Some thoughts on books and ... sex?
I work for a library and really enjoy my job. I see many of the new books that come in, and I start them on their way to be processed and sent to the branches. It gives me a unique viewpoint seeing what is currently being published. I get to "take the pulse" of our current society, at least in West Michigan.
I truly am thankful that we live in an area with a rich heritage of faith and family; I see this reflected in many of the books that we order (thank goodness!) But I also see glimpses of society as a whole, and often times I wonder where all this is going. I know the ultimate answer, but still, this can be distressing to those of us watching it happen. It definitely challenges my faith.
Many could argue it was the influence of technology and social media that makes putting your opinion out there easy without the same degree of accountability and responsibility as before. And there seems to be less of a standard these days about what is socially acceptable to share. I've never seen so many books published with "F*ck" in the title or within the pages! I guess it's no longer the punishment-incurring "F-word" that it used to be.
I think technology has opened up opportunities for people to share unhindered; which can be both good and bad. People now have the courage to speak out about things like sexual harassment ("Me too") and similar social issues. But yet I see a deeper issue; people seem to be so much more casual about things that once were sacred. It's almost like, "Yeah, I've already done and seen it all. There's nothing new and worthy of awe and wonder anymore."
Sex for example. Just a quick note: sex is a holy gift given by our Creator to be shared in a permanent union between two people. It is meant to be a strong force to unite and strengthen them to keep their vows until death. However, over and over in books I see young people addressing sex as something to be consumed; a casual thing to be experienced like taking in a meal, nothing more.
Waiting to have sex until marriage was originally established to protect the mystery of a holy, exciting adventure for the couple to enjoy for the rest of their lives - discovering each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is supposed to be the glue that forms a permanent bond to secure them together for the rest of their lives, not something just taken and consumed here and there.
The bond of sex is meant to be maintained for life. This casual approach isn't how it was meant to be at all. But yet here we are, in the middle of this mess and brokenness. Is there any hope?
I truly am thankful that we live in an area with a rich heritage of faith and family; I see this reflected in many of the books that we order (thank goodness!) But I also see glimpses of society as a whole, and often times I wonder where all this is going. I know the ultimate answer, but still, this can be distressing to those of us watching it happen. It definitely challenges my faith.
Many could argue it was the influence of technology and social media that makes putting your opinion out there easy without the same degree of accountability and responsibility as before. And there seems to be less of a standard these days about what is socially acceptable to share. I've never seen so many books published with "F*ck" in the title or within the pages! I guess it's no longer the punishment-incurring "F-word" that it used to be.
I think technology has opened up opportunities for people to share unhindered; which can be both good and bad. People now have the courage to speak out about things like sexual harassment ("Me too") and similar social issues. But yet I see a deeper issue; people seem to be so much more casual about things that once were sacred. It's almost like, "Yeah, I've already done and seen it all. There's nothing new and worthy of awe and wonder anymore."
Sex for example. Just a quick note: sex is a holy gift given by our Creator to be shared in a permanent union between two people. It is meant to be a strong force to unite and strengthen them to keep their vows until death. However, over and over in books I see young people addressing sex as something to be consumed; a casual thing to be experienced like taking in a meal, nothing more.
Waiting to have sex until marriage was originally established to protect the mystery of a holy, exciting adventure for the couple to enjoy for the rest of their lives - discovering each other physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is supposed to be the glue that forms a permanent bond to secure them together for the rest of their lives, not something just taken and consumed here and there.
The bond of sex is meant to be maintained for life. This casual approach isn't how it was meant to be at all. But yet here we are, in the middle of this mess and brokenness. Is there any hope?
Sexual brokenness is a real issue in our culture. Many people have multiple sex partners, get pregnant without intending to, get STD's, get an abortion(s), get addicted to pornography, or get caught up in being trafficked for sex. Where's the hope in that?
Back in the day, there were social rules about what could and couldn't be seen of people before they were married. The whole idea was that when a man and a woman came together on their wedding night, it was to be an amazing thing; a holy, sacred thing just shared and experienced by them alone. The man did not have images of other unclothed (or barely clothed) women he had seen (or been with) in his memory competing against his new wife. The woman did not have memories of men's touch who had taken advantage of her or whom she had given herself to in exchange for love. It was pure, clean, and most importantly, a blank slate. They could start anew, together, without other memories or images distracting and hindering them.
Back in the day, there were social rules about what could and couldn't be seen of people before they were married. The whole idea was that when a man and a woman came together on their wedding night, it was to be an amazing thing; a holy, sacred thing just shared and experienced by them alone. The man did not have images of other unclothed (or barely clothed) women he had seen (or been with) in his memory competing against his new wife. The woman did not have memories of men's touch who had taken advantage of her or whom she had given herself to in exchange for love. It was pure, clean, and most importantly, a blank slate. They could start anew, together, without other memories or images distracting and hindering them.
Maybe we need to rethink our approach to this gift of sex. Maybe we need to spend some time learning about what God has in mind for it and be willing to give His way a try. After all, He wrote our life's manual (The Bible), and is more than willing to help us understand and follow it.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5
It worked for me. If you'd like to know more of my story, feel free to email me at jille1443@icloud.com and request a copy of it.
Blessings.
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