Porn is Not the Inevitable

A few days ago I read Jennifer Lawrence's response to her nude photos being stolen and published online without her consent. One of her quotes has been eating away at my mind ever since. But before I talk about that, I just want to acknowledge what a horrible abuse of privacy this crime was, and I cannot imagine, I absolutely cannot imagine how that made her feel. She didn't give people permission to see her naked body, yet they still saw it. There's something wrong with that and I want to pray for conviction on the hearts of those who committed this crime.

I'm sure there are approximately 1,000 internet blog responses to her comments right now, but I feel compelled to continue to shed truth on statements she made that are extremely harmful to women right now. The number one concerning statement to me is this:

"I started to write an apology, but I don't have anything to say I'm sorry for. I was in a loving, healthy, great relationship for four years. It was long distance, and either your boyfriend is going to look at porn or he's going to look at you." - Jennifer Lawrence, Vanity Fair 2014

I just want to proclaim to every girl out there: THIS IS NOT TRUE. THIS IS A LIE OUR CULTURE IS BELIEVING. 

Porn is not the inevitable. Men are not without options. They don't HAVE to look at women's naked bodies. It's not normal and it's not ok. And the fact that someone out there feels like they have to send naked pictures of themselves to keep their boyfriend from looking at porn...that's just really wrong. And devastating.

And although I can't imagine the pressure of being thrust into a role model position you didn't ask for, you are a role model none the less. The age range of people who love the Hunger Games ranges anywhere from elementary school kids to moms and grandmas. None of whom need to hear that they probably need to send naked photos to their boyfriend to keep him content. This quote was instantly read by girls of all ages, who adore and idolize Jennifer Lawrence. I could imagine that if I were to have heard that comment at a young age, I would have had some conflicting views.

So if there is anyone struggling with this idea, and feeling conflicted- the fact that you are conflicted is telling you something! The Holy Spirit is in those of us that are saved. And he gives you wisdom and discernment on these issues. If you are feeling conflicted, it's a good thing. The Lord wants good for our lives, and as believers, our lives should not reflect the lives of the world.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

- Bethany