When the World Laughs

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Not gonna lie, I’m feeling a bit, well, dejected at the moment. Deeply.

Nothing superficial – no boy drama or insecurities about how I look. No, this is character-level.

In the past 24 hours, I feel as though I’ve been the butt end of two very bad jokes.

Episode 1:

Allow me to set the stage:

It doesn’t matter how long you live in NYC, there is always something new and interesting to do. Another pocket of culture to discover. Another hidden gem just waiting to be explored.

And last night, I found myself in one of those places.

I went to a comedy club.

I know. These are not new. News Flash: They’re all over the country.

Yeah, thanks.

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But I’ve actually never been to live stand up comedy before. And, to be completely honest, I was bracing myself for some seriously raunchy material, and I was actually pleasantly surprised. All things considered, it was actually pretty tame. In fact, I would take my mother.

But there was a “bit” that really, well…it hit me….in the gut.

One of the comedians that evening (there were a bunch…it was amateur night…) was this absolutely gorgeous man. Oh my gosh, tall, blonde, well put together. And the first thing out of his mouth was, “So I’m a virgin.”

Silence. Uncomfortable silence. The room didn’t know whether to laugh or scoff or just look at each other and go, “Is he freakin’ serious?”

He went on to poke fun at himself for the next several minutes and, once they realized he was serious, people got more and more boisterous with their laughs .

And, yes, I was laughing too. But I wasn’t laughing at him like the rest of the crowd. I was laughing at just the head-shakingly/eye-rollingly/exasperatingly absurd degree of preoccupation and stigmatization over virginity.

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My virginity, for better or for worse, is no secret on this blog. I’m not ashamed of it. Not that I parade that info around in my day-to-day, but it’s deeply part of who I am, and it’s not something I’m going to compromise. Not until my wedding night.

But I’m just so done with virginity being the butt end of a joke. And here, tonight, I was literally smacked in the face with it being a bit in a stand up set.

It’s not stupid. It’s beautiful.

So that was episode #1 where part of who I deeply am, was just flat out laughed at.

Episode #2….is a little harder to talk about. Because…it’s slightly “political.”

But basically, in the WikiLeaks that came out tonight, it was found that the Clinton’s camp just bashed Christians – and Catholics in particular, calling it a “bastardization of faith” and a “dictatorship” with “severely backwards gender relations.” (And I promise that’s as political as this piece is going to get.)

But in literally the span of less than 24 hours, two of my most deeply identifying characteristics: my faith and my virginity, were blatantly laughed at and touted as moronic and out-of-touch.

And I know, these examples weren’t hurled at me personally, but they might as well have been.

But I’m going to be really honest – I couldn’t shake the feeling of just being all alone.

Like, Am I a huge joke? Am I just a walking freak show? A laughing stock just hanging out to dry? What’s wrong with me? 


But then I remembered this quote from John 18 where Jesus says: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first…You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you…If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” 

Listen, I’m not trying to do some Beyonce dance about Runnin’ the World, like, “Oh I’m the chosen one, Jesus chose me, I’m holier than thou, blah blah blah.” 

No. Helllll to the no.

What I’m trying to say is that, we were not made for this world.

Everything happening on the news, yeah-it’s pretty bleak. Because this isn’t Heaven.

This world will try us, laugh at us, discourage us, bully us – just look at Jesus.

My virginity is no laughing matter. And my faith is most certainly not a laughing matter.

These deeply held beliefs and values I have do not make me a moron, or someone with “severely backwards” thinking. It doesn’t mean I should be wearing an ankle length skirt with orthopedic shoes, either.

These beliefs and values make me who I am. They make me Whose I am.

And one final note. To address the “severely backwards gender relations” of the church, mentioned in the Clinton camp emails, I would invite you to read my reflection on the Feminine Genius. I just found out it got shared 88 times on Facebook, so apparently it resonated with a few people. Just wanted to set the record straight on the actual gender relations of the “dictatorship” that is Catholicism. *eyeroll*

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Signing off for tonight.

