Choices

  To preface this post: this was hard to write. 

  Working on the streets with those involved in prostitution, I can't help but be grieved by the decisions some of them make. I struggle with the tension we are compelled by - knowing the "choices" they are making, yet recognizing the darkness they are trapped in.

  There are so, so many complexities that contribute to how one ends up in prostitution*. Abuse and neglect (usually at a very young age) are just some of the heartbreaking stories that hide behind those who walk the "track." It's no wonder that a distorted view of love, family, and safety can produce such a devastating lifestyle. Not to mention a pimp who controls and watches their every move, and the constant fear they live in. But then there are times when I think, "she could leave if she wanted to. We're offering her a new life! Why wouldn't she take it?" It always baffles me when a stranger's car is perceived as a better option. The truth is, when you are living in darkness, the decisions you make are not clearly seen. But as one girl who had been in the life for 16 years told me, "You don't leave the life until you're ready. Nobody convinces you to do it. Something happens, or you're just ready to leave. You have to be ready." My thought always is: hopefully, that moment won't come all too late.

  I am continually learning how to love and serve these women we come into contact to, and strive to be a person of trust and safety for them, in a world that has not been trustworthy or remotely safe. My goal is for them to meet Jesus, find new life in Him, and walk in the light.





*While there are undoubtedly cases of kidnapping for the purpose of sex trafficking, a majority of those we meet are runaways, or come from abusive/neglectful/broken homes, are domestically trafficked, and were recruited through a local mall, school, or even their own neighborhood.