Finding Peace: Calming Strategies for Life on Stage and Off

by Jaz James

Working in a high-energy, fast-paced environment like a club can be exhilarating, but it’s also demanding. Navigating this world with a sense of inner peace can feel like an uphill battle. But there are simple practices that can help bring calm and balance. Here are a few tips that use grounding techniques to create a bit of peace, even during a busy night or after a long shift.

Start Each Day (or Night) with Intention

Begin each day (or shift) by grounding yourself in a calming intention. Whether that’s through a quiet moment, a favorite verse, or a mantra, giving yourself a peaceful start can make a big difference. One verse that can be comforting is Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This simple line is about finding strength in stillness, even when life feels like it’s moving fast. Think of it as a reminder that you have a safe space to return to within yourself.

Use Breath Prayers or Mantras for Quick Moments of Calm

Taking deep breaths and repeating a short, calming phrase can help you quickly find balance when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Try repeating something like, “Breathe in calm, breathe out stress.” Or, if you’re open to scripture, the phrase “Peace fills me, stress leaves me” echoes Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything… the peace of God will guard your hearts.” These short mantras can center you in a matter of seconds, wherever you are.

Find Tiny Breaks to Reset Your Mind

During a long night, taking even a one-minute break can be powerful. Step away if you can, or just pause to close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, or focus on a peaceful image or thought. A simple verse that can help is Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.” Think of these moments as mini resets for your mind and body—stepping into a calm space that’s just for you.

Practice Gratitude to Stay Grounded

Gratitude isn’t always easy, especially on a tough night. But reflecting on one or two things you’re thankful for can give your mind a breather from stress and help you focus on the positives, even when things feel chaotic. These don’t have to be major things—maybe it’s a song that came on, a kind smile from a co-worker, or the fact that you got through a challenging shift. Ending the night with a gratitude habit is a quiet way to find peace.

Kindness as a Way to Create Calm

Being kind to others—even just through small gestures—can help bring peace into your night. A verse like Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up,” reminds us of the impact kindness has. Small acts, like a smile or a compliment to a co-worker, help create a better environment, and by focusing on kindness, you invite more calm into your space.

Let Go of What’s Outside Your Control

There’s a lot in a club that you can’t control, and stressing over things out of your hands only adds to the weight. A verse like Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself,” reminds us to focus on the here and now. Instead of letting things you can’t change drag you down, release that worry and focus on what you can handle in the moment.

Wind Down with a Moment of Peace

After a shift, take a few minutes to mentally let go of the night. You might try Psalm 4:8: “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.” This gives you a moment to close the day with a sense of peace, letting go of the stresses, and resting with a calm mind.

Finding Peace in the Stillness

These tips are about using moments of stillness and simple practices to bring calm into your day, no matter the pressures around you. By incorporating a few of these habits, you can find a steady balance that helps you stay grounded, focused, and strong—even when the world around you feels chaotic.

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Jaz James is the director of Strip Church and founder of Lace Warriors, a strip club ministry that currently serves over 300 entertainers in West Texas and Northern Mexico

Trusting God with Your Child's Journey

by Jaz James

As parents, we dream of our children growing up to live successful, happy, and meaningful lives. When your child’s career choice seems to go against everything you envisioned, it’s natural to feel heartbroken, confused, and even a little lost. If you’re struggling with your child’s decision to work as a stripper, I want to offer you hope, encouragement, and peace through a Christ-centered lens.

First, let me reassure you of one simple truth: God loves your child unconditionally, and His love for her or him has never wavered. No career choice, no decision, no path can separate from His grace and goodness. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, *"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."*

While you may feel hurt or even helpless watching your child make choices you don’t understand or agree with, remember that God is writing her or his story just as He is writing yours. Trust that He’s still working in their life, even if you can’t see it right now.

Your Role as a Parent is Powerful

It’s okay to feel the weight of emotions you’re carrying, but it’s essential to remember that you are still a crucial part of your child’s life. Your role as a loving, praying parent is powerful. Don’t underestimate the impact of your prayers, your grace, and your unwavering love. 