Goodnight loves

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376 thoughts on “When the World Laughs”

  1. I’m with you. I hate the whole ‘label’ thing we have in our world right now (maybe it’s always been there, all the time).

    People can accept the difference in dogs and cats, and in every other being, but not in humans.

    It’s wonderful that you are who you are. And people don’t notice that you are the only one of yourself – there will never be another one of you. It’s perfect for us to discover ourselves and be who we are meant to be.

    Nice text. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. But…but…I like yellow Starburst! In fact, I like Starburst period…must be the sweet tooth I have….

    But, yeah. Hold your head up, girl. You have it right. Hold on to your belief and faith…it’s made for beyond the world, not for the world.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I’ve been called out in comedy circles. big guy = easy target. I just remember not to take life too seriously.
    I’m a catholic too, and while there’s been a lot of catholic bashing lately (some of it well deserved). I think it’s okay to see places where my church can improve. As for being in Hillary emails, I’m not sure anyone is in any place to judge. We can’t assume a mood or a candor that was meant to be left in confidence, but people do assume a lot about Catholicism and are ignorant to just how diverse of a crowd we are 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  4. You are a beautiful, wonderful, loving, caring person for you hold on to your integrity and values is absolutely amazing! Unfortunately this election has brought out the very worst in people never seen anything like this in my almost fifty years. Psalms 18:2
    The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I absolutely love that, while those two incidents made you feel alone, you chose to go back to who you are and why you believe what you do and reaffirm yourself instead of giving into the majority. You are completely right. We are not of this world, but how we choose to move through this world IS a reflection of us – as it was a reflection of Jesus. Stay strong. You are NOT alone. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  7. This is excellent. I’m Catholic, and was so hurt to read those words from the Communications DIRECTOR of HRC’s campaign. You said it – we are not made for this world.
    Keep your strength in everything that is part of you. ❤️

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      1. “Yeah gotta keep our eyes tilted towards Heaven” That’s important. But (at the same time) it is part of our destiny to be here and now a visual aid of what the Kingdom of Heaven is really like, and bring Heaven down to earth. “Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.”
        ― (N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church)

        Blessings to you,
        Mark

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  9. Don’t forget…..you are younique and beautifully and wonderfully made! It is so easy for “comedians” to make fun at the expense of others. You have a powerfull testimony! Thank you for sharing your walk of faith!

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  10. So eloquently said. Just be who are and stay true to that, there is nothing more beautiful than authenticity. In the world but nkg of the world, right? 🙂

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  11. I’m sorry you were made fun of for being a virgin. I am an atheist and very liberal in my sexual mores, but I think holding off on sex is a personal decision and no one else’s business. It’s your choice, and there is nothing wrong with that.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Caralyn – after reading your blog for awhile now I’ve come to realize something. Oh, it’s good. No worries. The realization is that you have a different perspective on things and life just like Jesus. Now take after His example and don’t let the small stuff bother you because you are a child of God and that’s all that matters. Not what other people think.

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  13. Since we can’t control them, we let them laugh. Thing is, I know they don’t know what they’re talking about so they can laugh away. That’s on any subject, actually.
    These two important values you have are awesome and they make you (or help make you) the amazing person that you are. Don’t let anyone get you to think otherwise.
    I’m also Catholic and many people misunderstand the church. I do know we’re not perfect and some of our leaders give us a bad name, but that’s any group.
    I will not be persuaded to be anything but me and I see you are the same. I definitely like what you say – being “whose” you are. That is fantastic!
    Thank you for this post – for encouraging us to stay true to ourselves.

