I am a 14 year-old freshman at Eastern Wayne High School. I will celebrate my 15th birthday during my sophomore year. I am a virgin. In fact, I’ve never kissed a boy nor had a boyfriend! When I share this information with my peers, they are surprised. Yet, most of them say, “That’s good.” As I observe my peers that are sexually active, I’m convinced abstaining from sexual activity will benefit me in the long run.
I’m not mature enough to be sexually active. Neither are my peers. You wouldn’t believe the drama that accompanies teen sex. I am in honors classes. I play basketball and softball. It is crucial for me to focus on my studies. I don’t need any distractions. Abstinence means no drama for me! Many of my friends say they regretted having sex the first time. They express feelings of premarital sex. These responses confirm what I believe – teens aren’t emotionally equipped to engage in sexual activity.
Several health risks associated with premarital sex, too. When teen aged girls engage in premarital sex, they risk becoming pregnant. I’m certainly not emotionally or physically ready for that! I would be ashamed to walk the halls of my school in a pregnant state. I’m embarrassed for my peers that do that. Teens also risk contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 4 teen girls in the U.S. has an STD. Chlamydia rates spiked nearly 14% in the past 4 years. Gonorrhea and syphilis are also on the rise. The most staggering statistic is that 50% of people that have HIV are between the ages of 15-24. That’s ludicrous!! Condoms only reduce the risk of contracting HIV by 86% and don’t significantly reduce the risk of contracting other STDs. When I consider these statistics, I’m convinced abstinence is the only way to eliminate unwanted pregnancy and contracting an STD.
My belief is God designed sex for married couples to enjoy the pleasure and excitement of sexual relations to accomplish His primary purpose, which is to populate the earth. It is for people with similar ambitions, dreams and visions of a shared life together. Sex is not for teens to abuse. God commands against premarital sex in order to protect unmarried people from unwanted pregnancies, from children born to parents who don’t want them, and to protect children from parents who are not prepared for them. In a world without premarital sex, there would be no STDs. Abstinence saves lives, protects babies, gives sexual relationships the proper value, and most importantly, abstinence honors God.
To me, sex is a big deal! It is a significant act. It means commitment and eternal love. I’m not mature enough to pursue either. My God wants me to be pure. Since the alternatives, unwanted pregnancy and STDs are gruesome, I believe I’ll follow God’s plan – ABSTINCENCE.
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