You may not be able to change their career choices, but you can choose to be a constant source of love, support, and prayer. Ephesians 6:18 reminds us, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Bring your concerns to the Lord—every fear, every worry—and ask Him to guide your heart as you continue to love your child through this.

Embracing God's Grace for Both of You

It’s important to also extend grace to yourself in this season. As parents, it’s easy to feel like your child’s choices are a reflection of your parenting, but God’s grace covers both of you. Let go of guilt or shame you may be carrying, knowing that every journey is unique, and God is working through it all.

While you may not understand why your child is in this industry, believe that God’s grace and redemption are always at work. Never forget that God is in the business of transforming lives. Just as the prodigal son returned home to a loving father, there is always room for redemption, growth, and healing.

Continuing to Love Like Christ

Jesus calls us to love others as He loves us, and that starts right at home. Sometimes that love looks like having difficult conversations, and other times, it looks like simply listening without judgment. When you approach your child with the love of Christ, you mirror the heart of God, creating a space where transformation is possible.

Be encouraged by 1 Corinthians 13:7, Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love may not change the situation overnight, but it has the power to plant seeds of hope and healing in your relationship.

Trust God’s Plan

Though the road may feel uncertain, I encourage you to lean into God’s unchanging faithfulness. He is the author of every life story, and His plans are greater than anything we can imagine. Trust Him to guide your child, and know that He is using this season for His purposes.

In the meantime, continue to be the light of Christ in your child’s life. Let your love, your prayers, and your faithfulness remind them of the God who never gives up on any of us.

Remember: God is always working, even when we can’t see it.

Stay prayerful, and continue to trust that God has a beautiful plan for both you and your child. Keep believing that He will bring your child into the fullness of her or his potential in His perfect timing.

*****

Jaz James is the director of Strip Church. She founded Lace Warriors, a strip club ministry, in West Texas that currently serves over 300 entertainers in West Texas and Northern Mexico.

Forgiving God

 by Michelle Hodges

This concept was so hard for me to accept. Really? Forgive God? It felt very strange to even grasp. Almost blasphemous. 

However, how many times had I blamed Him for things that had happened to me?

After all, He was GOD.

He could have protected me. He could have saved me from my abusers. He could have saved my dad from dying. He could have kept me from getting addicted to drugs or going to prison. He could have prevented an accident that I almost died in and someone special to me, did.  

He is GOD!!!

How many times did I curse Him, blame Him, and call Him everything but God?

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ANGRY WITH GOD? 

Have you ever found yourself questioning the God of the Universe? Been angry with Him?  It's OK, you are not alone! 

There is nobody on earth who has not suffered, to some extent; and it is God who created the planet, and God who sustains it.

But sin has entered the world, and it is filled to overflowing with suffering, injustice, and evil. We have all been hurt to varying degrees – whether through being personally mistreated, taken advantage of, deceived, having endured suffering through illness, losing a job, losing a loved one prematurely, or being falsely accused.

Being a believer does not exempt one from suffering. Becoming a Christian does not remove one from pain. Bad things happen to Christians; good things happen to those who are unbelievers, and those who also do great evil in this world.

 God allows this. He could stop it. After all, God by definition is unlimited in power and knowledge. He sees injustices and extreme suffering happening every day and apparently does nothing.

 Why?

I honestly do not believe God is guilty of doing anything wrong. He has nothing to answer for.

WHY DO WE NEED TO FORGIVE GOD?

Why then do we need to forgive him?

First, because of what it will do for you. I can safely promise you an inner freedom and release you never dreamed possible. We must forgive those on the earth who have hurt us, and we must forgive God in Heaven who lets hurtful things happen. 

In much the same way as we experience peace when we totally forgive those who have hurt us, so too when we come to the place where we totally forgive God.

This happens when you let others off the hook, regardless of how evil they were, or how hurt you continue to be.

God is not upset with us for being upset with Him. Jesus is touched by our weaknesses; He feels what we feel and has never forgotten what it was like to live on Earth. God did not rebuke Habakkuk for the prophet’s complaints, nor did Jesus embarrass Mary and Martha for blaming Him for not healing their brother. 

