimacy. I also got a ring. Not only for my own sexual purity, but to remember to pray for my teenagers and their purity journey also. Our society is so filled with pressure to engage in sex as soon and as often as possible because "it feels good", "it makes us cool", and "it means that we're loved". So ultimately, many people (it's probably safe to say that most people) give into the pressure. Well, this event was for all of us who fit under that category too because our God is a God of second chances. The angels rejoice in Heaven when someone repents of their sins and turns to God. We all make mistakes in our lives and do the opposite of what God wants from us. I do too. But the good news is that Jesus took away all of those sins when He died on the cross. All we have to do is accept His grace and we are forgiven. Simple as that. I don't care what you've done; premarital sex, theft, perpetual lying, excessive drinking, adultry, or even murder. God is big enough to wash away ANY sin and make you new again. All He wants is you. All of you. Because He loves you and wants only the best for you. For real.