Purity Rings

Unlike mood rings, purity rings are still being worn and celebrated by Christian teens as a public statement about their commitment to wait until marriage before engaging in sexual activity. Purity rings were the object of a jab by 'comedian' Russell Brand, who hosted this year's VMA's (Video Music Awards on MTV). Jordin Sparks, last year's American Idol winner, took the opportunity of her performance at the awards show to publicly defend purity rings and what they stand for.

Here is an article explaining that sex is a gift from God and as such it is meant to be enjoyed within the confines of a married relationship between a man and a woman. I think the writer of another article that I read online raises a critical question that society at large (including Christian teenagers) would do well to consider: "So, since God invented sex, and designed it for a ‘marriage only' context, maybe that is why there are negative consequences for rebelling against His design?"

I never read or even visit the celebrity gossip pages online (I promise- I don't), but I did a little searching to get some information on Sparks and her pledge of abstinence and I came across this brief story. I wanted to post this one because of why she is holding firm to her vow until marriage. I have said before and I truly believe that parents have infinitely more impact on the lives of their children than any youth pastor, Sunday school teacher, or student leadership team could dream of having, and here's one case where that has proved to be true. Her pledge to her parents as a 13 year old girl is affecting the way she is living her life now, after fame and fortune. Please don't underestimate the impact that one simple conversation can have on the life if your child, much less than multiple, even regular, conversations with your children about the lives they live and the choices they make.