Last night when we went out God struck me. When He formed me, He gave me quite an imagination and ever since I was young I have used that gift a lot. I make my husband laugh at me when I tell him about my daydreams sometimes. Last night, after a time of intentional and powerful ministry in the bars I saw a Thai girl walking with a caucasian man. She had on the typical stiletto heals, sparkly with peek-a-boo toes and a short skirt and revealing top. He was younger and dressed 'normally' like I'd see on the campus of the University at home. They were walking together but about one foot apart. He was looking ahead, perhaps towards the hotel they were heading for. She was looking down.
The understanding God gave me was this- what it would be like to be her in that moment. I assume she may have come as accustomed to her life as possible, becoming numb, choosing to die inside rather than feel that pain. Perhaps this walk meant absolutely nothing to her. Perhaps she needed it to. But I imagined myself in her shoes.
What would it be like to walk next to a stranger aware that in a matter of minutes this stranger would know me. He purchased me and would do what he wanted to with me. Maybe I would be preparing my escape if my life was in danger. Maybe I figured he would be an easy one. Maybe I would already be thinking of my next "out" with another man.
But what the Lord showed me was the sinking, gaping, emptiness that worked its way deeper and deeper into my belly as I imagined walking to a lonely, unknown hotel room with a man I did not know to sell my body to him.
My heart broke for her, for the pain she's felt through her life and the questions she has without answers. In that moment, I began to intercede on her behalf. The sad reality is that she is one in many who have the same story. But instead of overwhelming, I see that as a call to action… to pray day in and day out for those bound in modern slavery- to not forget about them in the busyness of a normal day-to-day, just as the One who formed her has not forgotten.
God revealed this to me for He sees her. El Roi- the God who sees. My 'vision' was not only used to give me compassion, but so that I would join with Jesus and intercede on her behalf. Sadly, she is one of countless many being sold in modern day slavery. Let us stand and pray, not seeing them for a moment and then forgetting in the busyness of our everyday. Instead, remember that she (and all those like her) are fearfully and wonderfully made. The One who formed her has not forgotten her, nor shall I. Will you?
"I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me." Psalm 3:5
*Photo by Kristen.
