Look me in the eyes.
I know the truth.
As you stand on that bar top beckoning men to come in, I see the pain.
Past that fake smile on your face, I see the brokenness.
I know you don’t want to be here.
I know you had a good job that unexpectedly shut down. I know you have family back home depending on you. I know that you think this is the only way to provide for your two year old son, for your sick mother.
I know you tell yourself that this is temporary, there was just no where else to go. Where else could you make money so fast?
And so here you stand, moving numbly as the music swirls around you and the men reach out.
Pulling at the barely there uniform, you pretend everything is ok.
You pretend their lustful eyes don’t bother you. That their hands hold money so it’s ok if they linger on your skin.
But past the facade you so carefully hide beneath I see the scars they leave behind.
You don’t think anyone cares, but I do.
I see you.
Look me in the eyes.
As you sit in the corner with that cigarette in your hand.
As you talk to your friend next to you.
As you hold onto that girl that is too young and too close to you.
Do you know her name?
That she plays a mean game of connect four?
That she has a son who lives with her family far away and he wants a guitar and she wants the best life for him and so she’s here.
Next to you.
She doesn’t want to be and you don’t really care, as you listen to the lies that this is ok.
No one is forcing her to work here so nothing wrong right?
I know you’re not going to look me in the eye because you know the truth.
Deep down there, somewhere, there is shame and guilt.
And even deeper are your scars.
Yes, I see those too.
You were let go from your job, your wife abandoned you, someone close passed away.
And the hurt and the anger and the pain has torn through your heart, ripping out what you held close, leaving this gaping hole behind.
A hole that you want filled so desperately.
And you seek it out in all the wrong places.
You hide behind your pride and your smooth talk, but I know what’s really going on.
I see you.
Look me in the eyes.
As you lead your child down this busy street.
You tell yourself this is just a shortcut, just passing through.
They’re young, they don’t know what’s going on.
But they do.
They’re taking it all in.
They hear the loud music, see the bright lights, the girls, the boys, holding signs to persuade other tourists to enter the rooms hidden in the shadows.
You don’t see the darkness trying to attach itself to your child but I do.
As you walk through the crowds with your boyfriend, your wife, your buddies from college.
You’re ok with the girl dancing above you. You’re just here for a drink.
Heck, you might as well join them up there, the music is catchy and your friend can record it.
You try to ignore those around you indulging in more.
You know it’s not exactly ok, but this is their job right?
Besides you’re not here to keep tabs on everyone else, you’re just here to have fun.
You try to hide behind that mask of justified lies.
But as I walk past,
I see you.
And I don’t want to be here.
I don’t enjoy walking on this road that is so appealing to the desires of this worldly flesh. To those walking in such darkness that they can’t see the harm in which they are partaking in.
My heart hurts from what my eyes see and my head aches from the fear the enemy tries to instill.
And yet I press on because the Lord has us here to battle against the enemy and to break chains in His name.
In the midst of this evil He is standing here ready with freedom.
He sees what I see.
And among the chaos and above the noise,
He whispers.
My daughter,
You are beautiful.
You are worthy.
And I have made you for so much more than this.
Don’t believe the lies that this is it.
Have faith in me.
I am your protector. I am your provider.
And I always come through.
I just need you trust me.
Give me your burdens, your worries, your pain.
I want it all.
I am singing a new song over you.
A song of freedom and love.
I am holding your heart.
You are mine.
My son,
Can you see what you are doing?
Oh that the scales will be removed from your eyes.
I know that you are hurting. I see it, I feel it.
But she’s not an object. That’s my daughter.
Your pain is temporary.
It’s not worth the scars you are leaving behind.
Give me your hurt.
Give me all the broken pieces.
Give me your heart.
I can make it complete again.
Don’t look at the world to fix you. Look at me.
Only I can stand in that hole you so desperately want filled.
Let me break off these desires that hold you captive.
I died for you to be free.
You don’t belong to any part of this world.
You are mine.
My children,
Take a look around you.
Really look.
How long will you think that this is ok?
Your excuses fall flat.
You are just as much as a part of this as the rest.
My heart aches as you ignore your brothers and sisters.
They need your help.
You feed this growing business.
Step away. Stay home. Bring your children, your wife, your friends to see the beauty that I created in this world.
Not this place.
For I am coming.
I am coming with freedom. With light. With love. WIth hope.
I have already claimed this place as my own.
Change is coming in the power of my name.
Darkness has no place here.
I’ve already won the war.
And I am bringing my sons and daughters back to myself.
Will you walk with me?
And with great anticipation, we await the promise to come, everything that you have spoken, will come to pass, let it be done.
