Contradictions

Lies. They're easy to believe if you're vulnerable. Let me let you in on a little secret: if it's not uplifting, encouraging, or life-giving, it's a LIE. If it's driving us away from God, it's not Him talking. I have learned so much doing street outreach to girls who are being prostituted. I am always so surprised at how weak the enemy is with his arguments: "you were born to do this," "you have no other value," "this is and will always be your security," "he really loves you," "you don't deserve any better." I know he thinks he's smart and everything, but if you really think about it, you will realize he's a liar. Asking hard, deep, probing questions, we find out just how much we believe the lies. (I always wish I had a tape recorder to play over some of the conversations I have, to show how many times they've contradicted themselves.) One girl told me she has always been fascinated with this work, and at 7 years old, desired to get into it. Yet also telling me she needed to quit eventually, because it's hard on your body (I added dangerous, and unhealthy). She agreed! Facing the question of why she was "made" to do this, of all things, something that damages you emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually, she couldn't answer. LIES. In reality, without Jesus, we're in darkness. And in darkness, we can't even see the nose in front of our face, and it's only through the Holy Spirit do we know the truth... and nothing else will lead us there.

What is really freakin' cool, and something I've had the privilege of witnessing, is when someone's eyes are opened to the truth, and recognizing the lies once believed, and being able to see God's pursuit through it all! I truly feel as if I am just sitting back and watching God work, and I am reaping the fruit of my labor and prayers. It gives me encouragement to know that every word of truth I speak to those girls, is a seed that is planted, and one day - when they're ready - they will reach out. And if it is my hand they reach for, I will be obedient, love relentlessly, and do whatever it takes to help pursue healing. It really does make it all worth it.