Precautions for Preserving Chastity

April 21, 2022

[Sister Therese] Hello dear ones, may God bless you.

A certain day ago, I had a video chat with a friend. In my attempt to not offend him with a quick “see-you-later” chat, I tried to prolong the conversation by inquiring of him, “Well now that you have seen my face and all the Franciscan veil and habit, what do you think?” This question turned into a mistake because he at one turn praised in a certain way a part of my face, which flattered me, honestly. The next morning I notice a slight annoying temptation of Lust around me—the curiosity of the eyes to look at some pictures and at the same time noticing a temptation of stirring of the senses. I would close my eyes to visualize holy things—trying to visualize holy things and people, and the image is instantly twisted into something perverted.

I had an open door.

During my Confession the following day, my confessor advises me not to speak with this friend through video chats anymore, but only through emails or messages, if that is the case. Having been called and told by the Lord that there is a spouse that he has for me in my future days – my confessor advises me to keep myself chaste in heart and body for that man that the Lord chose for me. But in the meantime, to keep myself chaste for the Lord.

That same morning, I had taken three different readings from the Mother Mary book, The Imitation of Mary. One of the readings brought up Chastity, which in turn made me realize, telling this to Momma Mary, “That chat was it. Wasn’t it?” — thinking about the cause of that open door to the Lust temptation.

So, the chapter that Mother gave me about chastity was …

Chapter 10: Precautions for Preserving Chastity, from The Imitation of Mary book.

And I want to read only the words that stood out to me…

The chapter begins;

“… A soul that makes purity its treasure, like a delicate flower, it fears the least breeze. A glance, even a single glance, and it is on guard.

“A virgin who is well aware of the value of this virtue fears the more remote occasions that can lead to some offense against it. Flattery, engaging manners, innocent-sounding conversations: all these are suspect to such a soul and cause it to double its watchfulness and attention.

“How many people fall through idleness and easy life, through dangerous reading, and through conversations that are too free!

“Many Christian virgins converse frequently, and without any fear, with persons who are far from being angels. They say they are watchful with regard to their virginity, but they fail to recognize that the devil is also on the lookout to destroy them. A virgin who loves praise will not long remain indifferent to the person who bestows the praise. When purity is concerned there is every reason to fear, precisely because we never fear enough. We try not to see the danger in things we love. The proof that we love the danger is the effort we make to keep it hidden.

“We are all formed of the same dust. Like so many others we too may learn through sad experiences our own weaknesses. We can trust greatly in the help of grace, but this does not allow us to expose ourselves to danger. That help is guaranteed only to those who find themselves tempted without having sought temptation out.

“You may have overcome the enemy of purity for many years, but do not think that you are therefore invincible. Continue to be distrustful of all things, even of yourself. Be faithful in avoiding the daily occasions that lurk on every side; the devil is always ready to multiply them. Then God will give you the gift of fortitude in facing the occasions you could not foresee in which great virtue is needed if you are to overcome.”

Then at the end of the chapter is a prayer also. The prayer says;

“Virgin Mother of God, win for me the grace to distrust myself, to be prudent in action, and to mortify my senses; for all these are needed if I am to continue to be chaste.

“I cannot flatter myself that I belong (as I indeed wish to belong) among those who love you, if I do not love in a special way this virtue that was the source of all your greatness. ‘Mother pure and chaste, Queen of virgins’ (Liturgy), win for me the grace of a delicate purity. Then you will always find in me the mark that distinguishes your dearest children.”

That was the end of the chapter. And this is the end of the counsel Mother Mary gave me and all of us, about precautions to preserve chastity.

May God bless you with such watchfulness.

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From Jesus With Love

My Name Is Mary Elisha I started this blog 6 years ago on my journey walking with Jesus and never knew all that he had in store for me. It has been a journey of tears, trust and confidence in him. Knowing that He is my loving spouse and he wouldn't lead me astray however he has given many suprises along the way! lol Upon fully surrendering my life to Jesus, he has completely turn my world right side up. Filled me with his spirit and showed himself in supernatural ways. He has completely left me in awe leaving me with the thought.....(as most Holy Spirit filled followers of Christ also say) why didn't I surrender 15 years ago! lol. When I started this blog I was a 30 years old zealous for the Lord and desiring to make his love known because it tranformed my life. However, I didn't know the way and the road in which he would take me. It is the way of the cross, the way of holiness and the way of love. Living a life seperated from the world and compltely concecrated to him. I no longer belong to myself, but to him as he has led me to a life of hiddeness and deep intimacy I didn't know was so avalialble for all who would make their lives, their hearts his home. He has given me a new name, a renewed purpose and a heavenly family who is so very present and so real to me. Saints who cheer me on, give me council and pray for me everyday to ensure I do the Lords will and the greatest gift of all He has led me to his Mother! Who has always been My Mother just never knew it. I love Mother Mary, she is my heart, my friend and confidant and continues to prepare me to a worthy bride to her son, Jesus. It is she, who has handpicked me for this mission and to run the community "City of God: Sacred Heart Refuge" in Ghana, West Africa. This is her mission and her ministry as a gift to Jesus and I just get to be her handmaiden. Heartdwellers Ghana is an extention of Heartdwellers ministry by Mother Clare and Father Ezekiel from Still Small Voice Channel. Jesus has taught us about divine intimacy with him. As we dwell in his heart, He and the Father come to make their home within us. (John Where Jesus is all of heaven is as well because the kingom of God is within. So here may you come to get fresh manna from Jesus and any ther saints who may want to give us council, encouragment and exhortation that we may finish this race of faith and run to win the prize. To be a bride spotless, blameless adorened with purity, carying the fire of charity and zeal for our fathers glory. That we maybe ready for him when He comes back for us. Our Lord, Jesus Christ is amazing the intimate you become with him the more in awe he leaves you. I hope this blog draws you nearer to our Lord and you began to open the ears and the eyes of your heart to all that he has to say to you and show you. All of these messages are from Jesus with love...to you. May you be blessed by his words of life. God bless you!

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