Anna's post about the 40 year old virgin got me thinking about this subject. I have been with one partner, my ex husband. Now that I am divorced, sex isn't an option for me because of my religious convictions. At least that is my stance. I know it is how God set it up, and I know his plans are better than mine, but it just doesn't seem realistic to NOT sleep with someone before you marry them. I can't imagine that. Are there any others that feel strongly about this issue, but know it will be a real temptation? I guess I as a single parent of 3 young children think I am going to have a hard enough time meeting date worthy people - just wait until I spring the "I think we should wait until marriage" line on them [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] Anyone else?

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by WhoamInow:
<strong> I know his plans are better than mine, but it just doesn't seem realistic to NOT sleep with someone before you marry them. Are there any others that feel strongly about this issue?</strong><hr></blockquote><p>Yes, I feel as strongly about the issue as you. I was a virgin at 30, when I met my H, and dated for 1½ years before marrying. I must admit I wasn't a virgin when we married, but he is the only man I've ever had sex with. I used that somewhat vulgar phrase because I DID have "relations" with a man previous to him. A man I thought was "the love of my life." Turned out I was wrong. He didn't/wouldn't have intercourse with me (I would have, at that point, because I was IN LOVE!!!), so I was "saved" in that way for my H. My gift to him.<p>Now that you have some of my background, to answer your question. For me, there is no option as far as sex as a single person. So, I will either be reconciled to my H (which is my prayer), OR I will be "freed" by God to marry again. But in the meantime, I will NOT be free to enjoy sexual activity.<p>Are you standing for your M? Do you or don't you believe God can restore your M? I'm not condemning you, each of us has to make this decision for ourselves, I'm just trying to understand where you are. <p>I used to be the oddball among my single friends becuase I didn't like the "Young Singles" group at our church. I would rather "hang out" with my kids, my youth group of teen-agers, which was my ministry. My single friends used to say to me, "How will you find a H?" I would reply back, "God knows where I am! When He is ready, HE WILL BRING HIM TO ME!!! Right where I am." And I was right. HE DID.<p>I believe that if God has another man for you (although this is a tough one for me), HE will bring him to you, a man with the same convictions you have about things.<p>I would like to discuss more issues concerning this with you, but I have very little time this morning. I'll get back to this later.<p>God Bless,

<p>[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: newstartj ]</p>

Thanks for your responses. I know it isn't an option. And I know this would be a temptation I will need God's help with to resist. <p>Lupolady, I did everything possible to save my marriage. I fought for it with every ounce of my being. I let my cheating H come back even when I wanted to be done, because I felt that was what God wanted me to do. He left me when I was 8 months pregnant with our third. He moved in with the OW, my old best friend. They are now married. So no, reconcililation is not an option. We were unequally yoked in the first place, and I've learned my lesson there. I too didn't wait until marriage to sleep with him, although he was the only one. <p>Anyway, it is nice to hear there are some others like me. I feel kind of like a freak in today's society with these views. [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] Thanks for listening.<p>Who Am I Now

WhoamInow,<p>I agree. I have been with 1 partner in my life too. That person was my xw. <p>I believe that sex is only permitted within the bounds of marriage. I also believe that my beliefs are not popular, and that I'm in the minority. I'm glad to know I'm not alone.

<p>[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: newstartj ]</p>

Well, I don't know about the 'virtuous character' part, but 'freak' does seem to fit me pretty well. [img]images/icons/grin.gif" border="0[/img]