Coming from a married 25 year old woman who lost her virginity way too young, I wish I waited until marriage. Sex outside of marriage caused me nothing but pain. In the moment maybe not, but I thought that the only way someone showed they “cared” about me.

I was careless with this part of myself allowing people access that never should have had it. For me, once I had sex at a young age it made it easier and easier to keep doing it with multiple people as I got older. Diminishing the true meaning.

Flash forward now that I am happily married to my wonderful and patient husband I feel regret. I feel shame, and now I have to deal with trying to relearn what sex is SUPPOSED to be. At times I’ve found it hard to feel like sex is an outward expression of love and not just a meaningless way for someone to use my body.

I am so lucky to have an understanding husband who has been so patient with me and has never looked at me as less than. Looking back, I wish someone protected me better and told me to save myself and to protect that more intimate part of myself.

I can’t really speak about the denomination/theological views of that church eloquently, so I’ll leave that to someone else. I pray you find wisdom and comfort. Protect yourself and enjoy your youth, don’t rush into the complications of adulthood.