New Year, New Energy: How to Set Realistic Goals

By Jaz James

The New Year is here, bringing fresh opportunities and the hope of starting anew. Whether you’re focused on improving your finances, caring for yourself better, or growing as a person, setting realistic goals is the first step to creating the life you want. Achieving your dreams doesn’t require perfection—just small, consistent steps that add up over time. Let’s dive into how you can make 2025 the year of progress and empowerment.

Planning for Financial Stability

Money can feel like a rollercoaster, especially when tips fluctuate and unexpected expenses arise. However, a little planning can go a long way in creating financial stability. Start by setting a small savings goal, even if it’s just $10 or $20 a week. Over time, that cushion can grow into a safety net for unexpected needs or future dreams. Tracking your spending is another simple but powerful habit. Using an app like Mint or jotting down expenses in a notebook can reveal patterns and highlight areas where you can cut back. And don’t forget to plan for taxes. As an independent contractor, setting aside 20–30% of your earnings can save you from surprises when tax season arrives.

Personal Growth

Caring for yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in a job that demands so much physically and emotionally. Make self-care a priority this year by carving out time for yourself each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes to breathe, meditate, or stretch. Fuel your body with healthy meals that include plenty of protein and veggies to sustain your energy. And when your body and mind need rest, give yourself permission to say no to late-night plans and prioritize sleep without guilt. Rest is an essential part of showing up as your best self, both at work and in life.

Personal growth doesn’t require an extreme overhaul of your life. Small, intentional steps can lead to meaningful progress over time. This year, consider trying something new—whether it’s reading a book, journaling, or learning a skill you’ve always been curious about. Focus on one goal at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and work on it gradually. Whether you want to improve your mindset, strengthen relationships, or explore your spiritual life, taking it one step at a time will keep you moving forward. Don’t be afraid to seek support. Finding a mentor, a supportive friend, or a group of like-minded people can provide encouragement and accountability on your journey.

Many people find that faith offers hope and direction for their personal growth. A simple prayer, a moment of gratitude, or reflection on what truly matters can provide clarity and strength. If you’re open to it, take a moment to explore how faith or spirituality might support your journey this year.

Progress Over Perfection

The New Year is not about achieving perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate your small wins, forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned, and remind yourself that you are valuable and loved, no matter where you are in your journey. Let’s make 2025 a year of showing up for ourselves and our dreams. You’ve got this!

What’s one goal you’re excited to tackle this year? Share it with someone you trust or write it down for yourself—every small step counts!

*****

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.

When Your Adult Child's Choices Challenge You: Communicating with Care

 by Jaz James

As parents, it can be challenging to see your adult child make decisions you may disagree with, especially regarding big life choices like their career, relationships, or lifestyle. After years of guiding and protecting them, stepping back and allowing them to navigate their path can feel unfamiliar and even unsettling. However, maintaining a loving and supportive relationship is essential, even when you disagree.

Start With Love, Not Judgment

When addressing difficult topics with your adult child, it’s important to start with love rather than judgment. Remind yourself that your love for your child is the foundation of your relationship. Approach conversations with a desire to understand, not to criticize. For example, you might say, “I love you, and I want to understand more about why this choice feels right for you.” Resist the urge to immediately share your concerns or opinions. Instead, give your child space to explain their perspective without interruption. Listening first shows respect and lets them know you value their thoughts. Open-ended questions like “Can you tell me more about why this is important to you?” or “What made you decide to take this path?” can encourage dialogue and mutual understanding.

Acknowledge Their Independence

It’s natural to want to guide your child, but it’s important to acknowledge that they are now adults making their own decisions. Recognizing their independence demonstrates that you trust their ability to choose their path. A statement like, “I know you’re an adult and capable of making your own decisions. I trust that you’ve thought about this carefully,” can reinforce their autonomy while maintaining your supportive role.

If you feel the need to share concerns, do so with care and in a constructive, non-judgmental way. Avoid framing your concerns around your preferences or expectations. Instead, express your desire to see them happy and fulfilled. For instance, you might say, “I just want to make sure this decision brings you the happiness and security you’re looking for.” Avoid comments that could create tension, such as “Why can’t you be more like…” or “I would have never done that at your age.” Instead, focus on understanding your child’s unique perspective and goals.

