Diligent Joy

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." -- Mother Teresa

"Faith is like electricity. You can't see it, but you can see the light."
-- Anonymous

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“The federal government has invested millions of dollars in sex-education programs for public schools that emphasize abstinence. But a church in Washington state is among many now offering their own sex-ed programs, which they say offer a fuller picture.”

National Public Radio (NPR) Morning Edition

Graduate of

Faith and Sexuality

Can you imagine a world where everyone knows deep in his or her being that sexuality is a sacred gift from the Creator and is deserving of holy and sacred treatment?

Many faith communities are missing an opportunity to take critical action with our youth, who are exposed to sexuality in unrealistic, negative, and unhealthy ways in our society every day. Teaching values such as Self-Worth, Sexual Health, Responsibility and Justice & Inclusivity* to our youth is a crucial task for faith communities.
(* From Our Whole Lives)

Young people need a safe environment with trained leaders to discuss all aspects of sexuality. Sexual health is only one part of comprehensive sexuality education. In addition to learning about anatomy, physiology, conception, contraception and disease prevention, youth want and need a safe place to discuss their values about body image, friendship, flirting, boundaries, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. Faith communities must provide trained leaders for these tasks in order to provide a safe and accessible environment with accurate information for our youth.

Amy’s most recent endeavor is to offer comprehensive sexuality education in her faith community and to work with other faith communities to do the same. She and her husband, Eric, facilitate classes using the Our Whole Lives curriculum for youth at their church. Read what she has to say about this exciting project.

"I believe that sometimes, faith communities end up shaming us for our sexual desires and behaviors. But why? Sexuality is a natural part of being human—a gift we are each given at birth. Babies are not born being ashamed of their sexuality. As we nurture each other in faith, whether it is in a Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Native American, Buddhist, Muslim or other tradition, we have the power to create our reality around sexuality.

Read Amy's "Sex in the Suburbs" Articles in the

Can you imagine how the world would be if all of us, including our teens and children, believed with every fiber of our souls and bodies and beings that our sexuality is normal and beautiful and sacred just the way it is? I believe that if we treat sexuality in this way instead of as bad or wrong then it becomes normal and beautiful and sacred, because we are simply acknowledging what is, and what our Creator intended for us.

Divine love and compassion are universal among faith traditions. If we want to model ourselves after true spiritual leaders, we need to offer love, acceptance, and compassion instead of judgment, ridicule, and exclusion.

I believe faith communities that teach comprehensive sexuality education are changing the world by enabling healthy decision-making skills in young people, opening up conversations between parents and children around sexuality and values, and viewing our sexuality as a sacred and life-giving. Won’t you contact me to join in this important work?”

What people are saying about this type of education:

“…I most certainly could speak to the fact of how this Christian-based program cannot only be related to other faiths but how the teachings of this program can mold any person of any faith. I really think the program benefits the youth of our society and personally I think all youth from any demographic can benefit from the classes.”

Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith
participant, age 17, non-Christian faith background

“I just have to let you know that [Our Whole Lives] has been a great catalyst for conversation between my daughter and I. I appreciate the wholeness of the ‘story’ she is getting. I don't believe the schools do the message justice. We have always been fairly open about this subject but you miss a lot of beats trying to live your life and you two have certainly filled in many of the gaps. Anyhow I just feel a little closer to my daughter due to some of the conversations initialized through your classes. Thanks.”

Parent of 15-year old Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith participant

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