Don't Judge Me, But I'm Happy About This One Thing The Pandemic Brings

Yes, the pandemic brought panic, anxiety, and uncertainty to everyone. Covid-19 has been a real challenge, financially, mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Perhaps, even those who are already financially stable experienced some level of fragility. And those advocating the “happiness is a choice” mindset are faced with something that needs stronger willpower.

What I’m Happy About

Despite the challenges, I’m still happy about one thing – Covid-19 halted the operations of brothels and nightclubs. Bars were closed. Raunchy shows canceled. Pimps and hookers were out of clients and jobs. And the quarantine restrictions and social distancing protocols somehow suspended the prevalent sex trade in the city.

Don’t get me wrong. Please! I’m not happy about people losing jobs and businesses. What I’m happy about is that this pandemic gave them, and everyone, a time to breathe, reflect, and re-focus.

During the pandemic, I’m praying that the people involved in this kind of industry got the chance to take that much-needed pause for reflection and self-care. I hope they were able to go home, hug their loved ones, and enjoy some quality time with their families. Most importantly, I am praying that they were able to spend this season of instability to rely on God as the ultimate source of consolation, providence, and security.

Cruzada: A Mission in Search of Lost Siblings

But, wait! Perhaps, you’re wondering why I am so concerned about this.

I started to gain a little exposure in this industry in August 2019 when I joined Cruzada, an apostolate of a friend of mind. Every Friday from around 8 PM to 10 PM, we visit nightclubs and bars to talk with the servers, women of the street, waiters, and staff there. Sometimes, we stand outside the clubs, praying the rosary. And the passers-by would look at us like we’re hopeless romantics, expecting acceptance from people who might not welcome or love us back.

At the core of our mission is to talk with women on the street, know their stories, and open up about their faith life. We talk to the girls about God and His love and mercy for everyone. Ultimately, we want to walk with them in their journey to know Jesus.

Since then, I learned to see them, both women and men alike, as my brothers and sisters. And as I listened to them, I learned that they’re just victims of circumstances, people, and injustices. But they’re left without a choice. Without proper spiritual guidance, role models, and competencies, they just grabbed any job they could find and stuck to it for dear life.

A Friendship That Grows

Over time, I became friends with them. As they started to open up, I saw a different side of their life, one that was filled with a hunger for true love. This is one of the moments in my life that made me realize that my role as a sister just broadened.

I am praying fervently for that day when this kind of business will stop for good. But for now, I guess I’ll just continue praying for their enlightenment during this pandemic. Meanwhile, I’m also asking God to give me the grace to continue reaching out to the siblings I never had.

I miss my brothers and sisters. But I wish to see and talk with them in another setting, not at bars with nauseating disco lights.