Silver Rings to Shine in Caroline

By Ed Simmons, Jr.

             It's called "The Silver Ring Thing."

             Promoting sexual abstinence, the multi-media stage show and presentation at Caroline Middle School and Caroline High School at the end of this month will feature music, laser lights, pyrotechnics, comedy, drama, straight talk – and silver rings.  The rings, worn by increasing numbers of young people across the nation, mean the wearer intends to stay sexually abstinent until marriage.  Inscribed "Thes4:3-4" for 1st Thessalonians 4: 3-4, the rings will be made available during the two-and-one-half hour Christian-based "Silver Ring Thing" production at the Caroline High School gym Saturday night, March 1, from 6:30 to 9 a.m.   Doors open at 5:45 p.m.  There will also be a program for parents. 

             The passage from 1st Thessalonians contains the Apostle Paul's teaching to "abstain from fornication" and sanctify and honor one's physical body.

             The Saturday evening faith-based production will be preceded "God-neutral" presentations on Friday for students at Caroline Middle School and High School which will promote the health and emotional benefits of abstaining from pre-marital sex.

             Caroline churches and businesses are contributing to pay the $5,500 fee for the event which will bring 12 performers and speakers to Caroline, along with laser lights, pyrotechnics and video.   There is no entry fee.  The rings are $15 each.  For those without money, Caroline churches are stepping in to make sure everyone gets a ring who wants one.

             Caroline's Promise is orchestrating the event which – according to silverringthing.com – presents "an evangelistic message focused on forgiveness and new beginnings with an opportunity to embrace a 'second virginity.'"  "The only way to reverse the moral decay of any youth culture is to inspire a change in the conduct and behavior from those within the culture.  Therefore, the Silver Ring Thing has developed a roll-out plan to help create a culture shift that will reach 20 percent of the student population (across the U.S.)."

             Dana Blanton, youth minister at Salem Baptist Church, presented the idea "The Silver Ring Thing" to area pastors and their representatives at a "Congregations of Promise" meeting last Saturday at Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  "One of the most difficult challenges that parents and churches face is combating the sex-saturated culture in a way that will have a lasting and powerful effect.  The Silver Ring Thing Live Event does just that," said Dana Blanton.