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  14. Honey, over time you will be so deeply you nothing anyone in this crass world will be able to get to you. If Jesus was persecuted which I am familiar with then that’s OK by me. We of Love are not from this realm … none of us are but unfortunately many do not know this. Stay true to you. And know I for one am very proud of you! ❤

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  15. Your virginity nor your faith are a laughing matter! But as you said, we are not made for this world. We are to be salt and seasoning, a light shining in the darkness, and you are both!! Don’t forget our current president mocked those who might disagree with him as “clinging to their guns and their bible.” Regardless who takes the White House, the earthly cause of Christianity is a loser. But it’s never been where we are supposed to win. The reason they dislike Jesus, the reason they mock Him, is the same reason they crucified Him – because Jesus is Lord! They don’t mock Mohammed, they don’t shame Buddha, they don’t call Hindus crazy. None of them makes the claims of Christ None of them has the power of Christ. None of them was ever resurrected from the dead. None of them can resurrect an alcoholic, a sex addict, a gambling addict, an anorexic. None of them can bring you back to life!! If God is on our side, who can be against us??!!

    Anyway, sorry for the rant, keep your head up! You are a child of the one true king, you are the salt and light of the world.

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  16. I’m neither here nor there when it comes to religion but respect the views and beliefs of others regardless. Have my own little spiritual beliefs and feelings about an afterlife of some description but what that is and why I believe it I can’t explain.

    Here’s the thing – I don’t try to explain it. It doesn’t need to be explained or justified to anyone. It’s just for me.

    Aggressive atheists and online keyboard warriors sat there waiting for the chance to jump on others and shout down their own beliefs are in my view, the most ignorant and backward of all the world’s worst people.

    Why it bothers them that someone else believes in what they don’t or can’t understand is possibly based on a need to control everything about life. That in turn suggests an element of fear and anxiety about what might be beyond their control which I guess explains the need to disprove this and that and always feel they’re right.

    Understand why this grates on you and how it hit a nerve but ultimately, what you feel, believe and how you choose to live is right and you know it is.

    Don’t waste any of your time or energy on the truly ignorant, backward morons that couldn’t grasp a straw with two hands.

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      1. You’re welcome! You know the saying “The only certain in things in life are death and taxes”? It needs updating and editing to say “death, taxes and stupid people on the internet”

        There’s little point wasting time worrying about any of these things so don’t give time that could be better much spent on more important stuff.

        The only people whose opinions I genuinely care about are the very select few people I genuinely care about. Everyone else is free to think and say what they like but I give zero shits either way. Keep that in mind and you might find it helpful in dealing with idiots. 😀

        PS. Genuinely surprised you’ve got grief of any description about being a virgin?? Chances are whoever has given you stick is also a virgin but for some reason daren’t be honest or they regretted the time, place and person they thoughtlessly gave theirs to once upon a time.

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  18. Standing strong to your convictions is a sign of good character…those of less moral fiber relieve their inner shame by casting aspersions on those they know to possess the missing qualities they wish they had! Your pride is not connected to anything but your convictions 😍

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I started following your Blog because I like the way you think, especially for being so young. I am 65 and I have some of these same values. Be who you are. God made you that way for a reason. The world needs more good people.

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  20. Dare to be different! That means dare to be you! None of us is alike in all ways. Some of us have similar values, morals, likes, dislikes, etc…..but not one of us exactly the same. The only thing we all have in common is that we are human. We make choices; right, wrong, bad, good, etc….BUT what really matters is BEING YOU, BEING HAPPY WITH YOU, and THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL LOVE AND RESPECT YOU FOR BEING YOU. How boring would the world be if we were all exactly the same? And those that have been led astray or made some not so good choices have you to look to for guidance. I commend you for the extreme strength you demonstrate in sharing your beliefs, values, and morals. It takes tremendous bravery and strength to just be you and share yourself with others. It also takes tremendous insight to reflect on what you value and hold sacred, to be true to who you are, and to live your life as you see fit.
    You are an inspiration to many people and obviously a very strong woman. Thank you for your post!
    You are not alone.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I don’t know what, exactly, the guy said in that comedy club. I do, however, admire your determination to make your own choices when it comes to questions of your sexuality and not be influenced by what the social norms seem to be. That’s the sweet spot to me, and not a laughing matter: we should all make these decisions for ourselves–whether that decision is religious or philosophical or just what we believe is best for each of us as individuals. Peer pressure shouldn’t get a vote. (And neither should the audience at a comedy club.)

