A Treasure for You: The Treasures E-Devotional
Jesus and the Magic Wand
By Harmony Dust
In the popular story of Cinderella, our heroine goes from handmaid to princess with the wave of a wand. Most of us would say that this sort of transformation belongs in fairytales but, truth be told, many of us are hoping that someone with a magic wand will come along and fix everything that’s wrong with our circumstances.
I have had the opportunity to share my story for a number of media outlets, and time and time again have seen well-meaning producers look for the magic wand in my story. Some have even tried to peg Jesus himself as my own personal fairy godmother…granting my every wish and desire. And while the transformation that has taken place in my heart and life is pretty miraculous (just ask the people who knew me when I had taken up knocking men in the head with my stilettos when they crossed me). I always tell them the same thing, “Healing is most often a process.”
We like the “healing and transformation” part. It’s the “process” part that isn’t always enjoyable. So often we say we want to change, but we end up getting knocked off course by the first wave of difficulty that hits us.
The Gospel of Luke gives an account of the sermon on the mount during which Jesus gives keys on how to live. He addresses everything from giving, fasting, and prayer, to loving people, marriage, and dealing with anger and emotions.
After he finished giving all of this insight and wisdom he says…
I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. Luke 6:47-49
Much of the healing journey consists of the “digging down deep” part this passage refers to. This is where the work comes in. In order to heal and to develop the kind of faith that will withstand the storms of life, we’ve got to do some digging.
I am reminded of a time when the front yard of my childhood home in Venice was filled with crab grass. My mom took my brother and I out there one day with shovels and said it was time for us to uproot it all. She called the crab grass conquering grass, explaining that its roots would choke out any other seed we planted. As long as we let the conquering grass rule our yard, nothing else would be able to grow there.
The same is true with our lives. Some of us are working hard at planting new healthy seeds, but we haven’t uprooted the old stuff. And we wonder why those same old hurts and issues keep rearing their ugly heads in the garden of our lives. Those old, conquering issues are choking out all of our efforts to plant something new.
In order to lay a proper foundation for healing to take place, we have to allow God to dig down deep and uproot the things that are choking our efforts to get well. Abuse, shame from our past, unforgiveness, roots of rejection and abandonment—all need to be removed from the soil of our lives for healing to take place.
Incredible healing and transformation is possible. It’s available. If you have been waiting on Jesus to wave a magic wand over your life and nothing seems to be changing, chances are, He’s handing you a shovel.
Let’s get digging! Let’s get healed!
Love, Harmony
www.iamatreasure.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
What's in a Name?
What’s in a name?
On Friday night, the Treasures team reached 790 women working in strip clubs in Downtown Los Angeles! Some were your typical razzle-dazzle clubs with bright lights and valet parking, while others were dingy joints tucked away near Skid Row.
790. It’s more than a number. That figure represents women—unique, adored, purposed women—and God knows each of them by name. To be known is one of our deepest human desires. One of the encounters we had during the outreach reflected the depth of this desire.
We walked into a small dressing room where a couple of girls were primping. I handed a gift to a half-dressed young woman who was counting her tips. “What’s this for?” she asked. “A gift for you. Just to let you know you are loved.” I responded.
She cracked a smile as she peered into the little pink bag. “Why are you guys doing this for us?” she continued.
I went on to explain that I had been a dancer too and now we go back into strip clubs to offer encouragement and support to other women working there. “You can call us if you just need someone to talk to or if you ever need any help or resources”. Her eyes welled with tears and she threw her arms around me. I held her for a moment and she said her name is Precious.
“Your name is Precious!? Look at the card in your gift! It was made for you!” I exclaimed pointing to the top of the note addressed: “Precious Woman”.
Seeing her name written on the card, she turned away and began to weep.
How significant it is to be known. Sought out. Called by name.
There is a Love calling each of us by name. He sees all. Knows all. And He loves every bit of you. May we be as overcome by that truth as Precious was.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
P.S…
Harmony will be featured on an episode of Pure Passion TV on Sunday, October 25th.
