Special Edition Thursday with Mrs Erica W Benjamin

• What inspired you to start Journey to Purity?
  
  💜 I started Journey to Purity® because I knew what it felt like to struggle alone. My personal purity journey began in September 2011 after I hit a breaking point—I was tired of the cycle of half-hearted commitment to Christ. I made a firm decision to honour God in every area of my life, but the journey wasn’t easy. Every year on my abstinence anniversary, I would share my lessons and how my relationship with Christ deepened. By the third or fourth year, women started reaching out, saying they were on the same journey or longed for the freedom I spoke of. That’s when I realised —so many women desired to honour God in this area but felt isolated, unsure, and in need of support. So, I took a leap of faith. I started a monthly conference call where we could be real about our struggles, celebrate our wins, and encourage each other to keep going. What started as a small gathering quickly grew into a global community. Journey to Purity® was born out of my transformation journey, but it exists today to help other women experience the same freedom, joy, and closeness with God that changed my life.
  
  
• Can you share a bit about your personal journey with purity and how it led to this ministry?
  
  💜 My journey with purity has been anything but perfect. From a young age, I found myself struggling in ways I didn’t fully understand. It started with childhood games, then painful experiences I didn’t ask for, and by my teenage years, l had developed an addiction to pornography. One night, my mother caught me and, instead of reacting with anger, she prayed over me. That night changed everything—I was set free and never had the desire to watch it again. But my struggles didn’t just disappear. Throughout my early 20s, I battled lustful thoughts and masturbation, trying to break free but feeling stuck in cycles of shame and defeat. It wasn’t until I had a life-changing encounter with God through a prophetic word that my heart began to shift. As I surrendered more and more to His will, my desires started to change . When I first started sharing my journey, I was just being open about my own struggles and the freedom I was experiencing. But I quickly realized I wasn’t alone—so many women were facing the same battles, feeling isolated and unsure of how to move forward. That’s when I knew Journey to Purity® was needed. It’s not about perfection; it’s about a heart that’s willing. This ministry is my invitation to every woman who feels stuck—to “come and see” what God has done in my life and what He desires to do in yours too.
  
  
• What’s your favourite purity verse or statement?
  
  💜 My favourite verse on purity is Psalms 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By
  guarding it according to your word. ”
  This verse is a constant reminder that purity isn’t something we achieve by sheer
  willpower—it’s a result of staying anchored in God’s Word. The more we meditate on His truth, the more it gets hidden in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), and when temptation comes, His Word rises up to strengthen us.
  On this journey, I’ve learned that purity has never been about just saying ‘no’ to sin; it’s
  about saying ‘yes’ to God—over and over again. And the best way to do that is by filling our hearts and minds with His truth so that when we’re faced with choices, we already know which path leads to life.
  

I’ve learned that purity has never been about just saying ‘no’ to sin; it’s
about saying ‘yes’ to God—over and over again

Mrs Erica W Benjamin

• What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about purity?
  
  💜 One of the biggest misconceptions about purity is that it’s just about sex. So many people hear the word “purity” and immediately think it only applies to virgins and/or singles. But purity is so much deeper than that—it’s about the posture of our hearts toward God. At Journey to Purity®, I work with women who often carry shame because they feel like they’ve already ‘lost’ their purity—whether because they’re not virgins, have had children out of wedlock, or struggle with lustful thoughts. But here’s the truth: Purity isn’t something you lose because of a past mistake. We are made pure through the blood of Jesus Christ. When I share this with women, it lifts a heavy burden off their shoulders and helps them see that purity is possible for them—not because of their own strength, but because of God’s grace.Another misconception is that purity is just about saying ‘no’ to sex. But in reality, struggles with sexual sin often stem from deeper heart issues—things like trauma, negative self-esteem, lack of confidence, and even a lack of faith. That’s why Journey to Purity® focuses on a holistic approach—helping women grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and even financially—because when we allow God to transform our whole lives, walking in purity becomes a byproduct of that transformation.
  