    My opinion of Halpin’s words are more complicated. I understand him to be saying, “There are reactionary people out there who decide to convert to Catholicism just because it lays out its theology so exactly and because the priesthood is still all male and there’s still a theological ban on birth control, etc. And that’s a bastardization of the faith–i.e., there’s more to Catholicism than that.” (I suspect he was looking at Ross Douthat from the New York Times when he wrote all this, but that’s just a guess.)

    Coming from a progressive background, I’ve heard people say essentially the same thing about both Catholicism and Orthodox Judaism–sometimes from people who practice Catholicism or Judaism, sometimes from people who used to but are lapsed, and sometimes from people who have nothing to do with either religion.

    The truth is, none of us know what moves someone to convert to another religion (or to a different branch of the same religion). I’d be really surprised if conservative reactionary-ism is never a motive, just as I’d be flabbergasted if liberal politics weren’t ever a motive for joining a progressive synagogue or the Episcopal Church or the Unitarian Universalists.

    Now the hard part: is there any fair critique of the perceived gender inequality in Catholicism or Orthodox Judaism or Evangelical Christianity or . . . really, take your pick from traditional religions. To me, it shouldn’t be much of an issue in the U.S., where we have freedom of religion, and where these religions (at least in theory) don’t have temporal power. Anyone who’s dissatisfied with that perceived gender inequality can either fight to change it from within or vote with their feet and move to a more liberal branch of their religion. Or,heck, just become secular.

    Granted, there may be powerful cultural pressure or family pressure or whatever to stay where they are, but it can still be done. (Sometimes at great personal cost–I do understand that.)

    And, granted, this all becomes more complicated when there are political consequences to religious freedom. And, yeah, that sometimes happens here, because figuring out where to draw the lines, figuring out where freedom of religion impinges on someone else’s personal freedoms (or vice versa), is a messy business.

    I suppose, at the end of the day, there’s a more fruitful way to discuss all this than Halpin chose in his email.

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    1. Hi Jenn! Thank you so much for this. You’re right-peer pressure shouldn’t get a vote. Love that. Yeah to be honest, I guess I don’t really know all the “nuts and bolts” and “ins and outs” of the whole situation. But you’re right-religion is a deeply personal thing that is between that person and God. And one things for sure: it’s a messy business indeed. Thank you so much for this great food for thought! Love the dialogue! Sending big big hugs to ya Jenn! Xoxox

      Liked by 2 people

  23. Ugh, I know how it feels for your very being to basically become a joke. In my philosophy class, a few students misunderstood how Buddhism treats suffering: you accept it and move on. One guy asked “Well what if I’m laid off? Yay, I’m unemployed?” My dad’s been laid off since June and has been fighting tooth and nail since to find a job (God bless his soul.) And it pains me deeply to watch him pour himself into this without any results. But I digress. Sometimes, people just don’t understand the weight of their words because they don’t understand the power of words or your story. The takeaway is that you know your story and you know that it’s valuable.

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    1. Thank you so much for this. You’re right- there is power in words, but there’s also power in knowing who I am. I’m sorry to hear about your father. I’ll definitely keep him in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and love xox

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  25. No single person should ever (!) be ashamed of being a virgin. It shows the world that you know just how incredibly valuable you are and that your body isn’t going to be wasted on just any Tom, Dick, or Horny who comes along.
    As for Clinton bashing Christians, it really shouldn’t be a surprise. Her idol is Saul Alinsky and, as a socialist/communist, he was vehemently opposed to any faith but faith in the state. And that’s the end of my own political statement.
    You’re precious to God and to those of use who are coming to know you through your words. Never forget that!

