A Simple Question That Led to Much More

Are you from South Florida or are you just visiting? It was a simple question that I asked a couple while swimming with my daughter at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale. We had been at the pool for about 20 minutes, and it was just the two of us and this couple. It seemed like it was the right time to strike up a conversation. The conversation that ensued was a reminder that you never know who can identify with sex trafficking.  I was asked, “What do you do for a living?”  I told them I ran a nonprofit that works with survivors of sex trafficking.  Her eyes started to well up with tears, and for the next hour, I learned that she had worked in Miami strip clubs for years and currently had an OnlyFans account as a way to make money.  She told me her mental health diagnosis and wondered if we were open and if she could call to enter our program. I told her we were working on a house, but if she needed help immediately, she could call Rescue America.  

My daughter could tell the conversation was serious and went off to swim by herself so as not to interrupt. When the conversation was over, she asked me if she did well by not interrupting.  I told her I was proud of her for letting this woman share without interruption. 

God is always at work around us, and a simple trip to the pool could be an invitation to plant a seed with someone that could change their life forever.  Also, it was a reminder that more people are impacted by trafficking than we realize. 

The needs are great in South Florida for women who are trapped in sex work. Safe Places Miami will partner with other like-minded organizations to continue serving as a messenger of hope and unity for those in need of solutions.