A call to young people to remain sexually pure until marriage. Everyone longs to be loved deeply by someone, and Rebecca St. James is no different, as demonstrated by her hit song "Wait for Me." In this revised and updated version of the 2002 release, Rebecca shares the same desires as other young people as her resolve to remain sexually pure until marriage is not common in our society. Using Scripture, pop culture, and her own experience as a point of reference, Rebecca paints a relevant and appealing picture of the value of waiting. But Rebecca also reaches out with compassion to those who have already made mistakes and reveals the mercy and healing that God brings. The new editon of this bestseller includes: a fresh design (inside and out) with eye-catching graphics; a new introduction from Rebecca; journaling sections throughout the book; and a study guide for personal or group use. Rebecca St. James, an Australian born Christian recording artist, is both a Grammy Award winner and multiple Dove Award recipient. She is also the bestselling author of Wait for Me , SHE Teen , and What Is He Thinking . She has appeared in the film Sarah’s Choice and provided a voice in VeggieTales An Easter Story . Wait for Me REDISCOVERING THE JOY OF PURITY IN ROMANCE By REBECCA ST. JAMES DALE REEVES Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2002 Rebecca St. James All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4003-1287-0 Contents ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...................................................................................................ixINTRODUCTION......................................................................................................xiCHAPTER 1: DREAM AGAIN Recovering the Dream of True Romance......................................................5CHAPTER 2: MIND MATTERS Guarding Your Thoughts to Make Wise Decisions............................................19CHAPTER 3: THE ECSTASY (OR AGONY) OF SEX Why Waiting Is Best.....................................................39CHAPTER 4: PROTECTING PURITY Practical Ways to Wait in a Culture That Screams, "Just Do It!".....................65CHAPTER 5: LOVE AND MARRIAGE What It Is We're Waiting For........................................................89CHAPTER 6: A SECOND CHANCE Forgiveness and Hope for the Guilt-Ridden and Hurting.................................113CHAPTER 7: I'M GLAD YOU ASKED! Q & A on Sexual Purity............................................................133STUDY GUIDE.......................................................................................................147ABOUT THE AUTHOR..................................................................................................185NOTES.............................................................................................................187 Chapter One Dream Again RECOVERING THE DREAM OF TRUE ROMANCE Darling, did you know that I dream about you waiting for the look in your eyes when we meet for the first time THE DREAM If you're a girl, perhaps you've grown up with the desire to be rescued by a knight in shining armor. If you're a guy, maybe you've thought about being the knight who rescues his princess. In either case, is it only a dream or is it a God-given desire, purposely placed within you by God Himself? I believe that God has placed "The Dream" inside each one of us, unless He has specifically called you to singleness. We each have a desire for intimacy, for someone to know us fully and love us completely. We long to be able to share our hearts and still find acceptance. A guy longs to protect; a girl longs to be protected. And that's exactly the way God created us. When we follow His plan, there are great blessings in store. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jer. 29:11-13 NIV) Unfortunately, in this culture today, so many people have given up on "The Dream," and have chosen to accept something less than God intended for them. As one girl said to me, "I was about ready to give up any kind of hope that there are any guys out there who are willing to wait (sexually and emotionally) for the one that God will bring to them in His perfect time ... I've always known a few girls who want to wait, but I actually read e-mails from (gasp!) guys who were saying the same thing. That is so rare to find. God's way is truly best!" I hope that in these pages I have helped to defy a modern misconception: that romance can be fun and exciting only when it involves breaking the rules. Immorality is glamorized everywhere: on TV, in movies, and in most music today. What the entertainers don't show or sing about is the very unglamorous, often agonizing consequences of an immoral lifestyle. Truth is, the most joyful