WORTH THE WAIT (Another Must Read)

Okay, this isn’t a book review blog, but God keeps bringing this great material my way. I'm going to share another book, one I bought yesterday. First, some context…

I just got back from this amazing Young Adult Conference called "Standing in the Gap," based on Ezekiel 22:30. In that chapter God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel about the consequences His people would face for turning away from Him: "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." The conference encouraged young adults to “bridge the gap” by pointing other generations to Christ through an exemplary lifestyle pleasing to Him. 2 Timothy 4:12 was a companion theme: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." On the "purity" part, there was a great speaker, Dr. Lindsay Marsh, author of "The Best Sex of My Life: A Guide to Purity." Everything she said was on point for men and women trying to maintain a pure lifestyle for Christ.

Because I don’t want to discourage you from purchasing the book by giving too much away, I won’t say a lot about it. Instead, I’ll rave about Dr. Marsh, who is truly a “role model”— two words I use sparingly. She’s a 31-year-old anesthesiologist, minister and owner of Worth the Wait, LLC, a clothing line promoting sexual purity through fashion (and no, that does not mean all her designs completely cover from high-neck-to-toe, but they are fashionable yet classy—no super-short skirts or boobs hanging out). But even with all she does, if you ask her, she’s “a minister of the Gospel first”—get it! She’s also single and a virgin who’s committed to waiting in a way that glorifies God. She gets it right when she says purity is not only about abstaining from intercourse, but also every other daily decision you make. Lindsay (“Dr. Marsh”) admits she hasn’t always lived that way, and is candid about her mistakes. In Chapter 2: “My Personal Experience,” she says:

“It has not been a perfect journey for me. I took a wrong turn…But by God’s grace, I got back on track, and continued my walk with Him. It has been seven years that I have truly been walking in sexual purity (no kissing, petting, humping, rubbing, touching, etc...) Glory to God! This is not a message for perfect people. This is a message for those who desire truth and transformation!” (p. 21)

From that excerpt you may be asking, “What? No rubbing? No petting?” That’s why you have to read, because she doesn’t make the book about “thou shalt nots,” but instead explores the kind of choices that free us to wait for—and eventually see—God’s best for us in relationships. When we’re truly committed, we don’t see waiting as a chore—we enjoy it! When (not if) you read, pay special attention to “Chapter 4: A Guide to Purity,” which presents ten steps to creating a lifestyle that promotes relationship choices that honor God. Again, as Lindsay, (“Dr. Marsh”) explains, even if we’ve made mistakes, it’s never too late to rededicate ourselves to waiting right for God’s Soul Mate (she did not say “soul mate,” and I don’t know her take on that, but I said it because I believe the concept is biblical—see my Feb. 21, 2007 entry). There’s no condemnation in Christ—only freedom (Romans 8: 1-17). We have to embrace His forgiveness—not stay in the past—so we can claim the tomorrow He’s planned for us. Amen! Order the book at the link below! Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it was independently published—and for the kingdom! If you can’t get it, ask me about it! http://www.iamworththewait.com/mybook.html and check out the “Worth the Wait” clothing line!