That's Direct TV #376 & Dish Network #267 at 8 PM (PT). www.PurePassion.us
On Friday night, the Treasures team reached 790 women working in strip clubs in Downtown Los Angeles! Some were your typical razzle-dazzle clubs with bright lights and valet parking, while others were dingy joints tucked away near Skid Row.
790. It’s more than a number. That figure represents women—unique, adored, purposed women—and God knows each of them by name. To be known is one of our deepest human desires. One of the encounters we had during the outreach reflected the depth of this desire.
We walked into a small dressing room where a couple of girls were primping. I handed a gift to a half-dressed young woman who was counting her tips. “What’s this for?” she asked. “A gift for you. Just to let you know you are loved.” I responded.
She cracked a smile as she peered into the little pink bag. “Why are you guys doing this for us?” she continued.
I went on to explain that I had been a dancer too and now we go back into strip clubs to offer encouragement and support to other women working there. “You can call us if you just need someone to talk to or if you ever need any help or resources”. Her eyes welled with tears and she threw her arms around me. I held her for a moment and she said her name is Precious.
“Your name is Precious!? Look at the card in your gift! It was made for you!” I exclaimed pointing to the top of the note addressed: “Precious Woman”.
Seeing her name written on the card, she turned away and began to weep.
How significant it is to be known. Sought out. Called by name.
There is a Love calling each of us by name. He sees all. Knows all. And He loves every bit of you. May we be as overcome by that truth as Precious was.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
P.S…
Harmony will be featured on an episode of Pure Passion TV on Sunday, October 25th.
That's Direct TV #376 & Dish Network #267 at 8 PM (PT). www.PurePassion.us
Friday, October 16, 2009
Roberta Speaks Out...
In the middle of her recovery, Roberta Busby shares her story to help others! Watch the ABC News story below.
Last night, we had the privilege of accompanying Roberta- the survivor of severe burns afflicted in a hate crime- at a Stop the Violence Against Women event where she was a guest of honor.
Our team has been absolutely blessed to walk alongside of Roberta during her healing journey. She is a woman of courage and strength (and great humor) who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of others. We know that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for Roberta. Please continue to pray for her physical and emotional healing and that she would continue to allow God to use what was meant for harm in her life, for good!
ABC Story on Roberta
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
Last night, we had the privilege of accompanying Roberta- the survivor of severe burns afflicted in a hate crime- at a Stop the Violence Against Women event where she was a guest of honor.
Our team has been absolutely blessed to walk alongside of Roberta during her healing journey. She is a woman of courage and strength (and great humor) who is not afraid to speak up on behalf of others. We know that this is just the beginning of greater things to come for Roberta. Please continue to pray for her physical and emotional healing and that she would continue to allow God to use what was meant for harm in her life, for good!
ABC Story on Roberta
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What's New?
Hey Treasures Friends,
Just wanted to give you a quick update on some exciting things we want YOU to be a part of…
* GodChicks-Night of Pink is happening Oct. 17th! Join us for fun, live music, encouraging stories, tips on how to fight whatever battle you are facing, & an unforgettable after party…
* Harmony will be speaking at a Healthy Sexuality Conference on Oct 18th. The message topic will be “Hiding from True Love: In our pursuit of love, are we actually running from it?”…
For information on these and other events, visit www.iamatreasure.com/events
Also, Treasures will be hosting an ART DAY for the girls we work with. We will provide them with art supplies so they can express their journey through painting. To contribute towards materials, donate online www.iamatreasure.com and write “art day” in the comments.
World Magazine nominates Treasures for the Hope Award! Check out the article they did on us: My favorite part is when the journalist writes: “Dust never stumbles over her words—in fact, she'll finish your sentences for you if you struggle to be articulate.”
I’m not so sure that’s a good thing, but it gave me a hearty laughJ
World Mag Article
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
Just wanted to give you a quick update on some exciting things we want YOU to be a part of…
* GodChicks-Night of Pink is happening Oct. 17th! Join us for fun, live music, encouraging stories, tips on how to fight whatever battle you are facing, & an unforgettable after party…
* Harmony will be speaking at a Healthy Sexuality Conference on Oct 18th. The message topic will be “Hiding from True Love: In our pursuit of love, are we actually running from it?”…
For information on these and other events, visit www.iamatreasure.com/events
Also, Treasures will be hosting an ART DAY for the girls we work with. We will provide them with art supplies so they can express their journey through painting. To contribute towards materials, donate online www.iamatreasure.com and write “art day” in the comments.
