Wednesday, November 23, 2011

We all have something.

Something that absolutely sickens us to the core.  

An issue going on it the world that brings us almost to instant tears when we think about it. 

We push the thoughts out, just to get through whatever it is we may be doing when it happens to cross our mind. 

Something we are insanely passionate about.

Most of us don't know what to do about it.

Last night at our weekly Bible study that we host, this topic came up.

On Sunday, the sermon was on the fact that God has set us apart for a designated purpose. Jesus knew this and prayed that we would be guarded, and protected by God in order to be sanctified, made holy and set apart to do His will.

God gives us an ability.


God gives us a personality.


God gives us a passion.

Over the evening we dug into this idea further and each took turns speaking about what our abilities, personalities, and passions were. It was amazing seeing the differences within our small group alone.

We read 1 Corinthians 12. This is the passage that talk about how the body is not made up of one part, but many. Explaining the need for different people to have different passions, abilities, etc.

"Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them as he chose." 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.

As we all got to talking, I was completely fascinated by the different passions in our little group alone. It ranged from abortion, to sex-trafficking, to bullying, to animal cruelty and more. My husband pointed out at the end of the evening, the one thing we all had in common was that we all felt a passion to help the helpless.

The thing that absolutely brings me horror is child abuse and sex trafficking. This is something that rips me to my ultimate core. Anger that sometimes I never knew I had is what forms when I think about these poor victims. I was explaining this to the group last night and the most interesting thing happened. My husband stopped me and said, "love, I know this sounds crazy, but that is exactly what I was going to say."

We just kind of looked at each other. I don't know why we have never talked about it. Probably because I push it out of my mind most of the time to keep myself from completely falling apart. I think for both of us, having children ignited this fire in us. We already support a few kids in Africa by a monthly donation, and don't get me wrong, I think all those organizations are fantastic. But the passion for the victims of sex-trafficking and abuse is where I feel myself want to fight someone. Yes, all of my 5'1 frame.

One of our friends told me about this organization called The A21 Campaign. Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century. I quickly became an expert on the website within an hour.


Their website reads: Human trafficking is an organized criminal industry that affects every nation. While the statistics can seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that every number represents the life of a victim. The A21 Campaign has recognized a significant need in the region of Europe, and is committed to combating this injustice through rescuing one life at a time.

The statistics are overwhelming... 
  • Human trafficking is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately 31.6 billion USD each year. Specifically, trafficking for sexual exploitation generates 27.8 billion USD per year2.
  • There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide3.
  • Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe4.
  • 90% of victims trafficked into the European Union member states will end up in the sex industry5.
  • Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted6.

This organization's is helping:

12 comments:

  1. I'm soooo with you in the area of human trafficking. Breaks my heart. I did a school program that focused on children-at-risk around the world, and then lived in Rwanda seeing firsthand what that looks like. My next goal in life is to work with an NGO in Thailand...or anywhere really. It's amazing, even in America, how prevalent this issue is too! My city (Portland) is one of the worst! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is such a critical issue that needs more attention and support. Thanks for shedding light on something that is so in need of our help. You are amazing girlie!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is something that soooo many people would never even think about. Really makes me think...I am so glad to find your blog. I can't wait to keep reading!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are such a beautiful person inside and out.. I will one day get off facebook for good... u are an inspiration.. I have recently started an Invisible Children org. at my University... It is about child solider trafficking. If you haven't heard about it, you can Google it... they are an amazing organization...

    http://highfashion-higherpurpose.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my goodness, I found you through Followers' Fest and I absolutely love your blog! Such a great message!

    themindofaginger.blogspot.com

    - Katelyn

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is amazing. I love when people are passionate about something. So glad I found your blog :)

    (Also, no facebook? You're my hero.)

    Blake @ Fearless

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey Heather, thanks for sharing. I have a real passion for stopping child abuse and sex trafficking. I just read this (http://danielandalli.blogspot.com/2011/11/little-princes-book-review.html) book about child trafficking. I encourage you to check it out. This guy was just a normal guy who has made a huge impact! I am with you, I never am quite sure what to do about the issue besides to spread the word and donate to organizations. But I am always looking for better ways to get involved.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It really does just take one person to make a difference. I love that Burke quote. I love that you are blogging for the glory of God. That is awesome. So happy to have found you through the blog hop... now a follower! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Heather,
    Found your blog thru Follower's Fest! LOVE LOVE LOVE the 365 days of no FB! There a lot of things in my life that I should go without for 365. Thanks for making me think!
    Ashley :)
    www.flatstoflipflops.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. so, so glad i found you!! i'd love for you to stop by www.thelovelypoppy.com and check out the new tutorials and current giveaways. xoxo nicole

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is such a great post! New follower from Follower's Fest. Love your idea of no Facebook.

    Come and stop by sometime :)
    Take care,

    Tabitha
    www.divatodomestic.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a beautiful post! I'm a new follower of your blog. I look forward to reading more. Have a great Sunday :)

    ReplyDelete

I'm blessed by your sweet words!

They inspire and encourage me to keep sharing my story...

Thank you.

♥Heather