January is National Human Trafficking Awareness month. It’s been a decade since I first learned of its existence (more on that story here). During that time, the one aspect of human trafficking many people find most difficult to believe is that it often happens close to home. By that I mean that it happens in local communities all across the United States and that many victims experience trafficking in their own homes, not primarily as a result of kidnapping.
Human trafficking is a $150 billion dollar industry with an estimated 40 million people trapped in its systems (https://www.ijm.org/slavery). From a financial perspective, trafficking humans is preferable to drugs or other commodities because you can traffic a person over and over and over again. It is also easier to hide human trafficking because it happens behind closed doors and victims are often either too afraid to ask for help or not believed when they do.
The key to understanding human trafficking and to fight it is to realize that trafficking’s root cause is vulnerability. Human traffickers target individuals whom they can exploit, manipulate and control. The easiest people to target then are those who are often overlooked such as refugees, the homeless, individuals with substance use issues or mental health concerns, runaways, or those connected to the foster care system.
When people learn the truth of human trafficking, their response is often, “What can I do to help?” My answer is always to start small and do what you can. Below are a few simple suggestions to fight human trafficking, and most of them can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Learn the facts
The first place to begin is always to educate yourself on what is true about human trafficking and what is a myth. Though posts suggesting traffickers are looking for victims at your local shopping complex are popular on social media, those posts are meant to be sensational more than truthful. It is better to learn the truth of human trafficking from sites like the Human Trafficking Hotline or A21.
See something, say something
Once you have an understanding of the signs of trafficking, you may begin to see red flags as you go about your daily life. I recommend putting the National Human Trafficking Hotline number in your phone to call anytime you see something suspicious (1-888-373-7888). The best course of action is always “if you see something, say something.”
Become a support person
Though visions of kicking in doors and rescuing people chained to metal bed frames may sell movies, it’s the people serving vulnerable populations who are the true heroes. It may not feel exciting to volunteer at a homeless shelter, become a mentor for an after school program, or parent a foster child. But these are three of many ways you can be a stable support for a vulnerable person which leads to a lesser chance of them falling prey to the wiles of a human trafficker.
Shop with intention
You can also learn which industries are most likely to use slave labor and alter your purchasing habits to limit the likelihood of using products made by slaves. SlaveryFootprint.org is a great resource for learning more about labor trafficking and what you can do to stop supporting slave labor through your purchasing. End Slavery Now has a free buying guide that is a great tool to use as well as other good information and resources. Dozens of online stores like Made Free and Trades of Hope provide products to support anti-trafficking efforts and even provide income for those who have been freed from a life of slavery.
Support anti-trafficking efforts
If the idea of kicking down doors still appeals to you, you may consider financially supporting agencies who work with local police forces around the world to free those trapped in slavery like A21 or International Justice Mission.
Prevent child abuse
Another option I highly recommend is to take the 30 minute training on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children provided by Darkness to Light. If you are a parent, an educator, or in church leadership of any kind, I highly recommend you also take the Stewards of Children Child Sexual Abuse Prevention training. These trainings will teach you how to protect the children in your sphere of influence from sexual abuse, which creates vulnerability for human trafficking. As a certified D2L facilitator myself, I can vouch for the quality of these trainings and the efficacy of preventing the most vulnerable of us all—our children.
Help the one
When I consider the overwhelming problem of human trafficking, I am reminded of the story about the gentlemen throwing starfish back into the ocean after a storm. When a passerby mocked his efforts as barely making a difference in light of the hundreds of creatures littering the shore, the man’s response was to throw another starfish into the sea and say, “It made a difference to that one.”
It may seem that whatever you might be able to do is minuscule in comparison to the global problem, but eternity will reveal the ripple effect your donation, purchase, or phone call made in the life of an individual and their family for generations to come. Maybe you can’t help the millions, but you can help the one—and we all know what God can do with even the smallest of offerings given from a kind and generous heart.
