The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Light on the Sidewalk
It was a warm afternoon, the kind that makes the pavement shimmer and the air feel thick with something more than heat. I had parked near the edge of the plaza, where a small store sat tucked between a nail salon and a vape shop. Its sign read Wicked & Crystal—a name that seemed proud of its contradiction. The windows were dressed in velvet curtains and decals of crescent moons, pentagrams, and glowing crystals. A chalkboard outside advertised tarot readings, aura cleansings, and “moon water for your soul.”
Families walked in and out—some with strollers, some with toddlers tugging at their parents’ hands. A young woman held a bundle of sage like a bouquet, while another clutched a book titled Manifest Your Destiny. Laughter floated out from the doorway, mingling with the scent of incense and something metallic, like old coins and candle wax. It was a place that promised mystery, power, and peace—but not the kind that comes from God.
Just a few feet away, on the public sidewalk, stood two Christians. They weren’t flashy. No microphones, no banners. Just two people—one older man with a weathered Bible in his hand, and a younger woman with a quiet fire in her eyes. They spoke with urgency, but not aggression. Their voices rose and fell like a plea, not a performance.
“Jesus is the light of the world,” the man said, his voice steady. “You don’t need crystals to cleanse your soul. You need the blood of Christ.”
The woman added, “God is calling you out of darkness. He loves you too much to leave you in deception.” They quoted Scripture with reverence, not force…
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Some passersby slowed down, curious. A few nodded politely. But others scoffed.
“You people are nuts,” one woman muttered, pulling her child closer.
“Get a life,” said a teenager, rolling his eyes as he walked into the store.
“This is harassment,” someone snapped, though the preachers hadn’t moved from the sidewalk or raised their voices.
But the Christians didn’t flinch. They didn’t shout back. They simply stood, offering truth like a lantern in fog. I watched as the older man bowed his head for a moment, lips moving in silent prayer. The woman handed a small tract to a man who hesitated, then took it with a shrug.
What struck me most wasn’t their boldness—it was their heartbreak. They weren’t there to win an argument. They were there because they believed eternity was at stake. They saw children being led into a place that promised “light” but trafficked in shadows. They saw souls searching for peace in stones and spells, when the Prince of Peace stood at the door and knocked.
I felt a deep pang of conviction. Not because I had entered the store -I’d never go into such a place, unless the Holy Spirit called on me to – but because I had almost walked past the scene without noticing.
How often do we ignore the spiritual battles playing out in plain sight?
How often do we choose comfort over confrontation, silence over witness?
Those Christians reminded me that love sometimes looks like standing in the heat, offering truth to those who may never thank you. It looks like being called crazy and still showing up. It looks like believing that one seed planted—one verse spoken—might take root in a heart that seemed unreachable.
Reflective Questions
Have you ever felt called to speak truth in a place where it wasn’t welcome? What held you back—or what gave you courage?
“Lord, give me eyes to see the places where light is needed. Give me courage to speak, even when it costs me comfort. Help me love enough to stand in the tension, To offer truth without pride, and hope without compromise. May Your Word be my anchor, and Your Spirit my guide. In Jesus name, Amen.”
amazing.. is this a true story
we had a man in morecambe.. keith bowers now in glory.. shared gospel with everyone.. called him the banner man.. held banner and walked up and down prom
oh for such boldness.. its easy to post on here.. we have some fans here in china to help people keep cool.. they have the gospel on them.. I have given many out.. but as foreigner need to be careful
Thank you Keith.
Yes – it is true and stated exactly as I’ve written it.
There are a lot of people in the area who do this, so not really unusual.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, appreciate it.
God Bless~
Such a troubling world because people warm up to foolish attempts to be empowered by things that sound promising and strikes their fancy by deceivers saying soothing words they want to hear. But it is smoking mirrors. It is like a dark veil that covers their mind and heart. Only Christ came rend the veil in two.
These people that run these businesses are mimicking the way the devil worked his enchantment in the garden of Eden. He offered a delusion that seemed real and hard to resist.
What a blessing this couple are by showing up to represent the truth and offering them the True Bread of Life that satisfies our hunger and The One who gives Living Water that refreshes the soul. These staples are needed both within our physical and spiritual existence.
Though they may be mocked, they chose to be a reproach for His namesake. I believe that for them it as an honor ! His word is being spoken to call them out of darkness into His glorious light. He is the One who is being rejected by some or ignored by others but the offer is being made to those whose hearts are prepared or a seed being planted.
I haven’t heard of these places in my area but it is another sign of the times igniting our spirits as we anticipate the return of our Lord and the tribulation spoken about in the scriptures. I am grateful that you shared this with the public and a need to pray about this wickedness that is meant to trap and destroy people.
Hello Cora,
Your comments and insight is so important and frutiful. It adds to the overall message in this article. Thank you so much for your encouragement, and your responses. I appreciate it so much.
God Bless