The Man in the Dress

So in Shibuya, once in awhile there is this man who appears, and he is completely decked out in all girl clothes. He will wear a short skirt, a wig, lots of face make up, a pretty top, super high heels, and a purse - and of course everything is lacy and frilly and pink. It's the whole deal. The sad part is, that he is always standing off by himself, looking like a shy little girl, and crowds of people will walk by (this is Shibuya people) and will laugh at him, point at him, and be mean to him.

Well last night was my second time that I personally saw him. The first time I saw him I was so shocked I made a loud involuntary gasp. This time I saw him I was prepared and so I brought out my iphone and took a picture. The people I was with saw me and ended up insisting that I go share a gospel of John with the guy, and I reallllly didn't want to do it. But as I kept looking at the man while everyone was trying to get me to go, I just felt so sad for him. I was of course really dreading it, and I knew everyone around would be watching because everyone was looking at this person as they walked by, and people were making wide berths to avoid being so close to him. So out of crowded Shibuya, he had like a bubble of space around him, which is never possible otherwise. With a tunnel vision, I just walked up to him (and a volunteer, super cool rapper/pastor C-Flo, was behind me) and I offered a Steps to Peace with God track and a gospel of John. He looked at me kind of scared I think. And I introduced myself, and offered him the materials, and he kind of hesitated but then denied it. And so I tried again and got another no. And again but he said no no so I left. But man walking away from that was so hard.

I made eye contact with him the whole time, and I just realized that he was another person, confused, scared, everyone making fun of him and I had too, everyone just wanted to take pictures of him. And I felt ashamed, and sad that he didn't even give Jesus a chance. Now every time I walk through Shibuya at night I hope to remember this man and pray for him.