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| Pinky promise |
Renee Farquharson
Guardian Lifestyles Intern
Published: Aug 16, 2012
In an age where female backstabbing and gossiping are at an all-time high, older Christian women seem unapproachable, and many young girls are growing up with loose morals, an inspiring group of women have decided to make a pinky promise to God to be different. The Pinky Promise Network created by Heather Lindsey is a network of humble, tasteful, classy, fashionable, hardworking and honorable women who are on a mission to honor and live their lives for Christ. It’s a community that is growing around the globe, and The Bahamas is no exception. The Bahamas chapter was founded three months ago by Simone Gibson to give women an avenue for support, to build and encourage each other, and grow in their relationships with God. Gibson said she was led to start a Pinky Promise Bahamas chapter to stem the tide of what she saw as a prevalence of young women with loose morals in the country. “Young women have gone so far to the left, with their morals and values — we see what the young girls are doing and then we turn around and blame men, but we have to blame ourselves. Women don't have the outlet [to express themselves]. We bottle things up and our movement is about opening those wounds and sharing,” said Gibson. Open to all females, the group encourages saved and unsaved women to bond in sisterhood and Christ. "It's not only for women who are saved, but for all women — women who are married, or single, older or young; women who aren't saved are encouraged to come to our meetings as well because we want to show them our relationship with God, and how to develop a relationship with God of their own. The group meets twice per month at Blu Restaurant at Elizabeth on Bay. There is always an agenda that is set with a series of questions and Bible verses which are addressed. And everyone gets to share, give feedback and concerns. At the end of the meeting, Gibson said people usually leave feeling refreshed because their answers and concerns were addressed. The group’s goal is also to offer support for women in a fun atmosphere and they engage in activities like lunch dates and talks, and they do their best to offer themselves to those in need, by doing outreach work. While most Christian groups tend to be straight-laced on their beliefs, the Pinky Promise Network is a temple of tolerance. Gibson said all views are welcomed and treated with respect. “We don't force anyone to do anything. We aren't forcing you to take on our views or change your life right away, it’s about showing the girls the life we live, and hopefully leading by example. Showing the God in us and hoping we can help change lives for the better. We believe everyone is different and the time will come when God is ready for them,” she said. "So many times as Bahamian woman we turn our backs on each other and backstab, a lot of women come across as super holy and you can't approach them for advice and help, but our group is here to help to break these socioeconomic barriers we created ourselves," said The Bahamas chapter representative of Pinky Promise. “We get to know each other, do lunches, have meetings and share our thoughts and stories. It’s a great thing to bring to this country. Our women need it,” she said. According to Gibson, the most dynamic part of Pinky Promise is the founding principle which encourages young women who aren’t married to abstain from sexual intercourse. “For the girls that aren’t married we try to encourage them to stay pure because the Bible clearly says that. We don’t pressure you about having sex, but we do let the girls know these are our views and we are going to share them. It’s about reality. We can’t run away from it,” she said. Gibson said traditional Christian teachings on sex make the topic taboo, but what makes the Pinky Promise Network successful at broaching the issue she said is their relatable nature. “I’m not married and I’m not a virgin, but I have chosen to change my life and I want to show other girls as well because I don’t think many girls who are having sex were able to sit down and talk to someone about their decisions,” she said. “Biblically speaking, the Bible tells us to flee from sexual immorality, and it’s not up to me to tell you how to live your life, that’s the purpose of having your own relationship with God. It’s up to you, but as a part of Pinky Promise I will help you and listen and tell you to seek God’s instruction.” Gibson also said the group also dispels the myth that women cannot join groups without gossiping and drama. She said at Pinky Promise they do everything together, except that. "Our whole purpose is empowerment. We want to support our sisters through any issues a woman might be going through. We go through so many things as women — relationships, friendships, issues on the job while trying to develop a relationship with God, and this group is here to provide a positive outlet for support and sharing,” she said. Taking the Pinky Promise means you promise to honor God with your body and your life. That you refuse to give your body to anyone that hasn’t paid the price for it — marriage. It’s a promise to stay pure before God in every single way. It’s a promise that you won’t test the boundaries in your relationship to see how far you can push it sexually, but instead, give God your heart. It’s a promise to God that you will honor your marriage covenant, promising not to step outside of your marriage, cheat on your spouse and that you will work through every issue. When you make a Pinky Promise, you have promised to join the mission to honor and live your life for Christ, and join a network that encourages women to support each other in a promise to remain chaste before marriage, and to honor the covenant of marriage. Since its inception, the Pinky Promise Network has expanded globally as thousands of woman in Africa, Europe, the United States and now The Bahamas flock to making the promise to honor God with their bodies and lives. To make contact with the women of Pinky Promise, email wingsofhopecharity@gmail.com or telephone 434-0234. |
