I thought I had no naivete left. After all, for almost five years I
have worked for an organization fighting for family values and have
been exposed to the truth of our nation's morality. Actually, I have
been exposed to the extreme fraying of the very moral fiber that has
held this nation together, weaving generation upon generation in what
once seemed an unbreakable cord. With my own hand, through poor life
choices, I myself had torn the threads of morality I am now trying to
weave back together. Because of all this, I really did not think many
things could surprise me anymore, but one thing did.
Observation
On a trip to Washington, D.C., I went into the homosexual community
for background on a project I am working on. My trip was led by a man
who is a former homosexual. He "lived the life" in D.C. and knew the
places to go. We started in Dupont Circle. While I disagree with the
practice of homosexuality, the scene did not make me want to scream
in anger though I was angry over the deception and bondage so many were
trapped in. It did sadden me but not to tears. I was taking in the scenes
but protecting myself at the same time. I was more caught up in observation
than in the actual life stories being played out before my eyes. It
was as if I were cocooned in a layer of insulation that allowed only
half of the emotions and reality through.
We left Dupont Circle for the far less attractive side of homosexual
nightlife, an area with a strip club (yes, they have those also), a
bath house and other "attractions." I did not go into any of these clubs
but saw enough. One club had two sections. At one end was a bar where
drag queens, decked out in full and not so full attire performed their
routines to popular songs. Many of the male performers wore evening
gowns and some would remove them to reveal other less modest attire
underneath. Others merely started out in a more suggestive and exposed
state. The other end had male dancers for their male audience.
A bath house was also in this string of buildings. The entrance alone
let you know this is different. There were no welcoming faces, no inviting
music, no pretenses of normalcy, just three flights of stairs leading
to another floor with stark gray walls surrounding you and closing in
on you. People waited at the door for admission into what was described
to me as a dark abyss which few escape.
Realization
One business next to the bath house was a club which youth are known
to frequent. My guide pointed out a young man (we nicknamed him Timmy)
sitting on a wall in front of one club. He was the wholesome looking
boy-next-door type, dressed as a normal teen. Timmy, who was perhaps
sixteen, was talking to two older men who seemed to be in their fifties.
Before long Timmy was walking away with the two men and got into their
car.
The reality of what I witnessed did not register at first. I wanted
to believe I had simply witnessed an innocent conversation. Maybe I
just did not want to see it. Realization dawned as my guide informed
me that little Timmy had just sold himself to these two men for the
night. This was my rude awakening. I am not naive. At thirty-seven I
have seen the base nature of our society. I have seen a child who died
a painful death and a parent charged with child abuse in the case. I
have seen pornography. I have seen the results of alcohol and drug abuse.
But I had never seen a child prostitute himself.
Contemplation
I cannot get Timmy out of my mind and I hope I never do. It was only
after seeing the truth of what he did that I can start seeing the truth
of the lives of countless other Timmys. There are more of them than
we have been willing to admit. They have many different names but the
stories are all too similar, whether they live in our nation's capitol
or a small town. Some prostitute themselves homosexually and others
heterosexually, but either way there is damage - mental, emotional,
physical and spiritual. Perhaps even greater are the numbers who prostitute
themselves, not for money, but trying to obtain love, affection or acceptance
into a society that no longer seems to cherish the innocence of youth.
The American people are on a quest for youth but we are paying a high
price. We are stripping away the wonder, beauty and simplicity of the
very thing we are pursuing from the ones who are most entitled to it.
Dedication
I will never forget Timmy. I will continue to fight to repair, to weave
back together, the moral bond we share with our forefathers. I will
continue to fight for our youth, but now I will do it with a full realization
of the high price to be paid if I ever surrender to a culture gone wild.
It is a price no one should ever pay. It is a price that is unacceptable.
There can be no negotiation for something as priceless as the innocence
of youth.
How Can You Focus Your Prayers on this Issue?
1. Pray that God will put a hedge of protection around the bodies and
minds of America's children and youth.
2. Pray that Christians in America will repent of the idolatry of loving
our possessions and our comfort while neglecting those of all ages who
are poor and needy.
3. Pray that those who perpetrate on children and youth will be exposed
and dealt with.
4. Pray that God will grant repentance (2 Peter 3:9) to the lost in
America.
5. Pray that God will protect and purify our minds as we live amid
such depravity in our culture.
What Can You Do If You or Someone You Know is Trapped in the Homosexual
Lifestyle?
Contact one of these organizations, all of which offer hope for healing
from homosexuality
Exodus International
- A Christian referral and resource network whose primary purpose is
to proclaim that freedom from homosexuality is possible through repentance
and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Kerusso Ministries
- The ministry of former homosexual Michael Johnston, which is coordinating
The National Coming Out Of Homosexual Day Project--an event to increase
the visibility of individuals who have successfully walked away from
homosexuality.
Parents &
Friends of Ex-Gays - A national Christ-centered network
of parents, friends and family of loved ones struggling with
homosexuality. PFOX supports, educates and offers hope for recovery
through sound biblical counsel, and provides strategies on how
to love the struggler.
Homosexuals
Anonymous - A fellowship of men and women, who through their common
emotional experience, have chosen to help each other live in freedom
from homosexuality.
Courage - An organization
for Roman Catholics who wish to follow the true teachings of the church
about homosexuality. They offer support groups and counseling services.
Transforming Congregations
- A movement among "mainline" denominational churches to affirm that
those who deal with homosexual temptations are loved and that Christ
can and does have power to change those who face such temptations.
Americans for Truth
& Lambda Report - This group monitors the homosexual activists
movement in politics, religion and culture. Excellent resource for challenging
the homosexual lobby in schools, media and more.
Regeneration
Books - As part of the ministry of Regeneration Ex-homosexual ministry,
this is the largest source for books on the topic of healing from homosexuality.
Inquire about a mail-order catalog.
Karen Battles is the Director of Underwriting for American
Family Radio, a ministry of the American Family Association.
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.