The other day I was leaving to go into the office. As I left my front porch I mentally made a checklist to make sure I had everything I need: purse, check; phone, check; laptop, check. I smoothed out my skirt and felt ready for the day. As I opened our front gate I saw a woman out of the corner of my eye. She was sitting cross-legged on the cement of the open lot by our house. Her clothes were tight and ill-fitting and she had her head in both hands. I recognized her immediately. She is a prostitute who I have seen picked up before by dark vehicles.
My heart instantly hurt for her and I was struck by the differences in our situation. I suddenly felt so extravagant with all my earthly comforts as I looked at her posture of despair on the hard ground. And I hated it. I hate that she feels that she needs to make a living by selling herself. My heart broke for her.
Many people wonder why we choose to live in the city. It is dangerous and broken. Every day, my family is confronted with this dark brokenness whether by the prostitutes that roam our sidewalks or by the sirens that more often than not stop near our house. To be honest, this darkness can be scary and overwhelming. It often looks like the darkness is winning, and people are being broken beyond repair.
However, I am reminded of Dora. I met her one day while my children were playing in the neighborhood playground. She freely confessed to me that she “did things I am not proud of in order to make money.” She needed a ride to the hospital because her ankle had swollen to the point of being unable to walk. I called another missionary to give her a ride and while we waited for him to arrive, I was able to sit with her and talk. I tried to encourage and speak truth to her. When the other missionary arrived we both prayed for her. She thanked me profusely, and since then I have been praying to see her again and build on that relationship.
The light of Christ is more powerful than any darkness, and it is our job to not shirk away from the dark places but boldly carry His light into the brokenness. I am grateful that we live in a place that reminds us that yes, sin’s ugly effects are real; but Christ’s healing is even more real. We have the privilege of meeting people who are hungry for something to change—for Christ to save them. People who are not used to people being kind to them without expecting anything in return.
Please join me in praying for Dora and all the other women in our neighborhood who feel trapped by darkness. Please pray that they would be receptive to me as I try to build relationships with them. Pray that Christ’s light will dispel any darkness in their lives.
