Just the other day, I overheard a couple of young women (teenagers) talking excitedly in a local restaurant. In their obvious enthusiasm for the topic at hand, they seemed to forget that those around them could easily hear their what-should-have-been-private concersation. Oops!

One attractive brunette, with eyeliner overkill, was sharing intimate details of a recent evening -- an evening with a young man who she was obviously smitten with.

"Was he any good?" one girl asked eagerly, her neon-painted nails clicking on the table. "Tell me.! Tell me!" Giggles. More giggles.

I didn't hang around for the recap as I was ushered to a different area.

As a woman who grew up way to fast, I understand their fasination with the opposite sex. I, too, rushed into things that are reserved for the marriage bedroom. I learned the hard way that these premature relationships effected me physically, emotionally, and most definitely spiritually.

Sex has a way of doing that. It can be the most beautiful act of love when experienced under the covering of God's gracious guidelines. However, when we choose to ignore God's perfect plans for relationships and sexual encounters, we are left experiencing a sappy sinful subsitute -- a substitute that never satisfies like His perfect plan.

I just recently read that abortion rates are down. I'd like to believe that women are embracing sexual purity and remaining abstinent in greater numbers. Although, many believe that these statistics are simply a result of the earlier "pregnancy ending" drugs now on the market. Because of my work with young pregnant women and other youth, I continue to observe that illicit sex remains the norm. Others claim available birth control has led to improved statistics. Maybe birth control can prevent pregnancies can it prevent a broken heart?

Like many of you, I have a young, hormonal, pre-tween daughter. A daughter that knows far more than I did at her age. Thankfully, though, she is comfortable bringing her questions and concerns to me, who in turn, can provide biblical truths in a safe environment. Unfortunately, she has already developed an "eye" for the boys. Like many girls, growing up without a father present, she is very curious about the opposite sex.

I know I'm not the only one raising children without a father that is concerned about what the future holds for our little princess warriors. We want them to embrace their femininity and the strength of God, enabling them to stand firm in who they are as daughters of the King of Kings. We must be ready to combat the lies that society is so persistently throwing their direction with both truth and love ... and tons of grace.

One of the very best things we can do for our girls is set an example. If we are addicted to love and relationships and invite men into our homes, and beds, how can we possiblity expect our daughters to aspire for something more? We can't. The "I said so" mantra falls short. It's meaningless and empty if we are not living according to God's standards. Ladies, we need to take care of business and make sure we are walking in purity.

Thankfully, God is in the restoration business. Without His grace, I'd be hopelessly lost in the sea of sin and heartache that such actions bring. Thankfully, I've been walking in freedom from this painful behavior for a number of years. I've become a brand new creation in Christ. You can too!

I got to see a piece of that old heartache as I left the restaurant forty minutes later. Remember? earlier the girls were laughing and very enthusiastic about their friend's escapade? As I paid my bill, I noticed the pretty teen on her cell phone. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her friends hovered over her, waiting.

"What do you mean? You said you loved me, " she cried. The festive atmosphere had quickly turned into a funeral party. After all, she had lost something precious.

I can only assume that her sexual encounter turned sour. Will she run into the arms of another boy or man in an attempt to gain a renewed sense of false acceptance? Sadly, there's a pretty good chance she will. I prayed that instead she would seek help and support. God is willing and oh so able to forgive and give us a fresh start when we ask.

Please, if you or someone you know has fallen short in this area,  seek God's face and His grace. It's only a prayer away.

If you are interested in more information about this critical topic check out the following links:

http://www.premaritalsex.info/

http://christianwomentoday.com/closet/codependency.html

http://retirementwithapurpose.com/relationships/godsgift.html