Rescue

Last month I had the opportunity to attend an event called ReScUe hosted by one of the most compassionate people I have ever met, and someone I'm honored to know.

Going in, I knew the night was going to be HeAvY, and that was an understatement for sure. The subject at hand was HuMaN TrAfFickInG. AKA: Slavery in the 21st Century, the ExPloItaTiOn of men, women, and children for labor and/or sex.

I wish I could fully share the night's experience with you. The speakers, dramas, video clips, images, etc. were heart breaking, startling, and quite overwhelming. My heart was stirred.

Here's only a bit of what I didn't know:

• • 27 millions people are in some form of sLaVeRy right now.
  • 50% of these people are ChIldReN and 80% are female.
  • Nearly 18,000 victims are trafficked into the U.S. each year (50/day).
  • The average age of entry into the commercial sex industry is 12 years old.
  • U.S. citizens account for 25% of SeX ToUriStS worldwide.

This issue is not something that just happens OvEr ThErE. It is close to home, in our very own country, and I didn't know ...but now I do, and I can't ignore it.

So what do I do?...

I tell you. I pray. I penetrate darkness with the light of TrUtH. I hope. I give. I speak. I love. I pray some more. I ask. I cry. I remember and not forget. I advocate. I trust in the One who is greater than all these things. I fight. I don't listen to the voice in my head that says this issue is too big. I educate myself. I move.

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

If you are interested in speaking for those who do not have a voice, loving those who can do nothing for you in return, penetrating darkness, making a difference and joining the fight, please visit the International Justice Mission site, and let your voice be heard. It will take one minute of your time, but it could help spare many little ones a life of pain, exploitation, and utter darkness. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.

Nice to See

Tonight as Dan and I walked into the Bloomingdale Library, I was blessed by five words from a middle-aged woman I don't even know. As she walked past us she smiled and said, " A GeNtLeMaN. Nice to see."

All at once I realized my hands were securely in my pockets and Dan had just opened the door for me without skipping a beat. I was struck by the CaRe and LoVe shown to me by my husband through this simple gesture. I was struck by my presumption that this is the way it should be as my hands were firmly in my pockets...I never even thought of removing them because I have just come to subconsciously ExPeCt this gesture from Dan.

Isn't it ReFrEsHiNg that a few simple words from a stranger can open our eyes? In the business of our lives, I so often don't stop to ApPrEcIaTe the little things that show great LoVe.

I want to be the stranger that NoTicES and AcKnOwLeDgEs the little things. I want to be the friend and wife that others/Dan expect these little acts of kindness and love from.
I am GrAtEfuL for Dan who does so many little things that I know I take for granted and to this stranger who used her words to help me NoTicE.