So, as most of you know, God has deeply burdened my heart for the victims of sex trafficking - those who are bought, sold and held against their will for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Diving into this dark world has surfaced in me some pretty extreme emotions... anger, disgust, heartbreak, and despair; but these are also accompanied by a passion to help, a hope for change, and a joy in knowing Jesus and His unconditional, powerful and life-transforming love. It's an interesting season of life to say the least!
Anyway, the real reason for this post... I learn something new almost every week regarding trafficking and sexual exploitation. My recent discovery... did you know that the strip club industry is linked to human trafficking? I guess it shouldn't be that big of a surprise, but it was to me. Some strippers have been lured to the U.S. on lies of a better future and then forced to work in strip clubs and prostituted out to clientele; most strippers are offered money for sex every night, many times a night--from clientele and managers. Emotional abuse and violence are common daily occurrences for them. Stripping is not simply women dancing, making a bunch of money, and living happy, extravagant lives. They are living an internal and external hell. (If you want to learn more, check out: "Escaping the Devil's Bedroom," by Dawn Herzog Jewell.)
I ran across a very powerful video today about a woman who now runs a non-profit organization in LA that outreaches to strippers. She too used to be a stripper and her story is one of hope and redemption! I couldn't stop crying watching it!!! What an amazing story!
So, here it is: If you're reading this post in Facebook Notes, you can't see the YouTube video; so click here to see it on YouTube. Otherwise, if you're on my blog page, you should be able to play the video posted below.
And I'd love your feedback!!!! What do you think?
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on August 31, 2009
at 8/31/2009 10:36:00 PM
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