This has not been written to shame people that have not or are not waiting until they are married. It is an open letter that expresses some of the struggles that are included in waiting until marriage and I hope it encourages those who are waiting to know they are not alone and there are other people that understand some of the struggles.

1. It is not just a piece of metal.

It's part of who I am. I do not wear it because I think it is pretty or so that you will think that I am perfect and you could never measure up to me, I make mistakes. However, my purity ring is a representation of who I strive to be in Christ.

2. I respect God, myself, and my husband.

Pretty self-explanatory. I am not waiting because I think it is fun. I do it out of respect.

3. Unfortunately, this does not mean I do not think about sex.

Dear every guy that has ever tried to talk me into having sex by saying things like "you don't understand what a big deal sex is" or "you've never experienced it so you don't understand." First off, my good sir, you obviously do not understand what a big deal sex is or you wouldn't be passing it out like candy. Secondly, I also have to deal with the lust of the world. Do not think that I don't face these temptations, especially when I'm in love with someone and they say these things to me. Although I deal with the lust of the world my purity ring is a representation that I will fight to resist these temptations until the appropriate time.

GET BEHIND ME SATAN!

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." 1 Corinthians 6:18

4. It is NOT a challenge.

"Who can get in her pants first?" The answer is my husband.

No — I do not need you to take my purity as a game. As you can see from point No. 3, many have tried and many have failed. Also, lines such as "I'm different from the rest" is one of the most overused lines. Get new material.

5. Lastly, if you can't handle it do not start a relationship with me.

I am very upfront about my purity so if you can not handle it do not waste my time. Understand that the most I can give you prior to marriage is a kiss so if you make it all the way to that point I am going to have deep feelings for you, and you deciding last minute that you can't handle waiting until we are married means I have wasted a lot of my time and emotions.