“I’m not ready,” I protest.
Dad snarls, but his expression softens as Blake joins us. He smooths his blazer and buttons it. Not a single strand is out of place.
“Ready?” Blake asks with his charismatic smile. “We traveled across the country for this moment.”
I nod fast.
The Global Christian Conference is packed. Fifty-thousand people are stuffed in stadium seats, and millions stream from all over the world. Out of thousands of churches, ours was given an hour to showcase our work and deliver a sermon.
Our choir files up the steps to take position. My excitement ticks up. This is our biggest moment on stage yet.
Soon, the lights illuminate the stage in color. The choir begins clapping in unison as they sing in a cappella. Then the band joins in, one instrument at a time. The three of us hold hands in a quick prayer.
Microphones are handed to us.
Show time.
We walk next, Daddy center stage, and me and Blake on either side. Together we sing along. The crowd loves it. We look and sound great.
After, we start our sermon. Of course, I have to talk about young people.
And chastity.
Something I haven’t spoken of since the night in the hotel. Two days ago.
Dad sets me up.
“Young people are especially challenged by modern technology. Many feel isolated instead of connected. The algorithms tear people apart instead of encouraging healthy relationships.” He looks my way. “Morgan, how can young people overcome these modern challenges?”
“You are right, Dad. And the answer is seeking a life partner. Not followers. It is resisting temptation to be coveted by thousands rather than one. Corinthians 7:2 says, ‘Let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.’”
I stroll to center stage.
“Marriage allows us to experience arealconnection that will satisfy the emptiness many young people feel.”
“That’s such a simple solution,” Blake chimes in on cue.
“Yes, it is,” I continue. “The verse also tells us, intimacy, that sacred connection we seek as human beings, is something meant to be expressed within marriage, not outside of it.”
My heart kicks my ribs.
What was that?
I rebound fast.
“Because marriage is a union to be cherished.”
Another kick. Harder.
I suck in a sharp breath, filling my rib cage to prevent a third jolt.
Blake speaks again, this time, improvising.
“What about young people and...” He looks at the camera and speaks as if he is sharing a secret. “If I may be blunt, the desires of the flesh?” Then louder. “Young people like us, aretold that sex outside of marriage is okay. What does God say about that?”
My throat suddenly dries.
Come on, Morgan.