World Magazine nominates Treasures for the Hope Award! Check out the article they did on us: My favorite part is when the journalist writes: “Dust never stumbles over her words—in fact, she'll finish your sentences for you if you struggle to be articulate.”
I’m not so sure that’s a good thing, but it gave me a hearty laughJ
World Mag Article
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
One Step...
I have been enamored with my daughter as I watch her learn to walk. Standing on wobbly little legs. Carefully placing one foot in front of the other. And it has occurred to me that she will make the entire journey that way. One foot in front of the other. It never gets more complicated than that. And, so it is for all of us.
This weekend, during our National Strip Club Outreach and Training, we had the honor of training 3 new outreach leaders along with 18 outreach volunteers. I looked around the room at this amazing group of women, hearts filled with passion and love, and I reflected on all that God has done since the conception of Treasures.
Out of the vision God has placed in my heart, hundreds of strip clubs are being reached in 15 cities throughout the US and Canada. I have had the opportunity to share my story with a global audience through media and speaking engagements. We provide resources, prayer and encouragement to hundreds of women and are seeing their lives transformed. None of this has been the product of striving for success or achievement. It has all been the result of steadily and prayerfully placing one foot in front of the other.
I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us that is greater than we can ask, think, or imagine (Eph 3:20). More freedom and healing than we thought possible. More impact than we ever dreamed of. More of our gifts, experiences, and passion used for good. And sometimes the breadth and scope of what He is calling us to may seem unfathomable. “How on earth will I ever get there?” we ask ourselves.
"Come, follow me". I can hear His voice calling, asking us to walk with Him.
On Saturday night, we followed Him. Into 12 strip clubs in Hollywood. Into dressing rooms and conversations. We saw women touched by our gifts, our hugs, our love, our presence—all extensions of following Him.
Where ever you are, right now, in this moment—no matter how exciting, dreary or daunting the road ahead—I encourage you to fix your eyes on Him and continue to place one foot in front of the other. You can make the entire journey that way.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
PS. For information on how to get involved, visit www.iamatreasure.com/donations and to see a list of Treasures Trained outreaches, visit our resource section
This weekend, during our National Strip Club Outreach and Training, we had the honor of training 3 new outreach leaders along with 18 outreach volunteers. I looked around the room at this amazing group of women, hearts filled with passion and love, and I reflected on all that God has done since the conception of Treasures.
Out of the vision God has placed in my heart, hundreds of strip clubs are being reached in 15 cities throughout the US and Canada. I have had the opportunity to share my story with a global audience through media and speaking engagements. We provide resources, prayer and encouragement to hundreds of women and are seeing their lives transformed. None of this has been the product of striving for success or achievement. It has all been the result of steadily and prayerfully placing one foot in front of the other.
I truly believe that God has a purpose for each of us that is greater than we can ask, think, or imagine (Eph 3:20). More freedom and healing than we thought possible. More impact than we ever dreamed of. More of our gifts, experiences, and passion used for good. And sometimes the breadth and scope of what He is calling us to may seem unfathomable. “How on earth will I ever get there?” we ask ourselves.
"Come, follow me". I can hear His voice calling, asking us to walk with Him.
On Saturday night, we followed Him. Into 12 strip clubs in Hollywood. Into dressing rooms and conversations. We saw women touched by our gifts, our hugs, our love, our presence—all extensions of following Him.
Where ever you are, right now, in this moment—no matter how exciting, dreary or daunting the road ahead—I encourage you to fix your eyes on Him and continue to place one foot in front of the other. You can make the entire journey that way.
Love, Harmony & The Treasures Team
PS. For information on how to get involved, visit www.iamatreasure.com/donations and to see a list of Treasures Trained outreaches, visit our resource section
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Update On Tyra Show Guest!