Express Your Concerns with Care 

It’s okay to share your feelings, but do so without placing blame or guilt. Use “I” statements to keep the conversation open and non-confrontational. For example, you might say, “I’m having a hard time understanding this choice, but I want to support you as best as I can.” Even if you don’t agree with their decision, offering unconditional support can strengthen your relationship. Let them know you’re there for them, no matter what. A simple statement like, “I may not fully understand, but I’m here for you if you need me,” can provide reassurance.

As a parent of an adult child, it’s important to recognize that your role has shifted from decision-maker to adviser and supporter. Embrace this new dynamic by offering guidance only when it’s welcomed and allowing your child to take the lead in their decisions. If you’re struggling to accept their choices, take time to reflect, pray, or seek counsel. Finding peace within yourself can help you approach the situation with more grace and understanding. No matter how the conversation goes, remind your child that your love for them is unconditional. Reassurances like, “I may not have all the answers, but I’ll always love you and be here for you,” can go a long way in keeping the lines of communication open.

Final Thoughts

Navigating these conversations isn’t always easy, but with patience, understanding, and a commitment to love above all else, you can maintain a strong, healthy relationship with your adult child—even when you don’t see eye to eye. If you’ve faced similar challenges, feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Your story could encourage another parent walking the same path.

*****

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.

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Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes

 by Jaz James

As an entertainer, you’ve probably heard a lot of opinions about who you are and what you’re worth. People may try to label you, judge you, or define you based on your job, your body, or your choices. But let me tell you something powerful: Your worth isn’t determined by the club, your audience, or even your own doubts. Your worth comes from God. You were created by Him, loved by Him, and He sees you as beautiful and priceless.  

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made  

Let’s start with a truth that may be hard to believe at first:  

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14, NIV)  

Fearfully and wonderfully made means you were designed with purpose and intention. That body of yours—the one that can twist, turn, and move with such grace—is no accident. God gave you strength, flexibility, and artistry, and it’s not just about your physical abilities. Your creativity in how you express yourself, your ability to connect with others, and even the resilience that keeps you going—those are all reflections of the God who made you.  

So the next time you’re on stage or in a mirror, remember this: you’re not just moving to the beat. You’re embodying the masterpiece God created you to be.  

You Are More Than What the World Sees  

In the club, it’s easy to feel like people only see the surface: your body, your performance, your image. But God sees so much more. He looks beyond the outward appearance and sees your heart.  

"The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)  

You might feel like you have to put on a mask—whether it’s makeup, confidence, or even a stage name. But God knows the real you, and He loves that version of you deeply. You are more than a dancer, more than a performer. You are His child, and nothing can change that.  

God’s Love Defines Your Worth  

Sometimes the job can feel like a rollercoaster. Some nights, you might feel powerful and confident. Other nights, you might feel invisible, judged, or even ashamed. But here’s the good news: God’s love for you never changes.  

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, NIV)  

Think about that: even on your worst day—when you feel broken, tired, or unworthy—God loved you enough to send His Son for you. That’s how much you matter to Him. Your worth isn’t something you have to earn; it’s something God freely gives because of who He is, not what you do.  

Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes  

So how do you start to see yourself the way God does?  

First is to remind yourself of His truth. Spend time in Scripture or affirming words. Write down verses like Psalm 139:14 or Isaiah 43:4 and look at them often.  Next, pray honestly: Talk to God about how you feel—whether it’s confident or broken. He wants to hear from you, just as you are.  You also need to reject the lies. The world may tell you that you’re only valuable for how you look or what you do, but God’s truth says you are loved, chosen, and enough.  Lastly, celebrate your gifts. The way you move, connect with people, or overcome challenges is part of who God made you to be. Honor those gifts by thanking Him for them.  

A Final Word of Encouragement  

You are not defined by your past, your job, or anyone else’s opinion. You are defined by God’s love. And that love says you are precious, worthy, and enough.  

"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4, NIV)  

The next time you doubt your worth, remember this: God sees you. He knows you. And He loves you exactly as you are. You are His daughter, His masterpiece, and nothing in this world can ever change that.

