XXX, Amsterdam

So here I am in the Red Light District of Amsterdam with my foot up on a bar stool showing a girl my tattoo...a tattoo which just so happens to be a bible verse.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart...

And I think...wow, am I a bit out of place or what !?!

I have really been going back and forth on whether to even share this experience...but I'm going for it.  While in Amsterdam, I took a tour through the Red Light District.  And after the tour, I actually spent some time hanging out in the Red Light District.  And while I completely accept the fact I really had no business exposing my senses to all of the madness that  occurs in this place, I am actually quite thankful for the experience.  And honestly, the world could learn a thing or two from Amsterdam.

Before we get to what I learned, I feel it is important to understand a few things about the Red Light District.  Although the Red Light District is somewhat set apart on a city map, it isn't this "XXX" part of town that no dares near unless looking for some sin.  It is just a fact of life.  Okay...a very, very odd fact of life but nonetheless  a fact.  You walk through the street just like any other street in any other city.  You walk past stores, bakeries, schools and restaurants, just like in all other parts of the city.  The only difference is occasionally you walk past a door with a glass window and a girl standing in lingerie....with a red light above the door.  These red light doors are scattered throughout this district in the city.  Now don't get me wrong...I felt REALLY uncomfortable and out of place but I did try to absorb it all into my conservative mind.  And what I felt was overwhelming sadness for these beautiful women.  For them, this is a business and a way-of-life.  But in reality, they are disgracing their bodies and being paid to basically be used for sex which should be so much more than a physical act.  I wanted to walk into one of their rooms and yell out "you are so much more than this!" or say something like "you are worth more than you will ever realize!".  Unfortunately, this world has morphed their minds into thinking this is business as usual and it doesn't matter.  But it really does matter.  And I can't help but think the emotional damage they are experiencing from this warped lifestyle.  And my heart just broke for them.  So as I walked through this district, I said a prayer for each girl's door I passed.  And I thought, what an amazing ministry opportunity lies in this part of the city.  The potential is overwhelming. 

Ephesians 4:18-19
They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.  Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity and they are full of greed.

But as my heart broke and I cried out silent prayers, I also realized there was a lot to learn from this city.   Although the city condones many things I do not, they are very accepting of everyone.  Have you ever visited a city where you can find a church, elementary school, and Christian hostel in the middle of a section of town populated with legal prostitution, drug stores and sex shops?  Well this is the Red Light District of Amsterdam.  They openly accept EVERYONE.  There is no judgement...just acceptance.  And although this really felt unnatural at moments...there was an element of beauty in it.  A beauty I'm not sure I would ever be able to describe in words.

And really, isn't that how God is?  Doesn't he accept anyone, no matter the road you've traveled, as long as you openly accept Him and honor His sacrifice?  Ministering in the middle of the Red Light District...is absolutely Jesus's style.  He wasn't always among believers...he actually spent time with the prostitutes, liars, and down and dirty sinners.  I really think if Jesus were human today...you just might find Him smack dab in the middle of the Red Light District of Amsterdam.  Demonstrating love, grace and forgiveness to EVERYONE.

There's a saying and sign in Amsterdam that reads " I AMsterdam".  And although the city is known for many things...I wish we all could be a part of Amsterdam and learn to love and accept EVERYONE.

Red lights, Jesus and grace,

Ashley Lucille