"I was raised to believe that no good comes from places like that. Which is probably true on many levels. (I wouldn’t suggest making it your go-to for date nights) But, I was filled (as were many Christian kids) with fear about 'places like that.' That 'those people' were heathens and doing all kinds of sinful, shameful things. Which, again, is true of strip clubs. And bars. And many other places."This mindset left Anna anxiously unsure of what to expect from the strip club visit, as she and her 4 friends showed up to deliver a meal and gift baskets. Credit: ThinkStock After being ushered back to the dressing room, she was completely caught off guard. Not by the lack of appropriate clothing. No -- what surprised Anna was that the dancers were so normal! She writes:
"They showed pictures of their children, talked of pregnancy (I was pregnant at the time) chatted about trying to get back in shape after having a baby, etc. It was SO NORMAL. But, as we talked, and I looked into their eyes, I saw women – young, broken women. Who had stories, probably much like mine or yours. We didn’t stay long. They had a shift to work, and we didn’t want to overstay our welcome. But, as we left, they thanked us. More than once."There's much more to the story, and I'd encourage you to read Anna's full blog post in her own, beautiful words HERE.
"Did we forget (or do we just sing it songs) that Jesus was a friend of sinners? Did we forget that it’s his kindness that leads us to repentance? Did we forget that it is ONLY the blood of Jesus that makes us holy? That ALL OF OUR GOOD BIBLE LOVING STUFF is like filthy rags without Him? Jesus was UNAFRAID of walking in love to the least of the least. Like the scum of the scum. He walked right in, sat down and ate with sinners. Gross, ugly sinners. And the religious HATED HIM FOR IT."
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13: 34-35[rsnippet id="2"]