Book offers girls biblical truths on relationships during teen years

Bombarded with worldly influences and battling youthful emotions, teen girls are often desperate for a voice of truth on how to honor God in every relationship.
   
Vicki Courtney is that voice of truth. 
   
A noted author and speaker, Courtney recently won the Evangelical Christian Publisher Association’s Christian Book Award in the children and youth category for “TeenVirtue: Real Issues, Real Life … A Teen Girl’s Survival Guide” that was released in 2005.
   
In June, Courtney, with co-writers Susie Davis and Whitney Prosperi, released “TeenVirtue 2: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Relationships,” published by B&H Publishing Group. Composed of short articles, quizzes and thought-provoking questions, the maga-book addresses topics critical to today’s young women.
   
“‘TeenVirtue 2’ was created to be a survival guide of sorts when it comes to the relationships that matter most in your life — your relationships with friends, family, guys and God,” Courtney said.
   
Courtney addresses head-on the false sense of worth that girls often strive for through relationships with the opposite sex.
   
“God is passionate about His relationship with you,” she explains in the book. “We were created to love Him above all else. … Having a boyfriend in God’s will and timing can bring satisfaction, but it can never bring worth.”
   
“TeenVirtue 2” also explores with readers the definition of a “good guy,” consequences of dating a “bad guy,” the differences between guys and girls physically and the importance of patience when dating in terms of pursuit and physical aspects of a relationship.
   
“You need to know that God has a man in mind for you that will be willing to love you in His way,” Davis said. “Please don’t settle for anything other than God’s very best for your life.”
   
Boyfriends may come and go, but best friends are a teen girl’s lifeline. Co-writer Prosperi defines an authentic friend as being one who is faithful in good times and bad and who also encourages a strong spiritual walk.
   
“A true friend won’t ask you to compromise what you believe,” she said. “She will encourage you to make the right choice rather than tempt you to make the wrong one.”
   
Prosperi advises teens on how to respond to friends who have strayed from their beliefs while protecting their own spiritual walk by consistent Bible study and prayer, finding a good support system and being aware of pride that could result in a false sense of security where temptation is concerned.
   
She also suggests maintaining a level of concern for the fallen friend while also keeping a healthy perspective on the friend’s behavior.
   
“There is a fine line between reaching out to a friend who has chosen a sinful path and being tempted by them to take that route, too,” Prosperi noted. “Make sure you are the one influencing them rather than the other way around.”
   
Family members are a tool God uses to test our faith and obedience, Prosperi said in the book. “We may find it easy to put on our spiritual face at youth group, but it is impossible to fake it at home.”
   
Davis addresses the biblical truth of obeying parents and the consequence of disobeying those in authority.
   
“When we make decisions to disobey those in authority, it is a natural impulse to feel like running to escape the inevitable consequences,” she said. 
   
“While running might be the impulse, it’s not really the best option.”
   
Prosperi explains how loving our family members, including those annoying siblings, is required of all Christians. 
   
“God put you in your exact family for a reason. Take your eyes off what they do that bugs you and place it on how you can help and serve them. You’ll be amazed at how your attitude will change.”
   
“TeenVirtue 2” addresses struggles teen girls have in terms of what it means to fear the Lord, to grow in their prayer life and to grasp the depths of forgiveness and God’s grace. 
   
“Unfortunately a lot of people see God as some kind of angry judge who sits behind a fancy mahogany desk with a gavel in hand just waiting to lower the boom on anyone who misbehaves,” Courtney said.
   
She points out the mercy of God and the power of His forgiveness. Quoting Psalm 103:12, she explained that God has removed each person’s transgressions as far as the east is from the west, displaying His mercy upon those who sin.
   
“Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” she said.
   
To purchase “TeenVirtue 2,” visit LifeWay Christian Stores through www.thealabamabaptist.org. (LifeWay)