BMWK: What advice would you give to people (especially men) who want to make a similar decision?
JimDre: LAYOP – which means “Live At Your Own Pace!” I learned very early in life that if one wants to achieve a goal, one must be aggressive and unafraid to fail. You cannot be afraid of greatness and make life choices based on what other people will think of you. Their opinions do not outweigh your personal happiness. God has blessed us all with a wonderful life. It is our job to make great use of each breath and make life count every single day. This advice can be used for someone who is experiencing a similar journey as mine or everyday life – living at your own pace is a universal message and lifestyle.
BMWK: Do people ever say that you’re judging others by your decision and openness about abstaining?
JimDre: I don’t think so because I’m very honest about who I am as a human being. Yes, I’m a virgin, but I’m not perfect. I’m a human being just like everyone else. I have sinned before. I have missed the mark just like the next man. I pride myself on being humble – I have respect for everyone and never put myself on a bigger stage because of my personal walk with God. No one is larger than God. He is the Creator and the reason why we all exist. My respect for Him is too real for me to judge others. That’s not my job and I simply cannot support that.
BMWK: Are you looking for a woman who has also abstained?
JimDre: Look, it’s 2014 and most people my age have had sex before – the chances of me marrying a virgin are very slim! However, that is not a requirement of mine. Of course, I’m looking for a smart, God-fearing, beautiful, respectful woman but she doesn’t have to be a virgin.
BMWK: Would you have any difficulty being in a serious relationship with a woman who had a particular number of partners?
JimDre: The “numbers” game can be a dangerous game. Most people want to know how many partners their significant other has been with. I’m one of those people. I believe it’s very important information, especially when building a solid foundation with a person of interest. Honesty is the best policy, in my opinion. I’d rather be with the woman who was truthful about her number than the one who initially lied to me then confessed. I’m not in the judging business, so I will not judge a woman based on her number. At the end of the day, I want to be with who God wants me to be with—low or high number.
BMWK: Why do you think it is important to abstain before marriage?
JimDre: I believe it’s important to wait for sex until marriage because it’s a great way to build a personal relationship with God. Giving your body to God as a living and holy sacrifice is an awesome way to honor your faith in Him. By doing this, God will also help you transform into a new person by changing the way you think. Growing up, I always wanted to find a true connection with God and I felt that this was the best way for me. I loved Him and respected His word. Others can also abstain from sex until marriage and receive the same blessings.
BMWK: What’s the strangest response you’ve ever gotten after you’ve told someone about your decision?
JimDre: The strangest (and funniest) response I’ve gotten after telling someone I was still a virgin was when one of my friends and I were at dinner. We jumped on the topic of dating and she asked me about sex. When I responded, she literally choked on her food – priceless!
BMWK: Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on something? If so, what?
JimDre: Honestly, no because I know my time is near. I’ve been very patient throughout the years and I know God is working his magic in finding my future wife. I’m in no immediate rush but I’m excited about it. A wise man once told me, “you can’t miss something that you’ve never had before!”
BMWK — What are your thoughts on abstaining until marriage?
Ashe! Great post BMWK. I applaud this man for his discipline and strength. I pray that God continues to cover him until his wife comes along. I wish him all the best.
I love this and applaud his dedication. I need to find a way to share this with my students, and with the school clinic personnel where “protection” is freely distributed. Personally, I’m also waiting on God to work his “magic.”
God is truly going to bless you! Stay the course and he is going to send you a woman that every man will envy, she will be clean, untouched, and greatly anointed. Your children will be blessed, your finances will be blessed because of you waiting on God and walking in his will.
Totally random but I know a female version of him. I can’t wait to forward this to her. Thank you for the wonderful post!
I am so proud of him! He has shown to be very strong-willed and obedient. From this alone, I believe he’ll make a GREAT husband. Who can say no to a man who follows God?!
I know it is beautiful to find a man that stands up for his spiritual beliefs and knows that he wants to give his wife the best gift possible. That is so rare these days. I made a vow to be abstinent as well. I am praying and waiting for my mate also. I feel blessed by this.
Andre, God’s blessings upon you. I have known you all of your life, and you continue to amaze me. Thank God that your spiritual upbringing, your church family and your decisions have put you to this day. Praying even harder that God will send to you in HIS time that beautiful, caring, loving and God-fearing woman. Love You So Much!!!!
I think it’s awesome. I’m a virgin myself and have thought the same thing that there are no men who are virgins my age (and look like that – just being honest). It’s just great to see a man waiting on God.
Way to go!! When I saw the title I was like “Yes” I am almost 32 and a virgin as well…it’s hard to wait at time but I truly believe it will be worth
Love hearing testimonies like this….I think irs awesome that there are still young men waiting til marriage. Amen.