THE SET-UP: He literally begged and pressured me, coercing me with compliments of how beautiful I was and what a “killer body” I had and that I would make “so much money”, assuring me that I would be one of his top earners. He had “accounts” set up……He would not let up with his pressure tactics and manipulation. He had it all planned out….he had a hotel set up…..He just kept on pressuring saying that I would make thousands of dollars…..I got in my old car and set off to follow JT’s instructions. Under his influence and direction, I now feel (at that point) in my life I was being trafficked into the sex industry. (SURRENDERED SHOWGIRL)

As January~~Human Sex Trafficking Awareness month comes to a close many thoughts come to mind. Not many people have full clarity or understanding on what that label actually means or can fathom and grasp it’s harsh realities. One thing is for sure, It IS NOT just happening in other countries…It IS happening in the United States in EVERY zip code! To some it can mean several different things and takes on many forms and layers. It’s many facets are dark, brutal, sinister, and difficult to measure or escape. Statistics claim that it’s entanglement occurs more times than not by baiting and mind control rather than force. Layers of flattery, games, fear, manipulation, domination, degradation, shame, devaluing, lies, false illusions of reality, force, coercion, harassment, drugs and alcohol, bondage tactics , and rape of the soul are all involved realities of this twisted and sick monopoly game. The internet and pornography are fueling the epidemic. It involves predators profiling and victimizing the weak for selfish gain and profit. When we talk about the sex industry as a whole it encompasses various degrees of sexual exploitation and violation. Many victims are lured by false promises only to find it was bait and switch and becomes instantly a battlefield of the mind. Most victims have already been sexually abused and/or abandoned as children. Many endured the hardships of foster care, runaways, horrific home lives, and worse. However a person gets sucked in, once involved it gets darker and darker and becomes total entrapment. What can be done to prevent, help, rescue, and restore? First and Foremost~We begin with FIERCE Prayer. Without Jesus, there is No Real Rescue! * We raise awareness and know what red flags to look for, we educate others. *We need to reach out with a Non-judgmental approach, love and acceptance and LOVE people right where they are at! *We need to resource people. * We need to live in the light, hunt in the dark, and not walk in fear. * We need to answer the call to loving foster homes and provide safety-taking in older children and teens that have already most likely been through unimaginable terrors in their young lives. * We need to advocate for justice * We need to BE THE CHURCH! * We need to support women and help provide tools and teach with love-the Word of God and plant seeds that will result in the PROCESS of a beautiful Transformation and Healing. * We need to commit to the cause of Reaching One and ending the sexual exploitation of women and children in our communities and our nation. **WHAT are you willing to do? Are you willing to take the first step and unite in prayer? Are you willing to get your hands dirty? Will you fight for freedom and  justice? Will you commit to not click?  Will you remain part of the problem or part of the solution? Everyone can DO SOMETHING!

It is up to us to listen and hear. Just then I heard that “still small voice” saying to me, “Get out of here! You do not belong here; this is not for you…Do Not Return”! (SURRENDERED SHOWGIRL)

That Voice…soft, quiet, and still. It is so simple & surreal…dreamlike but so real. If we  position ourselves to hear from Heaven, Jesus surely speaks. His voice is clear & concise and will orchestrate and lead the way. Its tone is peaceful and gentle yet so Powerful and Directive. So many times in my life I was relying on it and did not even know it! If we’ve know Him, He never leaves. Even in the midst of trials, mistakes, poor decisions, times of trouble, and steering off track, He is big enough to keep us! Even then, He is still speaking….it’s up to us to listen. In my most difficult times when I was sinking deeper and deeper that voice was Still there. At times I tried to avoid it, thinking I could figure it all out myself. After all, I was the one running. So Many times just as I was about to make the greatest mistakes and worst decisions that could’ve changed the course of my life Forever…that Voice got louder. It eventually got louder and louder as I was reaching the point of desperation and reached a point in the wall that I could no longer climb. I didn’t need a hand out, I needed a helping hand! That still small voice reached the depths of my soul and extended a hand of Grace that no one else has the capability to offer! It transformed my mind, heart, & soul. It has caused me to chase after the wind to find it. It is a Must Have.  That voice is what is meant & needed to breathe. Without it, who can find real direction or destiny? He will lead us to Purpose. I am always listening for it, now I Know it.  When I stand at the edge of the Ocean, It is Crystal Clear. Who’s voice are you listening to today? Who are you trusting? ~ Dana

Spirit Lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you will call me . Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my savior. (Oceans, Hillsong)

In closing, may I say to the church, the Body of Christ–-there are many seeds of greatness sitting in congregations today just waiting to be lifted and called forth. We can never judge a book by the cover or know who we are speaking to or what soil our words are falling on. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus and extend grace and mercy to people and love them right where they are.  (SURRENDERED SHOWGIRL)

There are some shoes you will never walk in, want to walk in, or be forced to walk in. Some shoes are high and  glamourized, uncomfortable and very hard to walk in, and they hurt! They can hurt in more ways than one. They may have been handed down, selected for you, fitted for you, bought for you or thought to be so beautiful that you put them on yourself, never realizing the price tag that was attached to them.  Later to find they were way too expensive, costly, and hurt to the point of damaging your feet and your walk…..there’s no way to really run in them!  Whatever the many reasons were that you ended up wearing them-sometimes they’re awful hard to take off and let go of…sometimes you refuse to take them off because they have an emotional attachment. Let’s face it, women love shoes! They say, “When the shoe fits, wear it”! Sometimes we will  wear those shoes until we can no longer bare it, until the heels are falling apart, straps worn out, and our feet aching beyond belief! We become dependant on them, not knowing that another style may look, feel, and fit so much better. Can you stop and think what shoes you were wearing before these were placed on your feet? What was your walk like before? Were there seeds deposited in your life before you put your high-priced stilettos on and walked away? Can you slow down your pace or will  you fall hard on your knees? Some shoes were only designed for appearances and are best to remain on the shelf!

One thing is for sure, it’s not certain what  the reason for the choice of the shoes ever was but there is Always a Why behind the What! We cannot judge people for where/how they are walking in life…we don’t know what’s behind the shoes. It’s most likely shame, pain, abuse, trauma, single parenthood,  drugs, and possible force. If her shoes carry her into the church, will you judge by the style or will you see beyond the cracked heels and worn out leather to call out the seeds of greatness, plant deeper seeds and cultivate the soil? Will you frown, judge, and turn her away?…If so there’s a high likelihood she will eventually  burn out and be at risk–  she may fall prey to trafficking in the hands of a pimp. Will you choose to LOVE her right were she is at? Who knows, she may trade in her stilettos for a great pair of running shoes! She may decide to run for God! She may just be the next Stripper to Saint! ~Dana~