Rachel (22), Scottland
My name is Rachel, I am 22 years old and I discovered the beauty and necessity of chastity when I was 18 years old; at the same time I discovered the love of Christ for me.
I grew up believing deep in my heart in the dignity of sexuality and the sanctity of marriage, but I still found myself in a situation where I neglected what my heart told me, being sucked in by the way I saw people living around me. I knew I didn’t want to behave like this, but I let the voice of society and my peers convince me that it was ‘normal’. So I ended up feeling used and sick with myself, I lost my confidence, doubting that I was worthy of true love or if I would ever experience it.
Thankfully God revealed Himself to me. During a retreat, I realised that God knew and loved me intimately. In the light of this love I saw how my heart and soul had been deeply wounded by this unchaste way of life. I realised that what I felt in my heart was true, that I was made for something greater; my sexuality was a gift and I had the right and the duty to protect it. I experienced the incredible mercy of God, what struck me most, was how He still loved me deeply just as I was; He still saw my beauty; and that love was powerfully healing. God offered me back the gift of purity and called me to live chastity from that day onwards and to witness to others of the truth about love and sexuality.
I know that chastity is only possible and only makes sense when it is rooted in a relationship with Jesus, when it is rooted in the knowledge that God loves you intimately, that you were created, in love, by His hands. It makes sense when you know that His plan for your life is one of love and freedom and I believe it and see it in my own life. It has been a journey and has taken time for me to grow in this virtue.
I know I must accept God's grace as the way I am able to achieve this way of life, because it is not possible on my own strength, but it is made possible by Him and it is made beautiful by Him.
I encourage any of you who read this website to explore the truth about chastity, the way in which you will discover your own beauty and the beauty of true love. Protect your heart; it really is a precious gift. Do not be surprised by the fight that you will face, it is a battle, but remember God's grace is your strength and He will bless you every time you try. It is never too late to decide to live chastity now, I fully believe God can purify and heal any broken heart. He healed my own, and I am in a debt of gratitude for the love He has allowed me to experience in my life.
Call on the intercession of the saints; call on the help of Our Lady who is the Queen of Purity!