The Ultimate Gift: In The Eyes of a Millennium College Student

If any of you know me, you know that I am not afraid to say what I want to say, even if it is controversial. I believe in free speech, and take that into full consideration, for myself and others.

Going off of that, I want to talk about one specific controversial topic: SEX!

Good. Now that I have your attention, you should know this whole post isn't going to be about sex. Actually, it really won't be about sex at all. It's about the decisions we as people make to do with it.

Lately, I've noticed a higher rise in the idea of sex. An act of love between a married man and woman has been conformed into something completely different than it's original meaning. Something fifty years ago that would never be talked about, has now become part of daily conversation. But why? Why did this beautiful gift God intended for a married couple become so mainstream?

To be honest, I'm not really sure. In my eyes, it's sad to think that people are being exposed to what fake love is, especially at a young age.

For the past week, I've been counting how many times I've been exposed to anything to do with sex. The last 7 days, I've seen countless ads for 50 Shades of Gray, seen commercials advertising a product, but using sex to sell that product, heard people's conversations or even phrases that are sexual, seen multiple posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Yik Yak, recent Bachelor episodes involving "The Fantasy Suite", and seen people dress immodestly.

These all seem negative. How about one's I believe are positive? An ad on Twitter for the websites The Porn Effect, The Chastity Project, Porn is Lame, or even LifeTeen? These all push towards chastity and saving yourself 100% completely for marriage, but even in this positive way, sex is still being commercialized.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am a HUGE fan of all of these amazing organizations, but the fact that they feel obligated to even touch on these ideas, simply because of the mainstreaming of sex from the opposing side is kind of disturbing. Do I think it's important? Of course! But imagine what it would be like to be able to scroll through your newsfeed and not get a glimpse of "former porn addict..." or "professional sports player stays chaste until marriage..."? Aren't these things we shouldn't have to be praising others for, simply because it's what we, as Catholics, believe in?

Society acts as if those who are virgins until they're married are a part of some tabboo organization. I, for one, am darn near sick of this idea.

I'm not saying sex is a bad thing. Cause it's not. It's a gift!

How so incredibly beautful is it for a man to look into his bride's eyes and say "Hey, I love you so much and want to be here for you 24/7 and I want to give my entire self to you in the name of Christ our Lord"? How about if a women looks in her groom's eyes and says "You know, you're pretty amazing and I love you so incredibly much. I have been saving my entire life for you and I cannot wait to give you this gift in the name of Jesus Christ." Okay y'all. DANG. That is so ridiculously beautiful! Call me old fashioned, but I think that is truly the most attractive and manly thing a man can say to his wife. Honestly, let's be real. I can't be the only college student that thinks so.

Ladies, think about getting that b-e-a-utiful $200 Pandora bracelet AND a dozen of roses AND a box of Godiva chocolates AND a 3 page, handwritten love letter from your boyfriend/fiance/husband. That's a pretty great gift, right?

Guys, think about getting front row seats at your favorite sport team's game including meet-and-greets with your favorite player AND a gift card to your favorite steak house AND a 12-pack of your favorite beer (if you're 21) from your girlfriend/fiance/wife. Now, I'm not a guy, but if I were to give that gift to my significant other, I'd be excited for him.

Usually, if you give a gift like that, you're in a pretty serious relationship. Those are worth a ton of money, and you wouldn't just give that away to anyone.

But, wait! If you'd wait to give that to someone who you love and think they'll stick around for a while, why give away a priceless gift and your purity to someone who isn't 100% committed to you and only you yet?

Being that sex is a beautiful gift given from God intended for a married couple, why not keep it that way?

I'm not saying that people are going to hell or are below others if they choose to have sex outside of wedlock. Who am I to judge? I'm just trying to emphasize the importance of true love and chastity until the day we are married with our spouses. Until that day, keeping your purity for you and your future spouse should be on your list of "important things to remember". And hey, let's be honest. Many young Catholics struggle with impurity in some shape or form, but guess what? It's okay! We are imperfect humans! When we do fall or struggle, right then, it's our duty as Catholics to turn those struggles to Christ and strive for sainthood.

We are all called to chastity and purity. It's up to us to keep our temples of the LORD holy and preserve them for the right time, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Each individuals' journey's are so different. We all have our stories and individual lives. We have the ability to start over or continue our journey. God will never leave you alone and wants nothing but the best for you. So why not start your new journey now?

"For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness." 1 Thessalonians 4:7