I'm Totally Blushing. Trust Me.
Sophie - June 18, 2008
Last fall I went to Deeper Still in Nashville, and at the end of the conference - during a hysterical Q&A session - Kay Arthur offered the audience some very frank advice about sex.
I think Kay's candor caught most of us a little bit off guard; I mean, she is so distinguished and regal and elegant, and it was a little surprising to hear her speak so matter-of-factly about a topic that oftentimes can seem off-limits in "polite company."
But oh, Kay had a good, strong word for the women at Deeper Still, and her remarks about sex were met with lots of laughter and applause. Since then I've talked with several friends who were also in Nashville that day, and they all agreed: what Kay said was right on the money.
And they wished she'd said even more.
Well, guess what?
Now she has.
Kay has written a new Bible study called Return to the Garden: Embracing God's Design for Sexuality, and four of my friends and I are actually going to be walking through this study for the next six weeks.
In all honesty, doing a Bible study about THE SEX makes me nervous and more than just a teensy bit uncomfortable, but my friends and I are in agreement that this study is going to be great. Plus, since it's only six weeks long, it's perfect for this time of year.
And besides: once we made our decision, I started to get excited (OH, just TRY to write a post about a sex-related Bible study and see if every single phrase doesn't start to sound like some lame double entendre) because I thought, Hey! I bet I can write some posts about this!
Oh, I do love me a recurring posting theme.
By the way, right now my Episcopalian relatives are probably calling their friends to tell them that I'm STIRRIN' UP THE BAPTISTS by writing about sex on the Lifeway women's blog.
Well, I mean, they're calling their friends when they're not totally grossed out by the fact that their sister / niece / cousin is going to be writing about sex. ON THE INTERNET.
However, I'm okay with stirrin' it up a little bit. I was, after all, the first person in my family to join a Baptist church where THEY PLAY DRUMS AND ELECTRIC GEE-TARS AND STUFF, so I'm a smidge familiar with stepping outside my comfort zone.
And don't worry. I won't really be writing about sex. I'm far too Southern for that. Plus, you know, my parents are reading.
But I'll definitely be writing about what Kay teaches through the Bible study. And while I'm not going to share my friends' real names because, well, GOOGLE? EVER HEARD OF IT?, I am going to blog about some of what we talk about over the next six weeks.
As always, discretion will be the order of the bloggy day - I won't specify who says what, and I certainly won't reveal anything without my friends' permission.
And when I share anything that pertains to my own life, you'll never even know it because I plan to use an elaborate system of rotating pseudonyms. I'll call myself "S., a blogger at MooBama," and NO ONE WILL EVER FIGURE IT OUT, OF THIS I AM CERTAIN.
It's gonna be fun, y'all.
And I hope you'll stay tuned.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (14)
Sounds very exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about this study. I may even need to get it for myself…
Posted on June 18, 2008 8:56 AM
I’ve seen the book at Lifeway and was curious but too afraid(embarrassed?!) to bring it home. So, looking forward to your sneak peeks and insights. I might even find the encouragement to actually buy the book myself.
Posted on June 18, 2008 9:14 AM
Oh, I was at Deeper Still in Nashvegas, too, and LOVED the Q&A with Kay, Beth, & Priscilla. And in all seriousness, if I lived near Kay, I’d totally figure out a way to get myself invited over to her house so I could sit and marvel at her wit and wisdom. Yes, I would. She’s so cool. Anyhoo, my neighbor and I have tossed about the idea of doing the “sex study” (gasp!) and I really think it’ll be a good one to do. I’ll be interested to read what you and your gal pals have to say about the study, too.
Posted on June 18, 2008 10:04 AM
Sounds like fun!
no pun intended. :)
Posted on June 18, 2008 10:55 AM
Can’t wait to read about you and your friends comments and thoughts on this study. It should be interesting!
Posted on June 18, 2008 11:17 AM
I have 4 tickets to sell for the “Deeper Still” event in Atlanta June 27 & 28. Please call if you need tickets (256) 390-5965
Posted on June 18, 2008 1:32 PM
Sophie, I need to strongly request that you take good notes during this study.
That way, when I call you in 37 years on my wedding night, you’ll be able to easily reference all the info I will need.
Posted on June 18, 2008 1:39 PM
I’m so glad you are going to review this study for us, MooBama.
And since I can’t say anything else without sounding dirty, I’ll stop now.
Posted on June 18, 2008 2:46 PM
I’m on the edge of my seat here, Sophie. ;-)
Seriously, I am interested to find out what y’all think of the study. It might be a good one for our WMU group. Ages range from 23 to mid 70’s. Whaddaya think?
Diane
Posted on June 18, 2008 3:10 PM
I really enjoy the blog, but as simply a word of suggestion, doesn’t necessarily have to appear, the speed of the site desperately needs to be worked on. There are many times I simply give up, moving on to other things I’m interested in reading. For women who are not determined to get here, the speed is definitely a deterrent.
Blessings, Monica
Posted on June 18, 2008 3:54 PM
Ahhhh, who are you kidding. Call yourself what you will, all of the writing in CAPITAL LETTERS totally gives ya away!!!!
The jig is up.
However, the study sounds fun, and I say stir it up sister!
Posted on June 18, 2008 5:11 PM
Some friends and I did Intimate Issues by Lorraine Pintus and Linda Dillow about 6-7’ish years ago on the same topic. It was wonderful and was a life and perspective changing time for me.
Dh and I also did Intimacy Ignited by the same authors and their husbands. Also good stuff.
Have a good time!
Posted on June 18, 2008 7:47 PM
Wow I guess my Mamma might be shocked (nah she knows me too well) since I am a true and true southern girly girl but, I have never understood why folks find this topic so embarrassing. I think the study sounds great and something like this has been well needed in the Christian community.
Remember our Father God created sex and all the beauty that husband’s and wives share, or at least that they are supposed to share. Now I am not talking about teens having sex or all the promiscuity that the world is involved in, but far too many married women were taught and feel that sex is dirty and a chore. I know a lot of marriage fall apart because of this.
Praise God that Kay had courage enough to write such a beautiful study. I look forward to hearing what others have to say about it.
Posted on June 18, 2008 7:49 PM
Cracking me up once again!
I’m so glad to hear of this Bible study! We need more talk in the church on this.
That’s all I’ve got to say!
Oh wait! There’s more…I just want to say that as the Mom of teen daughters, TALK is so important. Since they were young…very young, we started with a series of books from a local Christian Bookstore.
They were age appropriate and backed with the Word. Through the years I have reminded them constantly that they could talk to us about ANYTHING. I told them there was no wrong question. Their friends may “think” or even “say” they know all about sex, but WE know! ;)
And their friends throughout the years have BEGGED for me to have discussions and answer questions. I’ve called several moms whose daughters were piled in my minivan and asked permission to talk about said sacred subject!
Good times! INteresting times… And for married women, we need to keep this subject alive!
Posted on June 18, 2008 8:16 PM