I never thought I’d DANCE ON A STRIPPER POLE

My camera has felt neglected this month.  

My blog site’s editor has only logged in once.

My words have been few and my heart has been full.

I’m in a place I’ve never been before.

 

Week one of Phuket, Thailand I NEVER THOUGHT my eyes could handle Bangla road.

I never thought I could dance on a stripper’s pole. (Don’t worry, Daddy.  It wasn’t provocative.)

I never imagined myself enjoying bar hopping for Jesus.

I never thought I’d hold a conversation with a prostitute, nevertheless a deep and meaningful one.

I never thought my life’s experiences would dare be similiar to the girls working the bar.

I never thought I’d tell a woman my mother’s age, “You say you’re not getting attached to these men but a piece of you is going with each of them.”

I never thought I’d tell a Buddhist, “Buddha was just a man.  He was never meant to be worshipped.  God, your creator, deserves all of your praise.

After having a man honestly tell me he’s here to buy sex, I never thought I’d say, “That’s sad.  I’m sorry for you.”

I never thought I’d walk comfortably to a drag queen and hand him a note that says, “You are beautiful.  Be who God created you to be.”

I never thought I’d be taking a picture with prostitutes on a pole; we’ve become friends.

I never thought I’d go one bar and bring joy, peace and light to bitter hearts through laughing and dancing.

I never thought God would have me do the splits on a rainy night just so a sad little girl selling flower necklaces could have a good laugh.

 

I never could have done any of this had I not invited God to join me in this ministry.  He directed my steps.  He prepared hearts.  He was my mouthpiece.  He gave me eyes like his; to love.  He gave me a boldness I never thought I had.