People have told me the transition back into the States would be difficult after my prolonged time overseas, and I never doubted it. My return a couple of months ago was crazy packed so I didn’t get the chance to slow down at all and see the culture. I haven’t had much time to do that this trip either, but it has snuck up on me a few times and just left me with my jaw dropped. However, before I jump into this story, I need you to know that I am not bashing on the States, but I just need everyone to realize it’s one of the biggest mission fields out there. Sometimes we forget or neglect that thought.
So tonight I went to a show by a band I’ve been stoked to see live, iamwe. A friend of mine that I wrote about several months ago, Tim, is the front man for this band and they put on an excellent show despite the venue. They played at an outdoor mall that had beautiful scenery and a fun crowd, but not the best suited for a band. After the show, we went to grab ice cream and since my sweet tooth only kicks in about once a month, I decided to slip away a second to grab a coffee. When I did, I ran into a couple of interesting characters that just really broke my heart.
Christy came up behind me in line and she had a beautiful baby girl. You think after living with 24 plus kids for the past several months, you would be tired of them, but I just light up when babies come around. It was easy to start small talk with Christy because she had her little girl with her, but the conversation quickly took a turn I didn’t expect and I just had to back peddle. Now if this is TMI, or you don’t want to read something awkward, I apologize, just skip to the end of the paragraph. But Christy’s little girl reached at her top and began to pull it back. I quickly looked away and she noticed. She just said, “It’s ok sweetheart, I paid big bucks for them, so I’d be an idiot to get bent out of shape if people looked. It’s ok with me.” I froze.
My heart just sank because behind those words I could hear the identity crisis. I just looked right back at her, but in the eyes and told her she didn’t have to say that. With all the boldness I’ve picked up overseas, I just said to her, “I’m not going to look because despite how much you paid, you’re worth more than that.” I went on to tell her that I’ve worked with girls of all ages, coming from all types of backgrounds, that have all sorts of identity and self worth issues. So many of them have different ways of coping with this, and it was obvious to see hers. I just told her that her worth as a daughter would far outweigh any amount she could spend on her body.
And then I walked away.
No follow up. No prayer. No message. Just truth. There are so many girls in the world losing their identity because of their past. There are so many daughters in the world losing their identity because of a desire for a good father. There are so many women in the world losing there identity because of the picture we paint in the flesh.
I’m tired of Satan attacking the daughters, mothers, sisters of this world with some jacked up image of what they should be. Girls, you’re beautiful, special, unique. Stop trying to become the same person, because we really just want you. So please, look in the mirror and search for the beauty you have because it’s there. No more lies…
