Hate Posts

A few months ago, I created a fan page on Facebook called "Saving Your First Kiss for Marriage." The
intentions of this group were to unite people who had similar beliefs and convictions for the purpose of encouragement, and also that we might be able to get the word out to other people about this philosophy. I was surprised at how quickly it spread! We currently have over 300 fans- in only a few months. Through this page I have learned of so many people who share my beliefs, while in "real life", the number of people I know who believe in saving their first kiss for marriage can be counted on one hand. This has been such a blessing to me, and I hope to others as well. (If you would like to become a part of this group, there is a link at the bottom right of this blog page.)
But recently I have been getting a lot of "hate posts" on the page. People who don't agree with this way of thinking have been going on and sharing their feelings, sometimes to the point of inappropriate material. Obviously this can become very discouraging. But it has done just the opposite for the group! The opposition has spurred the members of the group on- our numbers are increasing every day, and people have been posting on why one should support the belief. There have been so many scriptures and good Biblical, spiritual, mature conversations lately. In face of opposition, the group members have stood up for what they believe in- in a very convincing way! It is very encouraging to see.
One member put it very well when they said that hate posts will not discourage us. It will only make us that more passionate about what we believe, and it will cause us to pray for those who find it necessary to post those hateful comments.
I have chosen not to delete comments only because the commenter does not agree with our viewpoints. That sort of discussion is good and healthy, and do not expect everyone to agree! I do, however, delete comments that contain any inappropriate content. I will continue to keep the page as pure as possible, while still promoting godly discussion.
The members of this group inspire me- I hope that in the future I will remember the lesson they have given me: When faced with opposition, stand strong! No one will sway me from my beliefs! Pray, and never lose heart.

~Brooke Reninger

For Such a Time as This

The other day, I was considering a verse in one of my favorite books in the Bible. "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" -Esther 4:14. I have always liked this verse. Mordecai was encouraging Esther to have the courage to stand up for her people, telling her that perhaps that was the very reason God had placed her in her position as queen- so that she might deliver the Jewish people.

But then I began to think about how this verse can be applied to our lives today. If we really think about it, as daughters of Christ, that makes us princesses. We, therefore, are in a royal position. What does the verse tell us? That perhaps God has placed us in our royal positions for such a time as this. He doesn't expect us to just sit around in our princess-ship, he expects us to use that power for his good and his glory. This can also be applied to the specific places we are currently in in our lives. God has placed us there for a reason. Whether it seems a royal position or not, who is to say he has not placed us there for such a time as this?

~Brooke Reninger