  
• Have you faced challenges in promoting purity in today’s culture? How do you navigate them?
  
  💜 Promoting purity in today’s culture definitely comes with challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. In a world that often normalises casual sex and instant gratification, choosing to walk in purity—let alone teach it—can feel countercultural. Before I got married, I heard all kinds of comments, from people joking that I’d never find a husband because “men want to test drive before committing, ” to whispers behind my back about how I was being “extra” and that it didn’t take all that to live for Christ. But one of the best pieces of advice I ever received about evangelism and leadership in the Kingdom is not to be easily offended. That advice has helped me navigate criticism with grace. I remind myself that I was once in a place where I didn’t fully understand purity either. Instead of taking offence, I choose to pray—for those who don’t understand, for those who feel trapped in their struggles, and for God to use me to plant seeds that He can water and grow in His timing. At the end of the day, I don’t expect everyone to understand or agree with this message. But I also know that purity isn’t just some outdated rule—it’s a pathway to true freedom, joy, and intimacy with God. And that’s a message worth sharing, no matter what challenges come my way.
  
  
• Tell us about how you started the Journey to Purity movement and how it has grown over the years? (Is it a global movement)
  
  💜 Journey to Purity® started in 2014 with something really simple—monthly conference calls. I had no idea then that those small virtual gatherings would grow into a global movement. As more women joined, we expanded to local in-person meet-ups, monthly workshops, and even an annual retreat. We also hosted conferences specifically for teen girls because I wanted to reach younger women before they faced some of the same struggles I did. In 2020, we shifted back to virtual meetings, which allowed us to reach even more women, and in 2021, we took a big step by partnering with the YouVersion Bible App. That same year, we moved our online community from Facebook to Mighty Networks, which was a game- changer. Suddenly, we started receiving membership requests from women all over the world! That’s when it truly hit me—Journey to Purity® wasn’t just a local or national movement anymore; God was expanding it globally. Over the years, we’ve also grown in the resources we offer. What started as just conversations turned into mentorship, coaching, books, courses, and challenges—all designed to help women not only commit to purity but to thrive in it. Looking back, I see how every step was divinely orchestrated, and I’m grateful for the way God continues to transform lives across the world through Journey to Purity®
  

• How does Journey to Purity help individuals who have struggled in this area or feel they have “failed”?
  
  💜 So many women come into our community carrying shame, thinking they’ve failed because of their past (or current) struggles. But we remind them that purity isn’t something you lose; it’s something you walk in daily through God’s grace. Through mentorship, coaching, courses, and a supportive community, we help women renew their minds, break free from guilt, and embrace the freedom that Christ has already given them. It’s not about where you’ve been—it’s about where you’re going. And we walk that journey together, one step at a time, knowing that God’s love and redemption are always greater than our past mistakes.
  
  
• Is your community for both the single and married, especially with the misconception that purity is for the singles?
  
  💜 Absolutely! Purity isn’t just for singles—it’s a lifelong journey for every believer, no matter their relationship status. That’s why our community welcomes all women—single, engaged, married, divorced, and widowed—because God calls us all to walk in purity. There’s a common misconception that purity is only about abstinence before marriage, but it’s so much more than that. Purity is about the heart—it’s reflected in how we think, speak, and live in alignment with God’s will. A married woman still needs to guard her heart, honour God in her marriage, and cultivate purity in her thoughts and actions. A single woman needs strength and encouragement to wait well. A divorced or widowed woman may be navigating healing and rediscovering her identity in Christ. No matter where you are in life, purity is a daily pursuit, and in Journey to Purity®, you don’t have to walk it alone. We grow together, support one another, and embrace the fullness of God’s design for purity in every season.
  
  
• Does Journey to Purity provide guidance for both men and women?
  
  💜 Right now, Journey to Purity® is a community created specifically for women. My heart is to help women walk in purity in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, and sexually. Lord willing, we may expand to serve men in the future, but for now, our focus is on equipping women with the tools and support they need. That said, even though our resources were created with women in mind, many men have found them helpful because they are rooted in biblical principles that apply to everyone. If you’re a man looking for a community specifically for men, I highly recommend Will Frazier, founder of Complete Holiness CLICK HERE a ministry dedicated to helping men walk in purity and holiness.
  

