Reality kicked me in the face yesterday. And I felt every bit of it.. the shock, the pain, the nausea, the stumbling. I thought I was prepared. I thought I was ready to fight. But the battle snuck up on me... and it all but knocked me out.
I knew coming into Asia that prostitution and trafficking would be present. It's something we've talked about since day one. It's a normal topic of conversation when discussing the ministry opportunities on the race. In fact, it's one of the reasons many of the girls on my squad signed up for this adventure. It's something that I knew to expect.
But my expectations absolutely failed me.
While walking along the beach yesterday, I saw this injustice first hand... and it absolutely blind sided me. I was nauseous, I was broken, I was hurting. I wanted to scoop up this young girl, look her in the eyes and tell her over and over again that she was loved and that she was worthy of so much more! I wanted to stare that man in the eyes (after I got over the urge to punch him) and ask him who hurt him, who left him so empty, who broke him. I just wanted them both to know that there was more... so, so, so much more.
I stumbled my way past. I took in a deep breath. I regained my composure and I was reminded that my God is big enough even for this. This place, despite its breathtaking beauty, is a dark place... but my God is so full of light! It's time to hit our knees in prayer! It's time to fight! It's time for us to prophesy life over the death in this world. It's time for the nations to see and feel the presence of His love! It's time for injustices to be broken! It's time for His promises to be fulfilled. It's time for HIS radiance to shine!
"Arise! Let your light shine for all to see. For the Glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance." Isaiah 60:1-3
Be strong in the Lord. You are carrying light into the very darkest places. I am praying for great wisdom and courage and protection for you. I love you fiercely!
ReplyDeleteyou and these girls are in my prayers! You are a strong woman in Christ and I know He will guide you through this and give you a way to reach out and help them!
ReplyDeleteAMEN, sister!! we will NOT be defeated, for we are VICTORIOUS in Christ!! so proud of you!
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