This past weekend I went to my 9th porn show with XXXchurch. I understand that many could not go to something like this because it is too close to home. This is for the Mom out there that said to tell “young people” before I talk about the porn shows this disclaimer: “The shows are not for everyone…” She is right…
At these shows you have a lot of time to think as you hand out Bibles and talk to people. In some senses the porn show is a very, very honest place. Everyone’s secret is out. Everyone is smiling. Well most people and nothing is holding back that which is more than likely a secret outside the convention center doors.
I have been thinking through the idea of being held back. Many times our struggles hold us back from the great things God has for us. Many guys and gals at the show did not know God like you I do, therefore they had no idea they were being held back from…
On the other hand many of us who do know who God is. And you know exactly what I am talking about. Our junk takes our time and energy from the stuff that God has put before us. Unless you are pursuing freedom from your junk you will be held back.
The easiest thing in the world is to place blame on something or person. I am struggling because…. I am kind of sick of people who wait on God to do something when God is waiting on them to move away from their junk. God is smart. He wants all of you. Jesus said it like this “do not throw pearls before the pigs.” Jesus is talking about passing on the hope we have. We have the pearls, the hope, but what are we doing with this hope?
We have been given so much (we have been given hope, pearls) but yet continue with the same time and energy draining junk. We have to own our mess ups and learn from them to move forward.
God has greater things than you could ever imagine for you. Do you believe it? And do you want it?
Romans 8.34-37 -The Message
The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed…
…None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
MY RECAP FROM THE SHOW
This is my 9th show overall. This is crazy to think about as well. I guess at this point it is a blur. Every show the thing that stands out to me is the endless amount of people you have the privilege to talk with. And many times I have the privilege to present a glimmer of hope and a reminder that no matter what they are loved.
The NYC show was no exception. I heard from a girl in the industry that has our Bible on her bookcase to this day, it was in her collection. She said this proudly. She proceeded to explain that her picture with the JLPS banner was her most commented on photo on her myspace. She was so genuine and appreciative of us.
A guy named Phil hanged out with me at the booth on the last day of the show and asked all kinds of questions about heaven and hell, raptures and why he should not be at the show and why he should go back to church. He was, as he said “born again.” He had not been to church in three years…
A gal from a couple booths down that simply sells vacations came down to Craig and I on the last morning of the show and asked for a few more Bibles. She explained that last night she had started to read the Bible and found it amazing. She had tears in her eyes in her eyes as she explained this, She thanked us for simply being at these shows..
Finally, I handed a guy a Bible and he said this “Man I am going to hell,” I do not know where he heard that message in his life, as I handed him the Bible and he waled off I assured him to read it and Jesus loves him no matter what.
Every person that I get to speak with has a story and it is a amazing to hand them a Bible and talk about life and hope in midst of all the craziness that is the show.
– Brandon