The Meaning Behind Promise or Purity Rings

I was recently approached by my ten year old son with a question that sort of surprised me. He asked me for a "Promise or Purity" ring. With all the newest gizmos and gadgets of teens, preteens and tweens, I was very surprised to hear him ask for something as significant as a "Promise or Purity" ring. If anything I had expected him to ask for a cell phone, IPOD or Xbox 360. When the words "Promise or Purity" ring escaped from the lips of my ten year old, to be honest I was surprised.

A "Promise or Purity" ring is an outward symbol of a promise made between a person and God to remain pure until marriage. It is a promise not to have sex prior to standing before your friends, family and God and saying the words "I DO" to the one you intend to spend the remainder of your days with. Many times there are even special ceremonies where children get up in front of their family and church to verbally proclaim their desire to keep their virginity until they are married. Also referred to as chastity rings, these rings are constant reminders to the wearer of the promise made between themselves and God to remain celibate until marriage.

When I asked my son why he was interested in a "Promise or Purity" ring, I was rather impressed by his response. He explained to me that in Bible Study class his teacher and other students had been talking about how important marriage was. He also said because his father and I are divorced, it was even more important for him to find his life partner and to begin with a strong marriage. He explained that by keeping his virginity until marriage, it would start his marriage off on solid ground, ground that was firmly planted in Christ. It would prove he was trust worthy and deserving of his future bride.

I took some time to discuss other aspects of the "Promise or Purity" ring with my son. When doing some research about the rings I learned that many of the teen celebrities are standing up and making this promise to remain pure as well. The Jonas Brothers (Joe, Nick and Kevin), Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus), Selena Gomez, Alyson Stoner and Jordin Sparks proudly wear "Purity or Promise" rings. They have taken the vow to replace these rings with wedding bands and remain celibate until that time. I think with Hollywood being so pushy and all about sex these days we should commend these young people for standing up for what they believe.

I believe that "Promise or Purity" rings are a wonderful way for youth to proudly display their choice to remain celibate. An outward symbol to be worn on the ring finger until the day they are married is a great reminder of the promise between them and God. I think visual reminders work best, similar to tying a string around your finger so you don't forget.

If you are searching for the best place to find "Promise or Purity" rings, they are available at many different places online as well as in stores. There are many Christian websites that offer a variety of choices of styles. Some rings say "True Love Waits" while others have symbols. They can be gold, white gold, or sterling silver and range in prices beginning at less than $10. You can even find "Promise or Purity" rings on Ebay or Amazon. Best of luck to everyone making the Promise to remain pure until marriage! It is one promise you can be PROUD of!