Precious Ones……..I can tell you when I really began praying and telling God that “I forgive Him” there was a shift in my life. The puzzle pieces finally began to fit - those pieces that I had been trying to cram into the puzzle where they didn’t belong. There was an overwhelming sense of peace in my life.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”  - Matthew 6:14-15

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Michelle Hodges is the assistant director of Strip Church Network. She spent 10 years in the industry as a stripper in the panhandle of Texas, leaving the industry in 2006. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Substance Abuse Counseling with concentrations in Sociology and Criminal Justice, Michelle has assumed various roles within her community, through both employment and volunteer positions, including as a team leader in a West Texas strip club ministry. Michelle eagerly embraces her latest role within Strip Church Network.  

Where Are Your Accusers?

by Karen Resèndiz

Have you ever felt judged and accused by others? Have you ever felt the look of others that condemn you without even speaking?  Have you been afraid of walking into certain places just to avoid people looking down on you? Well, I know that feeling too!

THE GOOD GIRL

I used to try so hard to be the good girl, to do the right thing, and to be recognized for that. But when I failed, when I got stuck in darkness and confusion, all I wanted to do was hide. Hide from everyone around me, hide from those who have seen me at my best and couldn’t handle me at my worst, those who expected more from me in this situation, and those who didn´t understand that getting out of that darkness wasn´t as easy as some people think.

So I hid for a long time. I hid because I didn´t want them to know what was going on in my mind. I hid because I was ashamed of my “lack of faith”, I was embarrassed for trying other ways to ease my pain. I was depressed, and anxious, and too hurt to stand up and find the exit to this darkness. I was exhausted of trying and couldn’t do it on my own. So I waited for Jesus to encounter me where I was, I waited for him to rescue me, embrace me, forgive me, and heal my wounds.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

There´s a story in the Bible that reminds me of this time in my life (John 8:1-11).  One day, Jesus was at the Temple teaching a crowd. As he was speaking, some religious people brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery, and they put her in front of the crowd. They said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law says to stone her. What do you say?”

I can only imagine the emotions that this woman experienced during this accusation. All the shame that consumed her, the guilt of her sin, and the fear of the punishment she deserved according to the law. Now, something is not right in this story. If she committed adultery, it means that there´s another person involved in this mess. Adultery involves at least two people. So, where was that other person? Did the accusers forget to bring the man to be judged? Did he hide? Did he run away? Was she the only one to blame?

At this point, everyone was expectant to see what Jesus had to say about this matter. Does he agree with this law? Is he going to stone her to death and serve justice? But Jesus’ reaction was way different to what they expected. He stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 

THE WRITING IN THE SAND

What was he writing? Did he remember a Scripture from the Bible? Was it a phrase of condemnation? Was it just one word? People got anxious not knowing what he was doing, and they kept demanding an answer. I´m sure the woman was terrified by every second that passed.

Finally, Jesus stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. Seriously, what was he writing? Was the woman able to read what he wrote?

Well, we do not know that, but what we know is that these religious guys got tired of waiting, and apparently they were not that good either, because when they heard this, they slipped away one by one. After a few minutes only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.  After they left, Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” The woman began to shake as she responded, “No, Lord, they didn´t”

Did you get chills by reading this? I always do! Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, was now speaking straight to this sinner woman. None of the accusers were worthy of forgiveness. None of them were perfect. None of them followed the law all the time. None of them were holy, nor blameless; yet they felt the right for some reason to bring her to condemnation. But when the time came to throw the first stone, they recognized none of them could do it.

NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU

Now, here we have a key point. Jesus was the only perfect and holy human on Earth. He did not commit sin. So by default, he was the only one who could easily grab a stone or two and execute justice. Just like the law stated… “stone her to death”. But he didn´t. Jesus looked at her one more time and said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Wait, What? He didn´t condemn her? The One and Only Messiah? The Holy Son of God? How could he let this sin pass? How could he let her get away with her sin?
Well, I don´t think he did. He just answered with love and compassion. He offered grace to a woman who was already ashamed of her actions. He offered mercy to a woman who was already accused and condemned by many. She already knew she was a sinner; she already knew she did wrong. But what she needed was someone to believe she could do better. Someone that trusted she could change her path. “Go and sin no more.” You are free, you are forgiven, you are given a second chance. Go, and do the right thing. 

Jesus´ compassion and love was sufficient for this lady to know she did wrong, that she was forgiven, and that she could be a different person now. After this encounter with Jesus, she was free. Jesus himself defended her and gave her a chance to be better.

YOU ARE FORGIVEN

And that´s what I want to remind you today. You can be set free by Jesus. He forgives you, just as He has forgiven me. And He wants you to live a full life in Him.

So don´t hide from others that try to accuse you and remind you the wrong, the bad and the ugly in you. We all have sinned against God. We´ve all been stuck in darkness at some point. We all need grace.

So next time you feel anxious of sharing your story, or walking into a room where you feel judged, remember this woman. Even when all eyes were on her at that moment, the eyes that mattered the most were Jesus´.  When you feel ashamed, alone, judged, confused… run to Jesus. Remember his words towards you: You are loved, you are forgiven, you are my daughter, go and sin no more.”

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Karen Arlene Reséndiz is a theologian and author. She is originally from Mexico and now resides in Odessa, Texas. Karen is the founder of a Women’s Ministry called Isha Ruaj – Woman of the Spirit, reaching women of all ages in Mexico and the United States. She is also the founder of Little Seeds Children´s Ministry, reaching children in over 90 countries. Along with her husband and three children, Karen serves God full-time. Presently, she dedicates a great part of her time to writing and creating resources for her ministries, and participates in monthly strip club ministry outreaches.

The Lost Coin

by Karen Resèndiz

I tend to lose items all the time. Last week it was my keys, and I still can’t find them! Now I’m a getting frustrated as the days pass by. Did you know there’s a story in the Bible about a woman who lost a coin? (You can find this story in Luke 15:8-10).

WHY IS THIS IN THE BIBLE?

This woman had ten silver coins, but lost one. She truly wanted to find it, so she lighted a lamp, swept the house and searched carefully until she finally found it! But the story doesn’t end there… she calls her friends and neighbors together and said, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin!” I bet it was a very special or expensive coin, since she threw a party when she found it.

You may be wondering, why on earth is this story in the Bible! Well, it was actually Jesus the one that told this story to clarify something. He said: “In that same way, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

With this story, Jesus was trying to tell us how precious we are for him. When we’re lost, He does everything to find us! He may send a dear friend, or a stranger even to share His love towards us. He will send us little whispers of love until we accept it.

Just like this woman (and me), He will do anything to find YOU! And you know what’s the most beautiful thing? He wants to find you because He wants to give you an eternal life. He wants to comfort you, restore you, fill you with his unending love, joy and peace. Jesus wants to bring you out of the darkness where you’re hiding, and show you his beautiful light. And when He finds you, He will rejoice in Heaven with the angels.

“I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.-God (Hosea 11:4)

HEAVEN HAS A PARTY!

Yes! When we accept Jesus’ love and grace, there is a party in Heaven! A party that we will be able to enjoy one day if we follow Jesus here on Earth. I am so excited to see you there one day! The question is…

Will you let Jesus find you where you are? Will you allow him to love you with his unending and tender love? I can assure you something… Once He finds you, your live will never be the same! You will feel whole, and completely loved. You will experience a beautiful peace and unending joy. Once Jesus finds you, and you look up to Him, you get a chance to make things right. You get to enjoy an abundant life in Him that no one can take away from you. His love endures forever, His love is not greedy, His love is sweet as honey, and enough to cover you completely. Jesus’ love is waiting for you.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.”-God (Jeremiah 31:3)

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Karen Arlene Reséndiz is a theologian and author. She is originally from Mexico and now resides in Odessa, Texas. Karen is the founder of a Women’s Ministry called Isha Ruaj – Woman of the Spirit, reaching women of all ages in Mexico and the United States. She is also the founder of Little Seeds Children´s Ministry, reaching children in over 90 countries. Along with her husband and three children, Karen serves God full-time. Presently, she dedicates a great part of her time to writing and creating resources for her ministries, and participates in monthly strip club ministry outreaches.

