Yesterday our team was asked to speak about relevant “teenage issues” to the students at Excel Secondary, a boarding school housing students whose ages range 13 to 20.
Cara, Rebecca and I spoke with the girls – over 100 giggly, loud teenage girls. Yes! I was in my element.
I shared a portion of my testimony with the girls, focusing on past relationships with guys and how for many years I placed those relationships before my walk with the Lord. Ultimately my story turned into a conversation about boys which, when you get a group of girls together, is what usually happens.
Girls were engaged, hearts were being touched, and I was on a role and feeling good! To transition the conversation into a practical take-away, I asked, “What are characteristics you should look for in a guy?” Hoping the question would plant some high standards in these girls, I eagerly awaited their responses:
“Charming!”
Well, maybe not the most important thing…
“Handsome!”
Ah, I mean, that’s nice and kind of a bonus, but again, not the most important…
“God Fearing!”
Yes! There it is!! This is Number ONE girls….
“Respects your parts!”
…your parts…parts? Oh! BODY PARTS!!
Yes! Yes! I exclaimed! That is incredibly important!! Second to God fearing, boys MUST respect your body! Scripture says our body is a temple of God and if boys don’t treat you that way” …
As I continued to let the fire of passionate conviction rage, I looked back at Rebecca and Cara, expecting to see a thumbs up and confidant affirmation that we were really getting to these girls! Much to my surprise, when their faces came into focus, Rebecca had tears of laughter streaming down her cheeks and Cara was cringing…suddenly, I realized something was terribly wrong.
“Parents”…Rebecca whispers… “She said parents…”
Oh my sweet heavens. Respects your parents.
Suddenly the world switched to slow motion. At turtle speed, my head turned to scan the room…
Oh sweet Lord. All one hundred girls are staring at me, open mouthed and looking unbelievably confused.
There was no recovery at that point. No saving face. No making the moment right.
I threw my hands in the air, gave one more “Respect your body!” victory cry, then ran back to my seat, swearing to take time to decipher accents next time.
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Even though I missionary bombed (click here if you need term clarification) big time, the Lord still moved in incredible ways during our talk.
Stay tuned for Help! I’m only a Missionary to read how!