• How can believers guard their hearts and minds in a world that constantly challenges purity?
  
  💜 Guarding our hearts and minds in a world that constantly challenges purity requires both intentionality and dependence on God. It starts with knowing why you’re choosing purity— not just as a rule to follow, but as a response to God’s love and His best for you. When you understand who you are in Christ—chosen, set apart, and deeply loved—it strengthens your ability to resist temptation because you no longer see purity as just what you do, but as who you are. Surrounding yourself with like-minded believers is also key. Community plays a huge role in accountability and encouragement. That’s why Journey to Purity® exists—to remind women that they don’t have to walk this journey alone. And of course, prayer is essential. We can’t do this in our own strength. Asking God for help, rejecting the lies of the enemy, and consistently meditating on God’s Word are all powerful ways to guard our hearts and minds. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The more we fill ourselves with His truth, the easier it becomes to recognise and resist the things that try to pull us away from Him.
  
  
• What is your advice to someone who has been living an impure life and wants to change but has no community or friends who can be of reliable support?
  
  💜If you’ve been living an impure life and want to change but feel like you have no support, I first want to encourage you—you are not alone. The desire to change is already evidence that God is working in your heart, and He will provide the strength and the support you need. Start by praying and asking God to bring the right people into your life—friends, mentors, or a community that will uplift you and point you toward Him. He is faithful to answer those prayers in ways you might not even expect! But when those opportunities come, embrace them. It can feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re used to handling things on your own, but healing happens in community. James 5:16 reminds us that when we confess our struggles to one another and pray together, healing takes place. Don’t shy away from vulnerability. The enemy wants you to believe that your past disqualifies you, but Revelation 12:11 tells us that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Your story isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s something God can use to bring freedom, not just for you, but for others too. And if you don’t know where to find support, Journey to Purity® is here for you. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. At Journey to Purity®, you’ll find a place to grow, be encouraged, and walk this journey with women who understand.
  
  
• How do Christians set and maintain godly standards when dating?
  
  💜 Setting and maintaining godly standards in dating starts with a foundation of prayer. Before entering a relationship, and the journey, seek God’s guidance. Ask Him to give you discernment and wisdom—not just in choosing the right person but in honoring Him through your actions and decisions. Once you’re in a relationship, communication is key. Talk openly and honestly with your partner about boundaries and expectations. Don’t assume you’re on the same page—clarity is essential. Establishing boundaries early helps prevent confusion and temptation down the road. And don’t just set them—commit to them together.
  

• Is kissing before marriage wrong or is about personal conviction?

This is one of those topics that doesn’t have a clear-cut “yes” or “no” in the Bible, which is why personal conviction and wisdom are so important. Rather than getting caught up in rules, I believe the real question should be: Does this honor God and protect my heart? When we pray and ask God for wisdom, He is faithful to give it (James 1:5). If kissing before marriage stirs up temptation or leads your thoughts in a direction that doesn’t align with purity, then it’s wise to set that boundary. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to “abstain from every appearance of evil,” and Ephesians 5:3 reminds us that there shouldn’t even be a hint of sexual immorality among believers. For some, a kiss may not be a stumbling block, but for others, it can quickly become a gateway to compromise. That’s why it’s essential to be honest with yourself and your partner about what helps you stay aligned with God’s will. The goal isn’t to see how close you can get to the line without crossing it—the goal is to honour God with your body, mind, and heart. At the end of the day, it’s not about legalism; it’s about love—loving God enough to obey His will and loving yourself and your future spouse enough to protect the purity of your relationship. If you seek Him in this area, He will lead you to what’s best for you!

• How do I heal from past sexual sin as well as trauma like “rape” that make one feel impure and condemned?
  