What If Jesus Came to Your House

 by Karen Resèndiz

Have you ever being curious to know who Jesus is? Maybe you’ve heard stories about him, you’ve probably been in a Church before, or someone close to you mentions Him constantly! I’ve known many people that are curious about this Jesus’ thing, but don’t want to get too close to find out. Some of them may feel like Jesus would never ever look at them or care for them. Some others are a little ashamed of their past and do not feel worthy of Him. And there’s some people that just don’t feel ready to meet Him yet. If you’ve ever felt like this, then I want to tell you a story of a guy that was in that same thinking, until Jesus found him. (You can find this story in Luke 19:1-10). 

HOW DID JESUS KNOW HIS NAME?

His name was Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was because he heard so many things about him. This Jesus was performing miracles, changing people’s lives and even creating some trouble in the area. So he wanted to see if all of that was true, and what was so special about this man. So, he followed the crowd, but because he was short he could not see over the people. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him. I bet he was extremely curious and maybe even had some hope that this man would do something for him. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” In shock, Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed him gladly. How can this strange man want to come to his house? And how in the world did he know his name?

This looks like a great story, right? Well, some people didn’t think so. They  began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Yes, they were judging this short man for being too close to the Messiah (Jesus), but they were also judging Jesus for spending time with a sinner, and even going to his house!

On the other side, Zacchaeus knew he had done some wrong in his life, so he stood up and said: “Jesus, look, I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Wow! Jesus didn’t even have to tell him what to do, He just came to his house to enjoy a meal and a time together. But Zacchaeus was so touched by Jesus’ love, that he wanted to be better for Him! Then Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house. For I came to the world to seek and to save the lost.”

IT'S NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU'VE DONE, BUT WHO YOU ARE

In this story, we see how Jesus is not focused on what we’ve done, or where we’ve been. He is more interested in who we are, and who we can become in Him. He wants to be with us, love us and transform us from the inside out. No matter what others may think or say about us. It doesn’t matter how “unworthy” we may feel. He wants to spend time with us. Jesus wants to come and get to know us. He wants to give YOU his great love and forget the things from your past. Because in Jesus… all things are new!

“Therefore if any man (or woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

WOULD YOU OPEN THE DOOR?

So do not worry about what others may think of you. Do not let anyone judge you for your past, or even your present. There is only one God and Savior… the only one who can judge you, wants to LOVE YOU and change your life forever!

So, What if Jesus came to your house? Would you open the door for him?

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”-Jesus (Revelation 3:20-21)

Someone Wants to Meet You Where You Are

 by Karen Resèndiz

 

There’s a story in the Bible that I love. A story about a woman with a really dark past and a bright future. We know from the Bible that this woman had been with many different men, and the one she was with now wasn’t her husband. We know that people knew her for her sins, and her past. But then she met someone that changed her life forever. (You can read the whole story in John 4:1-42)

HOW HER LIFE CHANGED

 
One day, Jesus was traveling with his friends (disciples), and decided to go through a town where He knew people would not receive him well. But it appears that Jesus had to meet someone special there. So, He came into a town called Samaria to take a break from the road. He was thirsty, so He asked a woman to give him a drink. I believe this woman was tough, and did not let anyone tell her what to do. She replied: “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans). Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water .Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

 
What in the world just happened here? First, this Jew man (Jesus) approaches a strange Samaritan woman to ask her for a drink, then He tells her that He can give her some of this special, never ending water! As we continue with the story, we see how Jesus tells her all about her past, a sinful past. But instead of feeling ashamed, this woman recognizes that this Jew man was not a regular man. He knew her! He truly knew her! And He wanted to spend time talking to her, sharing with her some of his deepest secrets about his identity: the Savior of the world! Jesus came to meet her where she was, He had to see her, talk to her and give her exactly what she needed.