From the time we first take breath on this planet we have a desire to be seen, loved, and wanted. As we grow, we manage this desire somewhat but it never fully goes away. We may transfer this desire from parents to a cute boy on campus, a significant role at a company, or an award or accolade, but we never lose the longing to be accepted, chosen, to matter.
On this day that magnifies human connection, those without a significant other to validate our feelings can sting. Having emotions that run deep into our core can make us feel exposed and vulnerable. We want to shrink back. We wrap our hearts in protective sheets of independence and sarcasm, perfectionism and determination.
But what if we looked at vulnerability as courage? What if allowing ourselves to rest in the tension of both desire and lack—having sincerity about our feelings, opening the truth of ourselves up to the world—what if this was an act of bravery? Instead of shrinking into the shadows of your singleness, what if you stepped into the light of God’s love and extended that love to those around you? Could you be so bold?
The beautiful and wise Brene Brown shares this in her book Daring Greatly:
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
Encasing our hearts in the bubble wrap of self-protection feels like safety, but it blocks us from the love we seek. It hampers our ability to connect with others and to minister effectively to them.
To be vulnerable is to be like Jesus. And it helps to know that Jesus gives us the security out of which we can be real with others, for He has already chosen us. He sees all the dark secrets of our hearts and He loves us. He desires to be with us.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
– 1 Peter 2:9-10
Deposit that truth deep in your soul and from that place of belonging will grow the fruit of love, empathy, and honesty needed to live a life of significance and service. God never meant for us to hide. He created us to be warriors, not wallflowers. You have everything you need within you, for you have Him!
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
– Colossians 3:12-13
On this day of pink and red and candy and flowers, lift your head and look for the outliers. Embrace the love God has for you and share it with someone who might not have the same security in Christ you have. Rest in the security of Jesus’ love for you—a love so strong He died for you! Be the brave, vulnerable, beautiful soul God created you to be, on Valentine’s Day and every day.
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Abortion is an oft-discussed and highly emotional issue. Even more so since the state of New York signed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA) into law on January 22, 2019, the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. (You may read the legislation in full here: https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2019/S240)
Many who oppose abortion have taken to social media to voice their concerns and their condemnations of the law and of those who choose abortion. While I am a firm believer in the freedom of speech and of the value of every life from the time of conception onward, I believe there are better ways to show support for the unborn than causing an uproar on Facebook and Twitter.
However, I realize many are simply at a loss as to what to do to help. Attempting to change the law seems overwhelming and while prayer does work, it often feels like there should be something more tangible we can do. The good news is, there are many life-affirming ways to help families before and after the delivery room.
To clarify the issue and to provide resources to help you get started in your passion project, I have compiled several stats on abortion and 13 accompanying ways you can get involved in helping families choose life in your community. If you have additional resources to suggest, feel free to leave information in the comments section beneath this post.
Instead of spreading negative messages focused on the pain of abortion, share life-affirming options on social media by reposting messages from your local pregnancy resource center on your personal pages. To find a center near you, search here: https://www.care-net.org/find-a-pregnancy-center
Provide material resources to a pregnancy resource center near you. Centers are often in need of diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, furniture, toiletries, bottles, blankets, toys, books, etc.To find a center near you, search here: https://www.care-net.org/find-a-pregnancy-center
Donate a monetary gift to a pregnancy resource center near you to assist in their daily operations and in marketing to those in need in their community.
Volunteer to become a client advocate at a pregnancy resource center to assist parents in their preparation for childbirth and the months following. Additionally, you can help those in poverty or those with a felony on their record increase their job skills and find employment through volunteering with Jobs for Life or similar organizations.
Organize a fundraising event on behalf of a pregnancy resource center near you to raise awareness of the need, to spread the word of the available resources, and to engage friends and family in supporting life.
Motherhood can be overwhelming. You can help by organizing a MOPS or Mother’s Day Out program, babysitting for a mom you know, or volunteering for an organization like Safe Families for Children to provide support to families going through difficult times.
