"Too Revealing?"

It was a Sunday night, and I found myself standing in the dressing room of a strip club, filing in and out with women.

In the midst of the environment, a woman - like a diamond in the rough—opened her heart. She spoke of her family and feeling like the black sheep; she wondered if her life could be different. She shared that she had always wanted to pursue weightlifting in high school but chose not to because she felt the required uniforms were too revealing.

Awe and wonder set in me. At her very core, she desired modesty. She did not want to be looked at like meat to be bought in the marketplace. There she stood before me, scantily dressed, and spoke of modesty. She laughed nervously and so desperately wanted to be seen for who she was and not for what she was doing. I heard the silent cry behind her story: "I do not want this, I want out!" I watched the sweet elderly woman I came with give her Jesus. She was giving her the presence of the real out. It is moments like these, when everything in me wants to take action. I want to shout, "We can help you - give it up!"

Then I realize - I too am nothing without Jesus, and His timing is perfect. He moves on the hearts of the women; it is His spirit that ultimately makes someone walk away. I am merely a vessel hosting Jesus, bringing Him into darkness so that those there might see light and come to it. Hands that will say, "Take mine and walk with me because I walk with Him." Because Jesus is the real freedom.

So, to encourage you, let your light shine in the darkest of places; don't hide it. Let encouragement roll off your tongue so that the listener can receive salve for their wounds. Allow your hugs to be untainted by judgment and let go so that they can, too, let go. Receive love so that you can give love. Draw near to Jesus so that you can draw near to those who don't know Him.