Check out this update from Beauty From Ashes on Natanee, the girl I was on the Tyra Show with! She is truly a Treasure and an over-comer!
"Remember Natanee, the women involved in prostitution who humbly & transparently went on national TV appealing for help on the Tyra Banks show? The program, 'Troubled Mom Tries to Change', ends leaving the viewer with frustration that the twenty eight year old woman did not want to receive help or leave prostitution.
The truth is that Natanee did change, contrary to the repeated airings of the episode since March of this year. She courageously turned down Tyra's offer of a secular 1 month program to go instead into a faith based, 18 month residential program, the New Life Dream Center here in Fort Myers, FL.
Thanks to Harmony Dust of Treasures, also a guest on the program, who through nothing less than a divine appointment, met Natanee in the lobby the night before the show, Natanee found out about Beauty From Ashes (BFA) and the New Life Dream Center. Natanee shared with Harmony her desperation to get out of commercialized sexual exploitation, a destructive lifestyle she had been forced into as a teenager. Harmony called Pastor Julie Shematz immediately to inquire if we could guarantee her acceptance into the New Life Dream Center. Pastor Gaspar Anastasi, founder of the New Life Dream Center & Julie's senior pastor, approved the unique situation and within minutes after the show finished filming, Harmony received the phone call from Natanee telling her she wanted to go into the 18 month 'God' program not another secular one which Tyra had offered her.
The truth is that Natanee did change, contrary to the repeated airings of the episode since March of this year. She courageously turned down Tyra's offer of a secular 1 month program to go instead into a faith based, 18 month residential program, the New Life Dream Center here in Fort Myers, FL.
Thanks to Harmony Dust of Treasures, also a guest on the program, who through nothing less than a divine appointment, met Natanee in the lobby the night before the show, Natanee found out about Beauty From Ashes (BFA) and the New Life Dream Center. Natanee shared with Harmony her desperation to get out of commercialized sexual exploitation, a destructive lifestyle she had been forced into as a teenager. Harmony called Pastor Julie Shematz immediately to inquire if we could guarantee her acceptance into the New Life Dream Center. Pastor Gaspar Anastasi, founder of the New Life Dream Center & Julie's senior pastor, approved the unique situation and within minutes after the show finished filming, Harmony received the phone call from Natanee telling her she wanted to go into the 18 month 'God' program not another secular one which Tyra had offered her.
We quickly assessed the situation & Natanee was able to change her return flight from NYC to Fort Myers, FL instead of CA & against all odds & numerous potential set backs, she arrived two days later and met Pastor Julie for the first time at the gate of the airport. Julie then took Natanee to enter the program & has maintained a close relationship with her ever since. Tyra's producers were aware of the change of plans from the day Natanee made the decision, yet have refused to tell the viewers the TRUTH about Natanee's courageous steps to commit to long term change.
Multiple phone calls and emails have been made by family & loved ones to advise the show of Natanee's situation. Repeated attempts have been made to leave comments on the Tyra Bank's Show blog after they re-run the program. Sadly, the website moderators have refused to accept the majority of the 'Good News' comments with Natanee's progress and the producers have reportedly said that there is nothing they can do about updating the information. For nearly 6 months, Tyra's bloggers have ripped Natanee apart with their heartless comments about her not wanting to change.
Like the Word of God says, every story sounds good until you hear the other side & finally Natanee's TRUE STORY is revealed! She did want to change and she is more than an over-comer! She not only has changed, she is also now reconciled with her children & family. Natanee is no longer troubled, she has a sound mind and is a godly woman of virtue & dignity. She has embraced her destiny & purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He reached, rescued, restored & is healing her. We simply have been honored to be His hands & feet in the process. It has truly been a team effort and we want to thank every person & organization that has been a part of this beauty from ashes story. Together we are better & are making a difference!
You will be able to listen to Natanee tell what has happened since the Tyra Banks show in her own words on Monday, September 14th @ 6:15pm EST on the God Has the Answer Today Show with Gaspar Anastasi: http://www.kingdom.fm & 91.5 FM Florida.