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    1. Hi Elizabeth! Wow, thank you so much for this. Very true. Yeah I try not to get into politics on here (or in life!), but it just hit so close to home I needed to just say a few words. Thank you again for making me feel so validated and affirmed. Grateful for you 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  26. Wow, it must’ve been hard to stomach those episodes, but it’s great to see that you put it in perspective and even managed to laugh at some parts of it.

    So frankly speaking, I’m not a virgin nor Catholic, maybe you’ll see me as the Devil (hopefully not ahah), but after reading a lot of your posts, it’s pretty clear that you’ve got a good heart Caralyn. And that’s what matters the most, at the end of the day.

    The fact that you write about your life so openly and stand up for your values (whatever they may be) is truly inspiring. Just wanted to let you know, peace. 🙂

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  27. I thought I would encourage you with another little bit of Fenelon, one of my favorite Catholic authors. He writes,

    “As the saying goes, “Let the water flow beneath the bridge.” You can’t- change men from being men. People will always be weak, vain, unreliable, unfair, hypocritical and arrogant. The world will always be worldly. And you cannot change it. People will follow their own inclinations and habits. And since you cannot recast their personalities, the best course of action is to let them be what they are and bear with them. Do not allow yourself to be troubled and perplexed when you see people being unreasonable and unjust. Rest in peace in the bosom of God. He sees it all more clearly than you do, and yet He permits it. So be content to do whatever you feel you should, quietly and gently and don’t worry about anything else.”

    If you want to read the whole letter this is from, you can find it here:
    http://danledwith.com/2015/10/16/quietness-in-god-our-true-resource/
    You could read the whole thing in less than a minute.
    I know it’s hard to be so awesome, but stay positive friend. =)

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  32. Hey girl,don’t let them feel bad for doing good..Be encouraged by Romans 12:2,you are not allowing the customs and behaviours of this world to change you.

    Continue allowing the Word of God to work in you.You are beautiful inside and out.Daughter of the most High.

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  34. Number 1 – On your “virginity,” you go girl! Does it get any better? Not to my way of thinking? I can only imagine how honored your husband is going to be on your wedding night? Another thing I cannot even imagine, is how proud God is going to be of you? Doesn’t get much better than that now does it?

    Number 2 – You know I am Catholic. I also see you read a lot of how we are bashed over, over, and over. When I converted I lost all but one of my Protestant friends, one was for over 20 years. I might as well of been a leper.

    You know when the “devil” says things such as this, why am I going to let him upset me? He has already lost all he hoped to gain on the Day of the Cross, which was to overtake God and all the heavens. See he thought he had killed Jesus, but Jesus came up out of the grave.

    This is nothing new for Catholics. When we are persecuted we always remember, they persecuted Christ first. Sometimes when this happens I have to feel loved, that Christ has allowed me to feel some of what He felt. That is what it is all about. Good post, love you and God Bless, SR

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi SR. wow what a powerful reflection. I am seriously so touched and moved by this. You’re right-Christ was persecuted first. What an incredible way to look at the pain we may feel-as a way to feel how He felt and a demonstration of love-so so powerful. And I’m sorry to hear that your friends did not stick by you. That makes me sad. Know that you always have a friend in me 🙂 big big hugs xox

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  35. I think the overall culture of where you live makes it a little harder to live out your faith without feeling criticized. It’s a great opportunity for you to stand out and be a witness, but it can be tough! There will always be haters though no matter where you are.
    I want to encourage you in your walk. I chose to be a virgin until I was married, too. I had plenty of opportunities to give in but I chose to wait so I could honor God and my future husband. This was difficult because where I live in Louisiana there are a lot of people who say they are Christians but their life is a complete mess and they do all sorts of rebellious things that harm themselves and others… then put God’s name on it. Anyway… so basically when I met my husband it was like the heavens opened up and dropped him before me. Lol
    Your day will come and those people who were critical of your life will see the benefits it brings you. Surround yourself with like-minded people so you stay encouraged. The best thing I ever did besides marrying my husband was to join the church I am at now and develop great friendships with people who get it and get me! Stay strong in your faith and know that there are more of us out here so you aren’t alone! It’d be so great to chat with you if you ever wanted to! But even if not, I pray blessings over you! 🙂

