I take it back…
I didn't hang out with prostitutes this month.
I didn't just go to bars and confront the front lines of sex industry.
I made friends.
Women.
BEAUTIFUL women who are worth the same in God's eyes, and are worth the same in my eyes.
These women don't deserve the title of prostitute.
They don't deserve such a shameful label.
They sell their bodies for money.
They don't see another viable option.
They are blind and their self-esteem is wrecked.
They don't enjoy this job.
They complain often about being bruised, hurt, injured.
They never come out and say why, but we already know why!
The same way that I wouldn't look at you and say "I'm friends with this liar" or "I'm friends with this adulterer" or "I'm friends with this idolater" or "I'm friends with this gossiper," I refuse to say I'm friends with prostitutes.
I know many people who root their worth and identity in their jobs. It's one thing to have the same job for years and feel like that title defines you. But what if that title was prostitute?
Is there anybody who would want that as their definition?
I can tell you this: my sweet friends don't want that title.
There is hope for my beautiful friends. I love my friends.
They need Jesus just as much as I do. The only difference is that I have Him, but I never stop needing Him!
I dare not look down on them. I dare not label them with such a permanent, dirty word.
There comes a point where ministry ceases and grace just flows.
They are not my charity project!!!
They are my friends.
I love them as they are, with no condition. I pray they can find a better job and that they understand life is about God's glory, not money.
They are daughters, sisters, and mommies. They give themselves to send money to their families, to their children. It's heartbreaking.
It's also temporary.
I gotta believe God didn't create them thinking "prostitute" and He certainly doesn't call them prostitutes when He thinks of them. He thinks lovely and beautiful and smart and beloved, and most of all: mine.
God doesn't label me for my sins and shortcomings, so who am I to do that?
Sweet girls, my friends, beloved daughters of the Almighty God: you're not prostitutes.
