Published: October 26, 2006 11:04 pm      

Motivational speaker alks abstinence to teens

Can young people remain abstinent from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes while in high school and later in college?

Yes, says Rodrick Glover.

“You can do great things,” said Glover, a motivational speaker and founder of Motivations Inc., a traveling drama troupe that spreads the message of abstinence to young people throughout the country.

“Whether it’s sex, drugs or alcohol, any addiction controls your life,” he said. “I started to love myself by conquering the things that were controlling my life.”

Glover will share his message of self love today during two presentations at Kemper County School. He also will make an appearance tonight at Living Word Ministries.

A product of the inner-city of Detroit, Glover said although he had heard the message of abstinence at home, he had not heard about it much once he got out in the world.

During his early years at Tennessee State University, Glover said he experienced some relationship issues. During a visit home, he attended a program where he heard motivational speaker Ed Louis Cole speak on The Sacredness of Sex.”

“After hearing him speak, my life was never the same,” Glover said. “I realized that my body was a gift and that I could become a reborn virgin.”

Glover wanted to share what he’d learned with others. When sharing Bible passages with young people didn’t work, he sought a more creative approach.

He formed a group which put on skits encouraging young people to remain abstinent. Years later, while serving as youth outreach director at a local YMCA, Glover formed another group, composed of high school and college students who performed at area churches, conferences and other YMCAs.

Feeling a calling to do motivational speaking full time, Glover formed Motivations Inc.

“I get a chance to tell my story on how it played a part in my life then, and today,” he said. “The things I talk to young people about, I’ve experienced.”

The format for the presentation, titled “I Can,” features Glover providing a scenario and the drama troupe acting it out. Topics include premarital sex, drug and alcohol abuse, fatherlessness and motherlessness and other issues.

“We talk the negative and the positive and give the kids an opportunity to choose what they want, because that’s what they’re going to do,” he said.

A presentation for older audiences, titled “Real Love ... Power of Choices,” also focuses on abstinence, alcohol and drug abuse and other issues with an emphasis on relationships and making healthy life choices.

Glover, who is currently based in Nashville, said his goal for his productions are to promote an atmosphere of trust, love and understanding for each person attending — which, in turn, opens the door of acceptance to his message of “no sex until marriage.”

“We must learn to work together and to respect and love each other, regardless of one’s race, religion or personal beliefs,” he said. “And whatever you do, be great.”

APPEARING TODAY

Motivations Inc. will make appearances today at the following locations and times:

“I Can,” Kemper County Middle School, 9 a.m.

“I Can,” Kemper County High School, 11 a.m.

“Real Love ... Power of Choices,” Living Word Ministries, 3507 20th St., 7 p.m.