Recently, Team Member Brooke was invited to attend a retreat with Scarlet Hope – the service site where she volunteers 30 hours per week to bring the gospel and friendship to women trapped in the adult entertainment industry. The retreat was primarily for women who had left the sex industry and who are now growing in their faith in Christ. Brooke said that it was an incredibly powerful experience to sit and be with these women firsthand. As these ladies sat and shared their stories, Brooke’s faith was strengthened to see how The Lord was transforming their lives. She said, “Their vulnerability was intoxicating!”
[pullquote type=”left”]We all try to handle our own problems. Maybe that means taking off our clothes for money. Maybe it means trying to be a very good person. In the end, it’s our own way of trying to fix our lives without God’s help.[/pullquote]Brooke said that as they all raised their hands and voices to sing to God together, she looked around and realized she was surrounded by women who have worn so many labels – stripper, prostitute, businesswoman, college student – and that they’ve all just been chasing after something to fill them up. We all try to handle our own problems. Maybe that means taking off our clothes for money. Maybe it means trying to be a very good person. In the end, it’s our own way of trying to fix our lives without God’s help.As she spent time with these ladies, God reminded Brooke that he didn’t give her a five step plan to a better life. Instead, he steps directly into her brokenness and pain. Jesus doesn’t give us a plan to fix our problems. He gives us himself. She told me, “I don’t want to waste my time focusing on changing myself or even other people. I want to gaze at Christ. He is changing my heart.”
[pullquote cite=”Team Member Brooke Chamblee” type=”right”]Our goal isn’t to shut the strip clubs down, but rather it is to see them and the people in them redeemed.[/pullquote]Brooke reminded us what her service is about. “Our goal isn’t to shut the strip clubs down, but rather it is to see them and the people in them redeemed.” Once we’ve been redeemed, everything changes, and obedience flows from a heart that’s been transformed.Brooke shared, “Christ’s finished work on the cross offers us a place to rest. My only boast can be in Him and Him alone.
[Tweet “God can redeem ANYONE – stripper, prostitute, businesswoman and college student alike!”] [starbox id=jesse]
