Truth Helped Me Escape Pornography
I was able to overcome my struggle with pornography only through Jesus Christ’s help and His truths.
Illustration by Alex Nabaum
At 12 years old, I heard people talk about inappropriate things at school. Every once in a while, some of my friends thought it was funny to show me pornographic pictures. Eventually, I got curious and was tempted to explore more. I got drawn into pornography, which took up a massive part of my life for several years. It definitely affected me a lot.
I was scared to talk to someone about my struggle with pornography because I didn’t want anyone to think of me differently. When my parents caught me and confronted me about it, I was embarrassed and felt really bad and guilty. Now, I’m glad that they did, and I wish I had told them sooner. They loved me through it and helped me overcome my struggles.
My parents encouraged me to talk to my bishop. I resisted for a while, but when I finally opened up to him, he was understanding. He taught me about the process of repentance. Over time, he helped me to repent. He encouraged me to set small goals and start good habits such as praying, reading my scriptures, and filling my time with good things. These habits could invite the Spirit and help me rely on the Savior until I wouldn’t want to look at pornography anymore.
I struggled for a while, but with the help of my parents, the bishop, and the Lord, I got through it. I still get tempted sometimes, but I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am. Now I’ve been clean for over two years. I am a lot more confident now. Throughout this journey, I have learned several important things.
Eternal Truths about Our Bodies
In For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices I learned that our bodies are sacred. No matter what you look like or how others may perceive you, your body is in the image of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 teaches that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bones, but the Holy Ghost does not. Like a temple, our bodies are also “a place where the Spirit can dwell.” We need to take care of them. I want to respect my body by keeping it clean, healthy, and worthy of having the Spirit abide with me.
I’ve also learned that sexual feelings are sacred. They are not a sin. It’s when we intentionally try to arouse them outside of marriage or act on them inappropriately that they become sinful. God wants us to have happy lives and families that we can be with forever. Sexual feelings are an important part of God’s plan. The For the Strength of Youth guide taught me that you can’t respect your body if you don’t respect those feelings.
Comfort and Help
I love music. I love to sing and listen to uplifting music like the hymns and StrivetoBe songs that help me feel the Spirit. One of my favorites is “I Can Do All Things.” This song reminds me that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Jesus Christ is my rock. He is my light. He is my Savior and Redeemer and so much more. He loves and cares for us. He wants us to succeed and do our best. He will help us no matter what. This is comforting to me because I have a lot of flaws. It is wonderful that someone so amazing loves me so much. I’m trying the best I can to be like Him—for Him.
It doesn’t matter what you may be going through or how many times you fail or fall. As you rely on the Savior and His Atonement, He will always pick you up and carry you to the finish line. I know I was only able to overcome my struggle with pornography with His help. With Jesus Christ, you really can get through anything.
The author lives in Georgia, USA.