  💜 First, I want to say that if you’re struggling with feelings of impurity or condemnation because of past sexual sin or trauma, you are not alone—and you are not beyond God’s healing. The enemy wants you to believe that what happened to you defines you, but that is a lie. Your identity is not in your past—it’s in Christ. One of the first steps to healing is getting clear about what God’s Word says about you. Romans 8:1 reminds us that, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in possession Christ Jesus.” That means that if you’ve repented of past sin, God has forgiven you— completely. And if you’ve experienced sexual trauma, please hear this: What happened to you was not your fault. God does not see you as “damaged” or “impure” because of what someone else did. You are His beloved daughter, fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). A practical step to healing is to write down the lies you’ve believed about yourself—things like “I’m unworthy,” “I’m broken,” or “I’ll never be free.” Then, find God’s truth in His Word that directly combats those lies. Speak those truths over yourself daily. When the enemy tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future—because your future in Christ is one of healing, wholeness, and freedom. I also encourage you to seek wise, godly counsel. A Christian counselor, pastor, or trusted mentor can help you process your pain and work through the emotional and spiritual wounds. Surround yourself with a community that speaks life and reminds you of God’s love for you. Healing is a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. God is with you every step of the way, and He is more than able to restore everything that was lost. You are not too far gone. You are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and completely redeemed.
  
  
• Is it wrong to avoid fornication but masturbate to ease myself? And can virgins be impure?
  
  💜 This is such a real question, and I love that you’re thinking deeply about what it means to truly walk in purity. Avoiding fornication is important, but purity isn’t just about what we don’t do—it’s about the condition of our hearts. Masturbation is often seen as a “safe” alternative to sexual sin, but the reality is that it still feeds lust and can create a cycle of bondage that keeps us focused on self-gratification rather than surrendering to God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 tells us that “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable , not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.” If something pulls us away from self-control and into lust, it’s worth surrendering to God. Now, about virgins and purity—yes, a person can be a virgin and still struggle with impurity. Purity is holistic. It’s not just about whether someone has had sex; it’s about our thoughts, words, actions, and motives. Jesus made this clear in Matthew 5:28 when He said that even looking at someone with lust is sin. Someone can be abstinent but still battle with lustful thoughts, impure speech, or dishonouring God in other ways. The goal isn’t just virginity—it’s a life that is fully yielded to God in every area. If this is an area of struggle for you, I want to encourage you: you are not alone. Temptation is real, but so is God’s grace. He doesn’t expect us to fight these battles in our own strength.
  
  
• Can a married Christian couple watch porn or 18+ movies?
  
  💜 Marriage is a gift from God, and Hebrews 13:4 tells us that “the marriage bed is undefiled,” meaning that within marriage, intimacy is a sacred and beautiful thing. However, that doesn’t mean that anything goes. As believers, we’re still called to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:8), and watching pornography—or any content that stirs up lust—can open doors to impurity, unrealistic expectations, and even spiritual warfare in a marriage. Pornography is not just “harmless entertainment.” Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:28 that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Watching something designed to arouse lust actively works against the oneness God intended for marriage. It also brings in a worldly view of sex—one that is often rooted in exploitation, objectification, and selfishness rather than love, intimacy, and mutual honour. Now, what about 18+ movies? Not every mature-rated movie is pornographic, but we still should ask: Does this draw me closer to Christ or pull me away? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells us to “abstain from every appearance of evil.” If what we’re watching stirs up lust, tempts us, or introduces perversion into our hearts and marriage, then it’s not worth it. At the end of the day, this isn’t about following a checklist of rules—it’s about protecting what God has given you. Your marriage is holy ground. Anything you invite into it should align with God’s design, not the world’s distortion of love and intimacy. If you and your spouse want to cultivate deeper intimacy, there are so many God-honoring ways to do that— without opening the door to something that could create division, comparison, or bondage. So instead of asking, “Is it wrong?” maybe ask, “Does this glorify God? Does this strengthen our marriage? Does this align with purity?” If the answer is no, then it’s worth surrendering. God’s way is always better.
  
  
• Can a married Christian couple use sexual toys to enhance their sexual life?
  