Pregnancy can be a frightening thing, especially for those who have grown up in a faith that teaches the sanctity of human life. They may have feelings of shame for engaging in sex outside of marriage or fear of disappointing their parents or church families. Make sure church is a safe place to celebrate life no matter what the circumstance by…
Choosing uplifting language rather than words of condemnation in teaching and preaching.
Supporting single mothers through material gifts, social gathering opportunities, and assistance with car and home repairs.
Creating mentoring programs where older parents help younger parents navigate the early years of childhood.
One of several primary reasons women gave for choosing abortion (74%) was that it would interfere with their education, work, or ability to care for dependents. (Finer LB et al., Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2005, 37(3):110–118, doi:10.1363/3711005.)
Help women continue in their education, work, and dependent care responsibilities by providing childcare or assisting with meals and cleaning.
Share positive stories of women who have overcome difficult circumstances on social media to encourage others to do the same.
Nearly 40% of women choosing abortion stated they did not wish to raise any more children. Finer LB et al., Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantitative and qualitative perspectives, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2005, 37(3):110–118, doi:10.1363/3711005.
For many, abortion seems a more logical choice over adoption or foster care because of negative experiences from their past or negative messages they hear about the system. According to the Adoption Network, there are approximately 480,000 children in foster care in the United States. Of those, more than 60% wait 2-5 years to be adopted and some never get adopted. You can help women choose adoption by becoming an adoptive or foster parent yourself. Through giving every child who needs one a home we can change our culture, making life a positive choice to be welcomed and celebrated.
A mom soldiering through unbelievable heartache, raising her children with grace and courage and a substantial dose of quirky humor to color life bright. While her husband is lauded as the conquerer, she remains invisible. The very bones and sinew holding it all together.
I wish you could see what I see.
A wife battling in prayer for the wounded, the wandering, the blind, and the hurtful. She keeps on loving and clinging and fighting though her very heart would lie in a thousand pieces if not physically contained within her chest by the hand of a Holy Comforter.
I wish you could see what I see.
A daughter clinging to life and wholeness when everything within her screams to just let go. Every day facing the demons, the memories, the choking fears and immobilizing pain. Every minute choosing to keep breathing, keep believing that God has a plan. That He hears. That He heals.
I wish you could see what I see.
Warriors. Defenders. Heroes.
Women who refuse to let evil win and cynicism reign. Women who choose life and love. Women who stand strong though feeling oh so weak. Women who labor in their grief, their silence, their suffocating isolation.
These are the mighty ones. Women of faith. Women of courage. Women I am honored to call friends.
David had friends like these. One named Shammah stood alone when all others ran from the fight. He stood tall and brave, planting his feet in a field none would say was worth fighting for. A plot of lentils. Not gold or diamonds, presidential or palatial. A simple square of earth. Dust and beans. A memorial to character, determination, and grit.
Like Shammah, there are those fighting day in and day out in their God-ordained battles. Do you see them?
These women wipe sleep from dark circles and glare at the Enemy. These Daughters of the King know they are covered before and behind in Holy Spirit armor and wisdom. They know nothing can come against them that their Heavenly Daddy and a little waterproof mascara can’t overcome.
They don’t feel as brave as these words make them sound. They feel small and afraid. Lonely. Tired. Trampled. But they don’t see what I see.
I wish they could.
I wish you would.
And if you do…maybe hold a mirror for the warrior princess you’re blessed to know. The one that inspires you to keep on keeping on because if they can you can too. She might not see today what you can see. And what are girlfriends for if not to check for green in pearly whites, background scope the new guys, and send Starbucks gift cards when arms are too short to give hugs?
These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time. And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain. And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory. – 2 Samuel 23:8-12 ESV
Today is Shine a Light on Slavery Day, established and promoted by the End It Movement. (You can read my first post on its inception in 2013 by clicking here.) As explained on enditmovement.com,
END IT is a Coalition of the leading organizations in the world in the fight for freedom.