The program was also recorded & we will have the video available online SOON!"
Isn't that awesome!!!???
If you would like to sow into Natanee's healing journey, you can contribute towards her program costs (which are $760 a month). Donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. Simply make a donation TODAY at www.iamatreasure.com or mail a check to the address below. Please make sure to note that your contribution is for Natanee. We will gather your contributions and make sure they go directly towards helping Natanee at the New Life Dream Center!
Love, Harmony
Treasures Founder
PO # 2013
North Hills, CA 91343-2013
Isn't that awesome!!!???
If you would like to sow into Natanee's healing journey, you can contribute towards her program costs (which are $760 a month). Donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. Simply make a donation TODAY at www.iamatreasure.com or mail a check to the address below. Please make sure to note that your contribution is for Natanee. We will gather your contributions and make sure they go directly towards helping Natanee at the New Life Dream Center!
Love, Harmony
Treasures Founder
PO # 2013
North Hills, CA 91343-2013
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
No Place Like Home
This weekend, on what I later realized was the 11-year anniversary of me leaving the sex industry, we had one of the most memorable outreaches EVER.
For starters, we had a young woman go out on her very first outreach since escaping the traffickers who brutally forced her into sex work. We have been walking alongside of her for the past couple of years and Friday night, she was ready to turn her pain into purpose. She was so thankful for the healing and rebuilding that has taken place in her life that she wept with gratitude throughout the night. It was an honor to witness this moment in her journey.
Later that night, at the end of the outreach, we pulled up to the strip club where I used to work. This club is a landmark in so many ways. It was the place where, as a broken 19-year old girl, I first stripped and sold myself to strangers. It is also the place where, years later, a compassionate manager, who felt just as trapped as I did, offered to pray with me that God would help me find a way out of the club. Weeks later, God clearly spoke a message to my heart that gave me the strength to leave—“I am going to take care of you. I will never let you down.” And He hasn’t.
This is also the club I sat outside of wondering if there was any way I could reach the girls still working there. My heart bleeding with prayers, remembering them. As it turns out, there was a way—and a simple message, “Her value is far above rubies and pearls.”
Friday night, on the 11-year anniversary of the weekend I quit, and after 6 1/2 years of visiting that very club, desiring to speak love, value and purpose into the lives of the women working there, we were told that the club would be closing the following day. After 53 years of business, the building will be leveled and turned into an airport parking lot.
This would be my last time at the club. And while many of the clubs we visit allow us to hand-deliver the gift bags to the girls, this particular club received them at the door and never allowed us inside. Something in me would not let me leave. So I asked the manager if he would let us in, just so that I could say a proper “goodbye”. And for the first time, since we have been doing outreach, I walked into the club.
It felt as though I entered a time warp. Aside from some wooden stalls they built for more private “lap dances”, nothing had changed. Even much of the staff was the same. Some of them said that they were happy the club was closing—that they finally had a reason to leave the industry. One woman who had been there 25 years said that she WOULD HAVE DIED IN THAT CLUB if it didn’t shut down. Others were not as glad to hear the news. They didn’t know where or if they would be able to find work. We were able to tell them about some of the resources we have.
As I walked in, a young woman threw her arms around me saying, “I have always wanted to meet the girls who have been bringing us gifts. For 6 years we have looked forward to these gifts. Nobody EVER gave us anything or did anything nice for us. You were the only ones who cared." She brought out her camera to take pictures with us and cried like we were long lost sisters.
We spent some time in the dressing room, talking to the girls about their plans for the future. It was the same dressing room where, piece by piece, I sold my outfits on the night I quit, knowing there was no turning back. These women too are at such a pivotal moment in their lives and we hope they will take us up on our offer for support.
Where many clubs have high turnover rates, this particular club seems to keep the employees they hire. Many of the girls reported that this was the first and only club they had ever worked at. And after several years, it was all they knew.
One woman told a volunteer, “This is the only home I have ever known…and there’s no place like home.”
This statement struck me because I can remember a time when the strip club was the only home I knew. I can remember a time when I had become so familiar with being sexualized and objectified that it was comfortable to me. So comfortable, it was almost comforting.