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  36. Hello, Beloved. The most important thing is, that you know who you are. „Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion“ (Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging) every challenge in life is just another opportunity to embrace your identity as the beloved Child of Abba with more depth and clarity. Use it as a springboard to realize a deeper and deeper awareness of your belovedness. You always take a deep breath and relax for a few seconds into this inner presence, and then live uncompromising in and out of it, whatever the circumstances and opinions of others may be. The highest standard for truth is in all ways and always Jesus and not the idle talk of the world. All this wish-wash will spin away, but the eternal Love of Christ – that is stronger than death – is, in the end, the only thing we can hang onto. This is just the truth and I am not ashamed to believe and express it.

    Blessings to you, my Dear :),
    Mark

    …

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hey Mark! Thank you so much for this. You’re right- that’s a beautiful way to define myself-as a child of God that is deeply deeply loved. What a powerful and comforting thought. Thank you for that:) God is good. And yes, let’s hang onto that truth! Big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  38. When I read the Clinton camp’s comments on Catholicism, my first reaction was . . . to think less of the Clinton camp. Wise people speak words of love. Petty people pick on others.

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    1. Yes! Mark 6:11 (ASV) „And whatsoever place shall not receive you, and they hear you not, as ye go forth thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony unto them.“ – this has nothing to do with arrogance. This is just compassion and wisdom 😉 Wisdom, because it doesn’t make any sense to fight with someone, who doesn’t want to here the gospel, and compassion, because someone else will hear you and need your words.

      And we are called to go to this places, where our seeds fell on good soil and can bring forth good fruit, „some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.“

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  40. Great post! I’m sure most people who are religious and live their lives to favor God instead of man (including their own selves) can strongly identify with every single word you write here. Brilliant post! So true. So sad. At the end God will prevail. Western civilization isn’t the first to mock God. God survived the others He’ll survive comedy clubs too… all the best thanks for most inspiring blog…

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    1. Hello, Mozer 😉 C.S. Lewis said that Humour is the all-consoling and the all-excusing, grace of life. Hell is for me a plae without humour. And I think the message of the Gospel – our faith in the resurrection of Christ – gives us the opportunity to answer the tragedy of the human life with heavenly humour and even death with a vision of joy and hope. Death is like the night: just a bridge into a new dawn. That’s a great reason for laughter! Maybe you will like that article, about the „Role of Laughter in the Christian Life“:

      „As I have mentioned, I believe that a divine incongruity exists in our nature as spiritual animals. The fact that we make coarse jokes, jokes about sex and bodily functions, was for Lewis evidence that we are animals that find our bodies either objectionable or funny.
        Laughter, like any other good gift bestowed by God, can be corrupted, bent, spoiled, ruined. Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds. Laughter begins to be a demon the moment it begins to be a god. If we make laughter a god and worship it, it takes its own revenge upon us. It dies. Laughter is not enough to sustain us. It must be recognized as a simple gift; not the gift of life itself.
        Lewis warned of the laughter of Flippancy. Flippancy jokes about goodness, virtue, justice. It is cruelty disguised as joking. Our throats are like open sepulchers, graves where dead laughter exists. The weed of flippancy grows in the soil of superiority and pride. Its grubby root is in meanness. Over a cup of coffee and a sneering wink and a rolling of the eyes, we mock others. We laugh but know we should be repenting.
        Lewis denounced flippancy so thoroughly because it was so close to his heart. It was his thorn. He knew its power, of wink-wink, nudge-nudge, know what I mean smirks toward others, living in what he called his own great puddle of naughtiness and meanness toward others. Yet, just because a good gift can go bad, one should not reject it. Laughter must be enjoyed in its goodness and fullness. In fact, laughter contributes to our physical as well as spiritual health.
        The therapeutic benefits of laughter to health have been well documented: When we laugh, chemical endorphins are released into the blood stream; as laughter provides a workout for the diaphragm, they increase the body’s ability to use oxygen. Laughter enhances blood flow, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, stimulates alertness, dulls stabs of pain, fosters a sense of relaxation, provides cardiovascular benefits such as aerobic exercise, and loosens your bowels. Laughter truly may be good medicine.“
      http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/The_Role_of_Laughter_in_the_Christian_Life_page5

