From the Lone Star Citizen in cooperation with Focus on the Family's Citizen magazine
February, 1995 Article by Kathryn Wilson

A mother's vision leads thousands of Texas teens to commitments of abstinence until marriage

Dreams and goals. Can both be destroyed instantly for teens by a decision made regarding sexual pressure? A Dallas mother and the program she leads, Aim For Success, say "yes," and they are doing something about it.

The Lone Star Citizen selected Marilyn Morris, founder and president of Aim For Success, as our Texas Size Hero for February.

Aim For Success is challenging Texas schools, churches, businesses and organizations to return to the concept of sexual purity through two entertaining, interactive presentations called "The New Sexual Revolution" for teenagers and "Turning Today's Society on to Sexual Purity" for adults.

During the organization's first year, it gave 526 presentations to more than 30,000 people.

The student program opens with a lively discussion of dreams and goals. Topics such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and emotional scars are creatively discussed. Students learn that while boys suffer from these problems, it is usually the girl who pays the greatest physical price. A girl who gets chlamydia, human papilloma virus, gonorrhea or AIDS may soon find herself facing such problems as cancer, sterility or even death.

In many of the presentations, dynamic teenagers explain why they have chosen abstinence until marriage. they share through skits and object lessons why abstinence is the only way to play it safe.

"The audience never laughs when a star athlete stands and confidently proclaims, "I am a virgin and plan to remain that way until my wedding night," said Morris. "In fact, a hardy round of applause usually follows this bold comment."

The listeners also learn during this presentation that if they are already sexually active, it is not too late to change. "Not that it will be easy to change," explains J.D. Schulgen, and adult speaker for Aim. "We never said abstinence is easy. But if you want to fulfill your dreams and goals, remember, abstinence is the only thing that will keep you safe 100 percent of the time."

"I think this program gave me a lot to consider, and it made me feel special to still be a virgin," a sixth-grader said.

After one seminar, a high school student said, "I feel the Aim For Success program was great. I learned stuff I did not know. After hearing this, I will start all over."

The adult program is usually presented at PTA meetings, churches, adult Sunday school classes and in homes.

Parents learn helpful hints on how, when, where and why to talk to children about sex. The program also challenges parents with the importance of teaching children sexual purity. This segment will also be available in book form this spring.

"Our society has changed drastically since we were in school," Morris explained recently in a PTA meeting, "and we can't afford not to talk openly about sex with our children. Today, abstinence is a matter of life and death."

All Aim For Success presentations in the Dallas area are offered free of charge. The approximate $100 cost per presentation is funded through individuals, businesses, churches and foundations. Because Aim For Success is a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible.

If you need more information or would like to schedule a presentation at your school, church or organization, contact Aim For Success at P.O. Box 550336, Dallas, TX 75355-0336 or (972) 422-2322.

Reprinted with permission of the Lone Star Citizen.