And “home” is exactly what I found on the day I walked into the Oasis, my church. “I am finally home” were the words that came to my heart. I could feel my Loving Father, with His hands outstretched, welcoming me.
We hope and pray that each of these women will discover a home—a refuge—unlike any they have known. And that the closing of this club will mark a new beginning in their lives. That they will come to know that they are loved, valued and purposed and that this revelation would penetrate every corner of their hearts and lives! Here's to new beginnings!
With Love,
Harmony Dust
www.iamatreasure.com
For starters, we had a young woman go out on her very first outreach since escaping the traffickers who brutally forced her into sex work. We have been walking alongside of her for the past couple of years and Friday night, she was ready to turn her pain into purpose. She was so thankful for the healing and rebuilding that has taken place in her life that she wept with gratitude throughout the night. It was an honor to witness this moment in her journey.
Later that night, at the end of the outreach, we pulled up to the strip club where I used to work. This club is a landmark in so many ways. It was the place where, as a broken 19-year old girl, I first stripped and sold myself to strangers. It is also the place where, years later, a compassionate manager, who felt just as trapped as I did, offered to pray with me that God would help me find a way out of the club. Weeks later, God clearly spoke a message to my heart that gave me the strength to leave—“I am going to take care of you. I will never let you down.” And He hasn’t.
This is also the club I sat outside of wondering if there was any way I could reach the girls still working there. My heart bleeding with prayers, remembering them. As it turns out, there was a way—and a simple message, “Her value is far above rubies and pearls.”
Friday night, on the 11-year anniversary of the weekend I quit, and after 6 1/2 years of visiting that very club, desiring to speak love, value and purpose into the lives of the women working there, we were told that the club would be closing the following day. After 53 years of business, the building will be leveled and turned into an airport parking lot.
This would be my last time at the club. And while many of the clubs we visit allow us to hand-deliver the gift bags to the girls, this particular club received them at the door and never allowed us inside. Something in me would not let me leave. So I asked the manager if he would let us in, just so that I could say a proper “goodbye”. And for the first time, since we have been doing outreach, I walked into the club.
It felt as though I entered a time warp. Aside from some wooden stalls they built for more private “lap dances”, nothing had changed. Even much of the staff was the same. Some of them said that they were happy the club was closing—that they finally had a reason to leave the industry. One woman who had been there 25 years said that she WOULD HAVE DIED IN THAT CLUB if it didn’t shut down. Others were not as glad to hear the news. They didn’t know where or if they would be able to find work. We were able to tell them about some of the resources we have.
As I walked in, a young woman threw her arms around me saying, “I have always wanted to meet the girls who have been bringing us gifts. For 6 years we have looked forward to these gifts. Nobody EVER gave us anything or did anything nice for us. You were the only ones who cared." She brought out her camera to take pictures with us and cried like we were long lost sisters.
We spent some time in the dressing room, talking to the girls about their plans for the future. It was the same dressing room where, piece by piece, I sold my outfits on the night I quit, knowing there was no turning back. These women too are at such a pivotal moment in their lives and we hope they will take us up on our offer for support.
Where many clubs have high turnover rates, this particular club seems to keep the employees they hire. Many of the girls reported that this was the first and only club they had ever worked at. And after several years, it was all they knew.
One woman told a volunteer, “This is the only home I have ever known…and there’s no place like home.”
This statement struck me because I can remember a time when the strip club was the only home I knew. I can remember a time when I had become so familiar with being sexualized and objectified that it was comfortable to me. So comfortable, it was almost comforting.
And “home” is exactly what I found on the day I walked into the Oasis, my church. “I am finally home” were the words that came to my heart. I could feel my Loving Father, with His hands outstretched, welcoming me.
We hope and pray that each of these women will discover a home—a refuge—unlike any they have known. And that the closing of this club will mark a new beginning in their lives. That they will come to know that they are loved, valued and purposed and that this revelation would penetrate every corner of their hearts and lives! Here's to new beginnings!
With Love,
Harmony Dust
www.iamatreasure.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)