  💜.Now, when it comes to sex toys, the key question isn’t just, “Is this allowed?” but “Does this align with God’s design for intimacy?” Many of these products were created to mimic, replace, or even separate the act of intimacy from the actual connection between husband and wife. They can introduce elements of lust, perversion, or selfishness—things that contradict the heart of God’s plan for marriage (1 John 2:16). God intended for intimacy to be relational, not just physical. It’s about knowing each other deeply, serving one another, and building a bond that goes beyond the physical. When outside objects become the focus, they can shift intimacy away from its original purpose and subtly conform our desires to worldly standards rather than godly ones (Romans 12:2). A good rule of thumb? If something in the marriage bed is leading you toward lust, fantasy, or dependence on something other than your spouse, it’s worth questioning. 1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us that “all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.” Just because something is possible doesn’t mean it’s beneficial—especially when it comes to honoring God in marriage. At the end of the day, every couple must seek God on these matters. Pray together, invite the Holy Spirit into your intimacy, and ask, “Is this drawing us closer to one another and God, or is it opening doors to something else?” God’s design for marriage is already more than enough. Trust that His way brings the deepest fulfilment and lasting joy. At the end of the day, emotional faithfulness is just as important as physical faithfulness. God’s design for marriage is one where both partners feel safe—fully known, fully loved, and fully connected. Don’t let the enemy trick you into thinking you can get your emotional needs met outside of God’s design. True intimacy starts with intentionality—so choose today to pour into your marriage, protect your heart, and invite God into the places where you need healing.
  

• Do you currently have any materials for people to read or mentorship programs?
  
  💜 Yes! At Journey to Purity®, we have a variety of resources designed to support women in their commitment to living a life of purity—spiritually, emotionally, sexually, and beyond. If you’re looking for something to read, we offer books and devotionals packed with encouragement, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies to overcome temptation. These resources are designed to help you remain committed to purity and deepen your relationship with God. You can check them out on our website: . If you’re looking for mentorship and community, we have Journey to Purity+, a program designed for women who are ready to go deeper and grow intentionally. This isn’t just another group—it’s a space for transformation. Inside, we offer live group coaching, Q&As, guest speakers, and biblical teachings to help you apply purity principles to every area of your life. You can learn more and sign up at: https://journeytopuritymovement.com/membership. Whether you need encouragement, practical guidance, or a strong community to walk this journey with, we’ve got something to support you.
  

• What’ s next for Journey to Purity? Are there any exciting projects or expansions in the works?
  
  💜 There are some exciting things on the horizon for Journey to Purity®! Our mission has always been to help women embrace purity in every area of life—spiritually, emotionally, sexually, and beyond. Now, we’re taking that mission to the next level by expanding our reach through strategic partnerships. One of the biggest things we’re working on is positioning our Holistic Purity 101™ curriculum for bulk licensing. This means we’re partnering with churches, ministry leaders, and organisations to equip them with biblically sound, practical resources to help their members walk in purity with confidence. Imagine small groups and discipleship programs worldwide using Holistic Purity 101™ to bring transformation to women in their communities! If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or organization looking for a solid, faith-based curriculum to support your members, we’d love to connect with you. You can learn more about how to partner with us at: website.
  
  
• If you could leave our readers with one key message about purity, what would it be?
  
  💜 It would be this: purity is possible. I know that might be hard to believe, especially if you’ve struggled or if the world has convinced you that it’s unrealistic. But God never calls us to something impossible—He equips us for the journey. Don’t let shame or past mistakes convince you that purity is out of reach. The enemy wants you to believe that it’s too late, that you’re too broken, or that you’ll never be able to get it right. But those are lies. God’s grace is bigger than your past, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Instead of striving to “get it right” in your own strength, shift your focus to drawing near to Him. James 4:8 reminds us that when we take one step toward God, He draws near to us. The closer you get to Him, the more your desires will align with His, and purity will become a natural reflection of your relationship with Him. So don’t give up. Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep surrendering. You are not alone in this journey, and with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).
  
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