      So there a different kinds of humour: laughter enjoyed in its goodness and fullness, which contributes to our spiritual and physical health and is a sign that the power of Grace and Love is present in your life, and the misuse of laughter as “cruelty disguised as joking”.

      Blessings to you,
      Mark

      …

      Liked by 1 person

  42. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first…You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you…If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Just 100% truth.

    And yes: Virginity and our Catholic faith are both beautiful and noble things. You should be proud to possess both. Never let anyone make you feel ashamed of either one.

    God bless you always. 😀

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  43. Love this. Keep standing strong in who you are in the Lord. As one who wishes so much she’d waited, I commend you for your choice. Ridicule of such beautiful obedience can be dismaying, but the joy in serving Jesus is beyond anything the world can throw at you. Blessings.

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    1. Thank you so much Marisa! I appreciate your encouragement. I love that-there really is joy in serving Jesus. I wish I could say I do it all the time, because let’s be real: I fail and fall short ALL the time, but there is true joy in those moments. So glad you stopped by. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Thank you for your boldness and candor. The Lord will honor your choice to remain a virgin until your wedding night. And I’m sorry for the Catholic bashing you took. You are a mighty wonderful testimony for all your readers. And you’re striking some beautiful chords and some raw nerves. More than 70 comments. Good for you. Just keep remembering John 18. You’re blog posts are a delight to read and I truly admire your devotion to Christ. God bless you my dear. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

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  45. I love your honesty! I love that you have the courage to stand out and be different! I love that you use your voice! I love that you have the courage of your convictions! I love that you know what is important in life! Do not feel alone, there are many people who share your beliefs and stand firmly by them. Remember Jesus is your rock who cannot be shaken!

    You are a warrior! Keep fighting the good fight!

    Heather Lee xx

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  46. Always be proud of who you are. Regardless of who says what and what others may be laughing at, what really matters is being true to yourself. Which you clearly are.Good on you. xo

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      1. They simply don’t understand your reasons. You yearns to be known and that takes time and intimacy. John Eldredge described in Captivating: “Just like God, a woman is not a problem to be solved but a vast wonder to be enjoyed. This is so true of her sexuality. Few women can or even want to “just do it.” Foreplay is crucial to her heart, the whispering and loving and exploring of one another that culminates in intercourse. That is a picture of what it means to love her soul. She yearns to be known and that takes time and intimacy. It requires an unveiling. As she is sought after, she reveals more of her beauty. As she unveils her beauty, she draws us to know her more deeply.”
        That’s the right way 🙂

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  47. Keep both and don’t give it up for anybody less than the King we call Jesus. Invest your virginity as a holy sacrifice only to a man Jesus sends you. It ain’t no dog food. And faith? Well the Clinton camp are just regressive, culturally constipated hillbillies. Even from here in Africa our X-ray eyes see through them.

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      1. You’re welcome! BTW, I had a MAJOR breakthrough yesterday and want to tell you about it. My email is elokwint at gmail.com. Waited from 1998….another one shaped in a dark cave. Referring to a previous post of yours for that analogy.

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  49. When the World Laughs and cold winds are blowing, Christ is nearer to us, and we as Christians come closer to Him and closer to one another.

    Caralyn, you are beautiful from inside and out, you are brave, you are warm and giving, and you are LOVED!

    Lennart

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    1. Hi Lennart, thank you so much for this beautiful affirmation. Gosh My heart is just feeling so warm after reading this. You’re right, God is near to His children:) have a great weekend! big hugs xox

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