Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Sad.

(This is, I think, a sort of upsetting entry, so read with caution, okay?).


In my independent study interviews on the girls' perceptions of sexuality,
I ask them if they can please describe their first sexual experience for me.

(And yes, I feel like a bold jerk doing so every time, even though I know it will help Mosoj Yan and thus them to have the information).


On Friday, one of the girls told me how she'd had sex for the first time at age 16,
with a boy she'd known for two months.

And my immediate response?
Was a HUGE wave of relief,
and I inwardly began shouting praises to God.

Because, unlike the other girls I'd interviewed that week,

she'd been over the age of 13,
and it had been consensual.


A year ago, to hear her say that,
would have made me want to cry.

The fact that now I didn't want to...
makes me want to cry.


This organization does good work... this organization does good work... this organization does good work...

God does good work, God does good work, God does good work...

3 comments:

Kacie said...

Praise God that despite the brokenness of the world and even the Church and believers, all will be redeemed.

Thus the hope of Christmas.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,

and
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

amy@flexibledreams said...

I'm so proud of you and the person you are, and are becoming.

Heather Johnson said...

Love you Em. Thanks for the post.

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.