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Walking into windows.

Part of my heart is in the windows of Amsterdam. The windows of the Red Light Districts. Although not the windows per se, but the women each of those windows represent. Women whose identity is “everlastingly loved by God and beautifully created by Him”, and being daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, friends. Women who are not “prostitutes” because their occupation doesn’t define them.

It’s been three years since the women in those windows were part of my every day. Three years since I got on a plane with a ton of luggage, making yet another move towards what is now home here in Norway. This seems to be the month of walking down memory lane, and so I figure I might as well take little walk through the streets of Amsterdam...

Some windows are empty; representing women who were but are no longer in them. Women who have taken steps and are now living lives of dignity, bringing life instead of slowly dying on the inside. Some windows remind me of the times when I was invited into their pain, and where tears and comfort marked our encounter, and where hopefully the encounter ended leaving the woman feeling a little less alone and a little more loved. And some windows remind me of church. The moments when the curtains were closed to the curious looks and interested clients, and we could do church right there in the window.

Remembering how dark the streets and the rooms behind the windows were, and strangely how much easier it made it to bring light and be light. Someone once said “if you want to find God, go to the darkest places. That’s where He is.” And His light in us shines that much brighter when we choose to step into the dark places.

My thoughts frequently wander back to Amsterdam. Not so much the ministry or the city, but the people I got to know and love; both those who went from being acquaintances in the windows, to becoming good friends and sisters; and those who tirelessly battled with me in stepping into the darkness, determined to see love win!

Amsterdam made me so rich in wisdom and relationships and love. I know that so much of what I am and live today is because of life then. And this little walk of remembering is a good reminder that loving people well is never wasted, and that no matter the choices or situations, there is always hope for the impossible.

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