Originally posted by Emily, at her blog.
I have to start this out with one incredibly vital point.
I loved and adored every one of my Young Women’s leaders. This post is not an attack on their teachings or advice. I know they left parts of their hearts and souls on the table when they taught on Sunday. I am so thankful for their examples.
This is for every Laurel-aged girl who needs to hear what I needed to hear, from someone who knew exactly what I was going through.
I’m a 20-year-old Church Education System college student. When I was sixteen, I saw myself doing exactly what I’m doing now; college, dating, roommates, great job, my own car. It’s great! It really is.
But when I was sixteen and making my perfect life-plan, I didn’t plan for the speed-bumps that I’ve run into. Most of mine have come from dating silly boys, spending my time unwisely, and just not knowing.
So here’s some advice from someone who truly has been there. Please, listen.
1. You are not already-chewed gum.
If anyone ever says that to you, I want you to completely ignore it. The atonement of Jesus Christ is real and no matter what you have done, it is for you. The point of this life is to come closer to our Savior and Father. The only way to do that is to use the atonement.
In no way, shape or form are you someone’s already-chewed anything. You are light and life and love. You are a glorious mixture of Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, your earthly father, and your earthly mother. All have given you important and sacred traits. Use them wisely. But never, under any circumstances, let anyone tell you that you are less. Because dear, you are worth more than you even know.
Let Christ in. Let His love fill you up and make you whole. Let Him help you. I promise if you do, the changes in your life will astound you.
2. Understand why God gave us the ability to procreate.
Let’s talk about marital intimacy. Before you start squirming in your seats or sing “I Am a Child of God” to yourself, let me explain something.
In Genesis 4:1 it says “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord” (Emphasis added).
Girls, use those wonderful brains of yours and tell me, what is God trying to tell us with the word “know?” Marital intimacy has been alive and well since the literal beginning of man. God started us out on the right foot by giving us urges and desires to accompany our earthly life. Because of those mortal yearnings, we can make babies. Why then, is “sex” thought of the way it is?
Heavenly Father sure isn’t giving us that idea! He’s commanded us to cleave unto our spouses and no one else. We’ve been told to procreate. So where in the word is the stigma of sex coming from?
My dear friends, sexual intimacy, the binding power that belongs between a husband and wife, is “bad” because the adversary has made it so. It makes sense that Satan would attack the authentic, God-given gift we have to multiply and replenish the earth with because when we are using that power correctly, we are living the pattern of heaven.
Why do you think the power to continuously procreate is reserved for the highest degree of the highest kingdom of Glory? That power goes to the righteous of heart, who were good stewards of their time on earth.
Do you realize the magnitude of that, sisters? You have, right now in your body, the power of God. It is not dirty. It is not wrong. It is not to be taken lightly. It is sacred.
Know this. The media has twisted our views and perceptions on intimacy. We see crass images and vulgar words that depict a casualness our spirits know to be false. God did not ever intend for His extraordinary daughters to view their power to create and bear children as anything but what it is; glorious.
Use that power wisely. Take heed to prophet’s warnings and listen to God’s voice. I promise you, when you’re ready to take that step into marriage and begin your family, the power of this gift will be testified unto you.
3. Your worth does not depend on a mission, engagement, or a 4.0.
Keep reading what else a Laurel should hear.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
