Dear Pimp,
I don’t even know where to start this letter. There’s so much to say.
You are a predator.
You sought me out and found out my weaknesses. You set me up.
You promised me you would take care of me. Promised me a life of good things. Cars, clothes, jewelry. Promised me you would help me get my own business started. You said I only had to “work” for a little while. “A little while on the streets…” You made it all sound so normal. So simple. I trusted you.
Yes, I willingly went to your hotel room to hear about your “business proposal.” Sure, I agreed to give it a try. But I had no idea my entire world would be turned upside down. You took possession of all my things (a few clothing items and my car). You told me so many lies.
For the first two weeks you were a gentleman.
“Training” is what you called it. Drilled me about scenarios. Taught me the rules of the game. How to stay safe on the streets. Not end up in jail. But it didn’t work. It wasn’t safe. I went to jail.
Probably the worst part of the whole ordeal is that you branded me with your initials in the form of a tattoo on my shoulder. I’m still paying to have that stupid thing removed.
All the despicable things you did to me and made me to you and the other girl were damaging. Damaging to my self-respect.
I don’t know what ever became of you.
But your words have haunted me to this day…
”If you ever try and leave me I’ll hunt you down…hunt you down and kill you. Kill you and your family…”
The letter you made me write to my parents ensured you’d have their address. That was pretty clever, I have to admit. But what you don’t know is I have assurance. Not insurance, but assurance. Because God is my Rock and My Redeemer. He promises to protect me and keep me from harm. You meant it for evil but God meant it for good.
I’m still working on forgiving you. Most of the time I forgive you. But when I hear about other young girls being trafficked. . .well, I just about lose it. Yes, I chose to be with you. But I had no idea what on earth I was getting myself into. So I commit to the process of forgiveness.
Over and over and over again.
Dear Anonymous,
Oh thank you for making us aware that sex-trafficking is happening right here in our own cities! Your continual process of forgiving has got to just to be a daily terror of thoughts and memories. Thank you for your beautiful spirit. The fighting spirit that is free to share with us, in hopes that there are less girls trafficked and hustled.
Dear Reader,
Are you aware that girls are being sex-trafficked right here in our own cities? Many find their ways in to strip clubs within our own towns. For more on that read a post I wrote describing a visit to the strip clubs here. To raise awareness about sex-trafficking, click here to tweet! Oh, and please pin too.
Yes Alene, this happens even in my home country of the Philippines… :(
It happens everywhere and until we become more aware and raise our eyes to see, we can’t be of any help. It’s a crazy world, but seeing women victimized just raises a holy anger within me. I’m sure it does you too!
Dear Brave One, hold onto our God. He will never leave you, never hurt you. Thank you for sharing. Hold the banner high for other young women.
It grieves my heart to hear such stories! You are brave for sharing and I’m Glad you have! I Know that God will continue to lift you up, hold your hand and walk along side you as you become stronger and stronger in sharing your story and helping others be able to get out from under the control of ‘others like him’!!