We frequently drive through industry and commented a couple of times on a particular run down looking building on the corner. Some time later that shed was renovated - an amazing transformation. What was once quite an eye-sore was tidied up, painted and made to look presentable... Being somewhat curious I wondered what company was now occupying the place. The name of the new "company" was not particularly insightful - though it did seem opened unusual hours and was well lit. Then, quite by accident I spotted the name of this "company" in our local paper and saw the ad. that followed. I felt sick. I think my feelings were particularly related to bringing up my kids in a world filled with this sort of sin so out-in-the-open...
Now I just feel sad - my thoughts ventured on to the damage that the promiscuity behind those doors brings to families - to loved ones - the betrayal, the lack of trust, the loss of a precious bond... Now as we pass by I am reminded to pray - to pray for those who work there, for those whose lives are damaged by the sin committed. I think my change of focus came through some Christian literature I picked up at church which mentioned some particular organisation (name escapes me) that ran a valentines dinner for prostitutes - with a real focus on letting these women know they are loved and that someone wanted to have them come for a special dinner... Got me thinking about our Lord and his love for sinners, his compassion and his nature. Not, of course that he ever condoned the sin - but that he loved those so lost in it.
And then my thinking focused on the repulsiveness of my own attitude, my own sin and selfishness (where my focus should have been in the first place) and how easy it is for me to feel repulsion towards another's sin and yet tolerate my own selfish tendencies, sins and attitudes... etc.
So, no, I am not impressed to have a brothel down the road, but I think it has caused me to remember that there are needy souls all around me, that I shouldn't be complacent and that I have something so precious and that I ought to share more with others. Others, right here in our very own suburb.
