About the Book
I never asked to be a 49-year-old virgin. I mean, who would?
We live in a world that is obsessed with sex. We are inundated with sexual images from commercials and Super Bowl halftime shows to movies like Fifty Shades of Gray. Yet, when I was sixteen, I made a vow to remain a virgin until I married.
What I could not know was that this decision would require a 33-year commitment on my part. Although my dream was delayed, I was not denied.
This theme was present throughout my life. Through it all, I learned that . . .
God's timing is always better than mine.
In this memoir, Perez discusses dating decisions she made as a teen. Unlike the movie, The 40-Year Old Virgin, she committed to daring Christian habits when she took a vow of abstinence before marriage. In her memoir, she shows how celibacy, a love story of boundaries in relationships, brings Christian joy for women and men too.
About the Author :
Dr. Paula is an educator, leader, speaker, writer, youth pastor, and pastor's wife committed to teaching, equipping, and challenging people to live life triumphantly. She earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University. Currently she is an adjunct lecturer for the State University of New York at New Paltz. In December 2010, Dr. Paula married her husband, instantly becoming stepmother to three young adults. Since 2015, she has served alongside her husband, Pastor J. Perez, at Faith Temple, a church in upstate New York. Dr. Paula took early retirement from her principalship to enter full-time ministry in 2018.Dr. Paula and her husband are certified Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts (SYMBIS) coaches. Together they provide training for singles, as well as relationship support and coaching to couples. To contact the author email info@drpaulacperez.com. Check out her website: drpaulacperez.com.
Review :
". . . An inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting book that gives an account of what God can do in your life in spite of any and everything you have gone through. It inspires you to live and keep living a life that pleases God. It encourages you to pick yourself up and dust yourself off after being disappointed. It uplifts you to know that God knows what your heart's desire is and what you dream of. Also, it lets you know that God's plan and his desire for you is greater than anything you could ever design for yourself and he has the power to make it come to pass. This book is an informative guideline and resource on how to navigate life in order to get to a happily-ever-after ending. This is a must read. Lisa Silver, Ossining, New York
"[Perez] broaches a topic that is often considered taboo for discussion in the church world. Dr. Perez talks about celibacy, which is an ideology, for some in the secular world, that is often thought to be old-fashioned and irrelevant. However, she describes her journey with such humanity and warmth, until I found myself wrapped in a blanket thoroughly drawn into her story. I was able to envision the places [the author] visited as she writes as though she is living in the very moment and provides every detail. Her accounts of encounters with people who helped or hurt her left me feeling as though I either loved them or felt disdain for them. For me this book is about family, faith, and freedom. Paula says out loud what she believes, and her family supports her faith. Dr. Perez believes what she has spoken into the universe will come to pass, and it does. The 49-Year-Old Virgin will free women and men of all ages from the notion, "You've got to try it, before you buy it." Evangelist Sharon Henderson, Morris Park, NY
"[A] powerful display of God's grace and demonstration of His faithfulness to His promises. The book is an encouragement to all women saving themselves for marriage. Dr. Perez, true to her calling, has presented an opportunity for women's groups around the world to have open discussions about the many relationships women navigate in the various stages of their lives. Expertly written. A must read for all women." Dr. Mary Phifer, Pastor, Holy Spirit Church, Ossining, NY
"[A] must read . . . It touches on many of the day-to-day temptations that we all deal with. Many of us are not fortunate enough to have held on to or kept our virginity until marriage. The author expresses how so many times she could have lost hers, but the power of prayer and a good village and standing strong on God's words is what helped her. I really recommend this book, especially for teenagers and women who are still fighting to remain a virgin." Adrienne Jenkins, Poughkeepsie, New York
"[Perez] broaches a topic that is often considered taboo for discussion in the church world. Dr. Perez talks about celibacy, which is an ideology, for some in the secular world, that is often thought to be old-fashioned and irrelevant. However, she describes her journey with such humanity and warmth, until I found myself wrapped in a blanket thoroughly drawn into her story. . ." Pat Weatherspoon, Houston, Texas
"This heart wrenching memoir recounts her life of sexual purity and self-discovery . . God had a plan for her life, and God's plan prevailed . . . but oh, the journey! The journey was a long and rough delay. But as you will read, it was not a denial. It was worth the wait! I love that this memoir is carefully written and not only highlights Dr. Perez's joy and pain but also showcases the love of her parents and family. They faithfully supported her along the way. On the celibacy journey or any major endeavor, you cannot make it alone. " Janice J. Burton, The Marriage Planning Mogul