*****

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

From Judgment to Joy: Supporting Your Stripper Child with Christian Grace

 by Jaz James

As a parent, it can be incredibly difficult when your child’s career choices don’t align with the dreams or values you had for them. If your child is a stripper, you might feel a mix of emotions—sadness, frustration, confusion—but even amid those feelings, you have a unique opportunity to be a source of love, hope, and encouragement in her or his life.

While the path your child has chosen may seem far from what you imagined, God calls us to love without condition, just as He loves us. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. This perspective can help guide how we interact with our children, especially when navigating difficult situations.

Here are a few ways you can be a positive influence and encouragement to your child:

Choose Unconditional Love

One of the most powerful things you can do for your child is to love them unconditionally. While you may not agree with their career choice, your child still needs to feel valued, loved, and accepted by you. Show them that your love for them is not based on what they do but on who they are.

In 1 Corinthians 13:7, we are reminded that Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Let this be your guiding principle. When your child knows they can count on your love, it opens the door to deeper conversations, healing, and trust.

Pray for Them Without Ceasing

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Even if you don’t know how to guide them, God knows their heart and their needs better than anyone else. Pray for their safety, their well-being, their future and that they will encounter God’s love in a transformative way.

Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Lift your child up in prayer daily, asking God to give you wisdom on how to encourage them and trusting Him to work in their life.

Speak Life and Hope Over Them

It can be tempting to constantly express your concerns or disapproval, but remember that your words have power. Instead of focusing on what you see as negative, speak life into your child’s future. Remind them of their worth, their unique gifts, and the amazing potential God has placed inside them.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Use your words to build up, encourage, and uplift your child. Compliment their character, their strengths, and their resilience. Let them know that you believe in them and that God has a purpose for their life.

Be Present and Listen

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be there and listen. Your child may be dealing with challenges, emotions, or struggles that they aren’t sharing. Being a safe, non-judgmental space for them to talk can foster openness and healing. Let them share their experiences, their feelings, and their thoughts without immediately trying to fix or correct them.

James 1:19 encourages us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Being present with empathy and patience can build trust, showing them that you truly care about what’s happening in their life.

Share God’s Love with Gentleness

As a Christian parent, you likely want to share the love of Christ with your child. While it’s important to share your faith, remember to do so gently and with respect. Let your actions reflect Christ’s love, kindness, and grace more than your words.

1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to share our hope in Christ, “But do this with gentleness and respect.” When your child sees the consistency of God’s love through you, they are more likely to be open to conversations about faith.

Celebrate Their Achievements

Even if you don’t agree with their job, your child likely has other goals, dreams, and achievements. Celebrate those victories! Whether it’s a personal accomplishment, a step forward in a hobby, or something as simple as completing a project, recognizing these positive moments helps affirm your child’s worth beyond their career.

By celebrating who they are as a whole person, you communicate that they are valuable for so much more than their job title. This can foster deeper conversations about their passions, hopes, and future.

Offer Practical Support

Another way to be a positive encouragement is to support your child in practical ways. This doesn’t mean endorsing their career, but rather being there for their emotional and physical well-being. Maybe they need help with finances, a place to stay, or just someone to talk to. Being a steady presence in their life offers them stability and safety.

Acts of service, even in small ways, reflect the heart of Christ, who came to serve others in love. John 13:34 reminds us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Keep Trusting God’s Plan

Perhaps the hardest part is surrendering your child to God’s plan for their life. Even when it seems like they’ve strayed from the path you would have chosen for them, God is still working in their heart. Trust that He knows them even better than you do, and His plans for them are full of hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

God’s timeline may look different from ours, but He is faithful. Keep believing that He is drawing your child closer to Him, even if you don’t see immediate changes.

Being a parent is never easy, and watching your child make choices you don’t understand can be heart-wrenching. But by choosing to love, encourage, and support them in a Christ-like way, you can be a powerful influence in their life. Trust that God’s love is bigger than any situation, and that He is always at work.

Stay hopeful, keep praying, and remember that your love and encouragement can make a lasting impact on your child’s journey.

*****

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

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.

*****

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

•••••

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.