The #EndItMovement has mobilized thousands of people, corporations, and organizations to bring awareness, prevention, rescue, and restoration on behalf of the 20-45.8 million people trapped in modern day slavery.
How YOU can shine a light on slavery
The topic of slavery seems overwhelming…and it should. There are more slaves today than at any other point in human history. It appears impossible to conquer, but you can make a difference!
Begin:
Draw a red X on your hand, take a selfie, and post it using #EndItMovement. That’s all it takes to add your voice to the growing number of freedom fighters around the globe.
Keep going:
Want to spread the word, but don’t know what to say? Share this post on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter using the sharing buttons at the bottom. For more information on Modern Day Slavery, follow the link at the top of the page.
If you want to go farther, visit End It Movement to share stories or videos to help raise awareness among your friends and family who might not know slavery still exists. When I first became a freedom fighter, most of my circle of influence had never heard about modern day slavery. You can be the one to tell those you love about those who have no voice.
You can also donate to one of the End It Coalition Partners or find a local organization in your area like:
If that doesn’t satisfy you, consider using your unique gifts and talents to take part in the fight.
Raise money through a 5K or freedom ride
Write articles on your blog
Make jewelry, blankets, downloadable art, stationery, or whatever makes you happy
Use the resources in your hands now to impact others. God gave you these special gifts as tools to be a blessing. Get creative!
Love your neighbor
When asked what the greatest command in Scripture is, Jesus responded,
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31
Personally, I cannot imagine a better way to love my neighbor than to fight for those enslaved in my town, my state, my country, and around the world. Will you join me?
Click EndItMovement.com to find resources, read freedom fighter stories, locate partners, brainstorm ideas, and even purchase clothing to promote the End It Movement.
Click here to sign the International Justice Mission petition to ensure the End Modern Slavery Initiative (EMSI) is given the resources it needs.
Each of us desires to make a difference. Moms want to raise respectful, yet bold adults to reach a new generation for Christ. Business women want to show the world you can be a Christian, a woman, and a success in the workplace. College students are working hard, learning how to make this world a better place.
But how? How can we live significant lives and change the world? By living a supernatural life.
What is a supernatural life?
We can look to the disciples as examples.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13
These men turned the world upside-down in Jesus’ name. They lived believing death has no sting and died rejoicing in the lives they gave for the Gospel.
Becoming a change maker
I used to think this kind of life was out of my reach. I thought of the disciples as the super heroes of the Bible. They walked with Jesus for three years. I could never be like them. But in reality, these men were exactly like me.
Do you know where Peter and John were after the crucifixion of Jesus? Hiding with the other disciples behind a locked door, mourning the loss of Christ and fearful for their own lives.
Then the same day (the day of His resurrection after Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene) at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. – John 20:19
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. – Mark 16:9-11
The disciples didn’t believe Jesus could rise from the dead. They were overcome with grief, worried they might be killed too. And yet, a few weeks later they were boldly proclaiming the gospel to anyone who would listen, despite beatings, jail, and ridicule. The same Power who raised Jesus from the dead embodied the disciples and EVERYTHING changed.
We focus on what God wants us to do and forget the kind of people He wants us to be. Instead of mustering up more willpower, let’s focus our energies and time on asking for help from the One who has the power to change us. – Francis Chan, Forgotten God
For a type A, list-making, goal-oriented person like myself, this hits home. If I am ever going to make a mark on this world for Jesus, I need to live in a supernatural power I do not possess. I need the Holy Spirit to change me.
Make the shift
By surrendering our will to His, we can develop our relationship with the Holy Spirit just as we do with the Father and Jesus. He is not a silent partner. He is active and moving in this world. If you want to be a part of what He is doing, make the shift. Submit your abilities to the Holy Spirit’s arsenal and watch what He does.
In what way do you see yourself making a difference in this world? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