 
Do you know what happened next? She went from being the “troublemaker” in her town, to being a preacher of Jesus Christ. She shared the good news with everyone and her own life’s testimony was enough for many to believe in Jesus. 

WE ALL HAVE A PAST
 
Just like this woman, we can meet with Jesus and get to know him better. We can let him change us from the inside out and give us a new purpose. When this woman had a real and personal encounter with Jesus, her whole world changed! She didn’t just hear a sermon from Jesus in the crowd; or listened to her full list of sins along the their condemnation. She got to talk to Jesus one on one! She had a deep conversation where she asked questions, got good answers and was even confronted about her past. But she was also given an opportunity to make things right and start a new beautiful life. 

 
You may think that your past is too dark, complicated or even shameful. You may be a victim of abuse, violence or hate. But you know what? We ALL have a past, we all struggle in different ways, and we all make mistakes. The Good News is that God wants us to enjoy an abundant life in Him. We can always make the decision to start over, try again, and stop letting our past or present trials holding us back from the bright future that Jesus has for us. God wants to give you a happy ending. He wants to bring beauty from ashes, he wants to give you an abundant life and hopes for our future. He wants you to dream, and be able to see your dreams come true!  Will you let him come and meet you where you are?

 
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:18-19

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Karen Arlene Reséndiz is a theologian and author. She is originally from Mexico and now resides in Odessa, Texas. Karen is the founder of a Women’s Ministry called Isha Ruaj – Woman of the Spirit, reaching women of all ages in Mexico and the United States. She is also the founder of Little Seeds Children´s Ministry, reaching children in over 90 countries. Along with her husband and three children, Karen serves God full-time. Presently, she dedicates a great part of her time to writing and creating resources for her ministries, and participates in monthly strip club ministry outreaches.

Turn On the Light

by Karen Resèndiz

Have you ever felt stuck in a dark cave, and you're not able to see the light even after many attempts? I think we’ve all been there at least once. I used to be stuck in a dark and lonely cave. I still don´t know exactly how I got there and how long I stayed there, but I know it was long enough to want to come out to the light. There are times in our life when all we see is darkness, pain, betrayal, and loneliness; but today I want to tell you that there’s a light switch very close to you.

IT'S ALL ABOUT SHEEP

One day, some religious people asked Jesus: Why do you welcome sinners and spend so much time with them? Jesus replied: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Jesus came to the world to bring hope to the hopeless, to turn the light on, and shut the darkness with his joy and peace. His love is so great that it covers all who want to receive it. The Bible says that Jesus came so that we may have life, and have it to the fullest. He is the good shepherd. The good shepherd that lays down his life for the sheep. He came to rescue the ones that are not in the sheep pen. He came to rescue the one that is lost in shame, guilt, depression, hopelessness, and lack of purpose. He came to rescue you and me. He does not care what others think or say, He wants to find you, He wants to heal you, He wants to love you!

THE LIGHT IN YOUR HEART

And you know what? Our strip club ministries are God's agents to turn that light switch on, so that you may experience God’s great love. He does not mind going into dark places, He doesn’t mind going into the cave of depression, He will not bring shame and guilt to you. He will actually do the opposite! Jesus wants to meet you, take the burdens off your shoulders and welcome you with a big hug. Jesus wants to love you like no one ever has loved you. He wants to deeply understand you, and heal your wounds. He is the light in the darkness…and He can be the light in your heart. Would you be willing the hear his voice? Would you like to step out of the darkness that pushes you down slowly? He is waiting for you! If you are “the one” that is lost, confused, hurt and wandering off (like I was)…He will leave the 99 and come after you!

RECKLESS LOVE

There is a song that I love by Cody Asbury called Reckless Love. It talks about the lengths to which God will go to to let us know how much He loves us. The song says He will climb mountains, knock down walls, leave the 99...even though we don't deserve it, all because of how much He loves us.

