We split into two groups, parted ways and followed our lead. Being in an unfamiliar town, especially at night, I did not really have a concept of where we were or where we were going, and since I am becoming so accustomed to just following even though I have a million questions, I just went along. Able to focus a bit more than the time before, silently praying, I began to look around me. I realized that we were close to “China Town” and then it hit me… this was the very same street that my team and I walked down during the daylight the first day we arrived in KL.
After this realization, I began to see. I began to see so many things as my feet moved silently and prayerfully across the sidewalk. I passed one staircase with a pink light and women on the top of the landing. I looked into the eyes of the men communing at the bottom as I passed. My emotions honestly went crazy as I passed stairway after stairway illuminated with pink lights. My eyes were opened, and my stomach suddenly became sick. As we passed several places, men going in and out, I realized what was happening I guess. I did not know what to do. I was angry and felt helpless. The night ended, and I was able to pray with one woman and watch and pray as a few of my team members talked to others.
When I returned to my home away from home, I remembered something that the Lord has illuminated in my heart before, except that this time it was a little more meaningful. The United song “More Than Life” says during the bridge, “… how can it be that you are the one on the cross, lifted for all my shame…” I began to think about the things that are done in the darkness, the injustice behind closed doors, and realized that my Lord was lifted shamefully for all of the black that this world harbors. In His innocence, unshakeable obedience, and love, He was raised up high for everyone to see the shame that He did not have… our shame. We may go through life and never be exposed for all of the mess that we find ourselves in, but Jesus took it all. He went to the cross and died a sinner’s death never considering not carrying out the Father’s will. He loved us that much.
