I've been trying to put into words all the thoughts I have been having recently, and the things that God has been laying on my heart. I don't know if I am becoming more sensitive to the plights of others because I am a mother now, or if I have reached a point of maturity where I feel the need to reach beyond myself. Don't get me wrong, I have always cared about other people, and wanted to help, but it seems like this past year certain issues have been weighing much more heavily on my heart.
Earlier this year, my pastor began speaking about human trafficking and the problem of slavery. Our church has been working closely with the International Justice Mission to raise awareness in the U.S. of the problem, and to push our politicians to continue legislation and funding to help. I remember the first time it was brought up at church and the pastor mentioned that the Pacific Northwest has the highest rate of human trafficking in the nation, I had tears running down my face as I thought of my children and how horrible it must be for the parents of those who are lost. God planted a seed in my heart that day.
After Adelin was born, we didn't go to church for awhile and even though the subject was still on my heart, I hadn't taken any further steps in the area. I was very surprised when my sister, Amanda, posted on her FB page about the problem of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. It was kind of a kick in the pants, and I actually felt very humble that God had chosen to lay the same subject on both of our hearts at the same time. Not long after that, I saw that my church was going to have a screening of a movie produced by IJM, and I figured it was time to return. That Sunday, one of the national leaders of IJM was the speaker, and again I was brought to tears. Especially about the story of the three girls - two were 11 yrs and one was 13 - who where forced to work in a brothel. IJM worked with the local police in the Philippines to rescue the girls and arrest their "owners." One girl is working to become an interpreter, one wants to help counsel other girls, and the third was resold by her mother and has since disappeared. It broke my heart to hear of that poor girl betrayed by her own mother and it made me think of my own children, and how blessed I am to have them.
It seems that we tend to get so wrapped up in our day to day lives that we forget the horrors that are happening all around us. I know that I am guilty of worrying about my own petty problems that I forget that there are millions of people who are much worse off than I am. We don't have much money, and we live paycheck to paycheck, but we still have working cars, a roof over our heads, and family members who love and take care of us. I also know that I am guilty of squandering and being wasteful of what I do have and I have been asking God to help me become a better steward of our resources and money. However, my concern is not just for myself anymore.
I have been guilty of being selfish and materialistic and these past few months God has been opening my eyes and softening my heart. I still hope for financial security, but many of my motives are different. Pastor often talks about asking for blessings so that we may bless others and that has become very important to me. Often I feel lost because I don't know exactly what I can do, but I can spread the word and raise awareness. I can ask others to think about the people being bought and sold every day - the 14 yr old boy who has been working in a brick factory for 7 years, 12-14 hours a day; the 11 yr old girl who is forced to do unspeakable things with men; the parents who work along side their children knowing that they will never be able to provide them with a better life. Yes, I want a house, a savings account, the ability to buy nice things for my children, financial security, but I also want to have the means to help those around me. So, I will continue to open my heart to God and allow Him to work through me, and I will ask for blessings so that I may be a blessing.