This kind of love is available for you, anytime! Will you let him turn on the light switch?

• • • • •

Karen Arlene Reséndiz is a theologian and author. She is originally from Mexico and now resides in Odessa, Texas. Karen is the founder of a Women’s Ministry called Isha Ruaj – Woman of the Spirit, reaching women of all ages in Mexico and the United States. She is also the founder of Little Seeds Children´s Ministry, reaching children in over 90 countries. Along with her husband and three children, Karen serves God full-time. Presently, she dedicates a great part of her time to writing and creating resources for her ministries, and participates in monthly strip club ministry outreaches.

Let's Flip That Switch!

Hi, my name is Jaz and I am part of a network of ministries for sex workers. Specifically, we go into strip clubs on a monthly basis to tell women that Jesus loves them. We are not limited to strip clubs though, as some of us also talk to porn stars, escorts, and cam girls. We are non-judgmental and non-confrontational. It's about love, not finger-pointing. The network has been around for over 25 years, and I have personally been doing this for quite some time. Something that I've noticed is that many of the women we talk to actually want to know more about Jesus, but for reasons all their own, don't want to go to church.

I have wanted to do this blog for a long time. A blog specifically for sex workers that talks about Jesus (although it's open to anyone). The problem is that I knew if I started it I would have to commit to being consistent because the women we minister to deserve the best. And I was afraid I would not be consistent.

Enter Karen

Enter Karen. Karen Reséndiz is a talented writer who is also involved in strip club ministry. I approached her about doing this blog and she was ALL IN! She submitted her first post and, well, here we are! I know you don't know Karen, so let me assure you that these posts will be written with love, because that is just who she is. In addition to doing strip club ministry, Karen has authored a book, and she has founded a ministry for women throughout Mexico and the United States, and a children's ministry that reaches over 90 countries.

There may be posts from others from time to time, because we are a network of ministries throughout North America. I can promise though, that there will be at least one post per month from Karen.

Jesus Loves Strippers

I'm excited to finally flip on this switch! And I pray you learn how much Jesus loves you right where you are! Because #jesuslovesstrippers. He really does!

My Child is Working in the Sex Industry

from the Strip Church archives

You are a parent and you discover that your beloved son or daughter is working in the sex industry and you are devastated. First, let me tell you that you are not alone. We get emails and phone calls regularly from parents who discover their children are working as dancers, escorts, or in pornography. While we are not counselors and we don’t have all the answers, we can offer encouragement and support and some suggestions to help you love your son or daughter right where they are. 

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTED DOs AND DON'Ts

Do

• Reassure them that you love and support them and most importantly that God does too.
• Cover them in love. The bible tells us that Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
• It is up to them to share this information with others not you. It is understandable for you to seek support and guidance from a few trusted people but discussing this with people who really cannot speak into it is in vain and will only further distance your child from you potentially destroying your relationship.
• Ask appropriate questions e.g. “Are you happy with your job? Do you feel safe? Do you need any extra support?” Don’t debate their answers. Don’t treat them or those they work with as if they have no dignity or have sold their soul.
• PRAY. Never underestimate the power of your prayers. Nothing falls deaf on God’s ears. Nothing. Remember that your child is important to Him and He longs to move in their life.

Don’t

• Get angry if they’ve been deceptive or kept this a secret from you. This is not the type of thing one usually wants to write home about.
• Assume the worst. There are a lot of stereotypes about sex-industry workers that do not apply to everyone and it doesn’t necessarily mean that your son or daughter fits into any of those categories or your preconceived ideas.
• Try to talk them out of it. They are an adult and have made this decision as an adult regardless of the reasons you may or may not think are behind that decision. [If your child is under 18 and you’ve discovered this information then please call your local authorities or Children of the Night (24 hour hotline: 1.800.551.1300 for some counsel]
• Expose or embarrass them. The last thing you want to do is out them to other family members or community. As mentioned in the DO section– love them where they are and COVER them in that love. Keeping in mind that doesn’t mean to ignore the situation, it just means that you realize you cannot control it.