“Am I loved? Do I matter?”

Unfortunately, many of us base our answers to these two important questions on our feelings from day to day, which oftentimes are shaped by peers, media, and relationships. The truth is that you are uniquely made and you are a work of art — a true masterpiece.

Many of us try to draw our self-worth from relationships or things we possess, which can lead to hurt and feelings of inadequacy and depression. There is a way to live differently and experience a Greater Love.

There is often pressure (whether self-applied or by another individual) to have sex to “show” how much you love someone. Sex shouldn’t be used as a commodity to trade or barter for someone’s perceived affection and love.

Whether you are currently sexually active or not, the choice is yours. But there are important issues to consider. What you’ve done or not done to this point doesn’t define who you will be in the future. If you’d like to talk to someone about your true worth, call one of our centers. Your past doesn’t define who you are. You and your body are a masterpiece and you can find hope. Live. Love. Matter.

What is “safe sex?”

The fact is, while some say there may be ways to practice “safer” sex, “safe” sex outside of a healthy marriage relationship doesn’t exist. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states restraining “from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy.”

Historically, it has been shown that people are healthier and happier when sex is practiced inside a traditional marriage. Sex is a wonderful, intimate expression of love and commitment. However, outside of these relationships, being sexually active can pose a variety of risks. To many, having sex in the context of a healthy marriage is the true definition of safe sex.

According to the CDC, “many young people engage in sexual risk behaviors that can result in unintended health outcomes.” Their data goes on to show that lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students are at substantial risk for serious health outcomes as compared to their peers. The risks include (yes, these risks exist even with condom use):

• Unplanned pregnancy in heterosexual relationships
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• HIV
• Emotional stress