A Long Hiatus

It's been over two years since I posted.  You'd almost think, by my involvement, the war was over.  If only that were so.  Instead, I've just not been sharing here and instead been posting much on my Facebook page (personal, that is - this blog doesn't have a Facebook page).  With all that has been going on, though, I think I'll try to update this blog on occasion again.  I'd like to have a place where links stay centralized - easier to find for future reference, I think.

If you're just finding this spot, please be patient with me as I figure out how to make time for the blog again.  The subject matter is very important to me so I'll do it - I just may have some kinks to work out.

For starters, here is what I read today:

Buyer Beware - early success for initiative targeting johns instead of prostitutes

Proverbs 31:8-9

Slave Free Chocolate

As a serious chocolate lover, this article caught my attention.  The world can get "very small" VERY fast when you are looking for places to shop and part of your criteria includes "ethical" products.  I don't find that to be a bad thing as yet.

Only ethical chocolate at PCC

Proverbs 31:8-9

Sweden's Take on Prostitution

Why the game's up for Sweden's sex trade


Proverbs 31:8-9

On the Mexico Border...

Sex slavery cult



Proverbs 31:8-9

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Today, January 11th, has been declared National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  All around the nation there are various events happening where you can learn more about this horrific problem. 

Modern day slavery.  A term heard more and more often (Praise Jesus!!) is a very real, despicable issue that happens in every country on earth.  It is illegal in every form yet it is a $32 billion dollar a year business and there are an estimated 27-29 million slaves in captivity of some form at any one time.

You can be part of the solution to this problem.  Research the goods you buy, the clothes you wear, even the food you eat.  Where does it come from?  What are the standards and practices in each industry?  Do you know that "Made in America" does not always mean wages, decent working conditions, a 40 hour work week, employees who are legal citizens or immigrants who are actually receiving their wages.

Research, research, research...

I am really enjoying this Made in America series by ABC's World News.  You learn a lot and you discover it's not so hard to find objects actually made in this country.  Additionally, buying items made in America means jobs for America.  We know THAT'S a good thing.

Additionally, the Polaris Project has a new safe harbor petition.  Laws exist in our country that actually criminalize those who are trafficking victims.  Until that changes, many victims of trafficking who could be rescued are re-victimized by our legal system when they are found.  Not out of some sort of vindictiveness but because there is little to nothing the courts can do based upon the way our laws work now.

Finally, there are MANY awareness events going on around the country.  Check the links to your right.  Check with organizations in your area.  If you can, attend an event today and add your voice to the growing number of people who want to see - and help bring - an end to human trafficking.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Child Marriage

Man, 70, marries 15-year-old

Apparently, in this poor girl's household, her value is $20,000...

I don't know her parents' motivation for selling her to this much older man.  There are many possibilities:

1.  They were greedy for money.
2.  They have other children to feed, are poor and made a choice - sacrifice one to save many idea.
3.  They were lied to in regard to what her exact situation would be.
4.  Culturally speaking a daughter has little value so they saw no harm in profiting the family.

Obviously this is a short list and by no means comprehensive but somewhere in all of that is the truth.  No matter the reason, it does not sound as if it was the girl's choice to marry this man and that alone should make the arrangement untenable. 

So many girls like her...and so many in far worse situations.  My heart breaks every time I read even just the headline.  The story itself makes me weep.


Proverbs 31:8-9

A Letter from a Chinese Laborer

Letter from Chinese Laborer Pleading for Help Found in Halloween Decorations

What disturbed me, almost as much as the text of the letter, was the lack of response the letter finder received from various human rights organizations.

 

The work is plenty but the laborers are few...  There are SO many human rights violations around the world and organizations are overwhelmed and simply don't have the manpower or the ability to respond to each request.  I have run into this issue myself when trying to figure out how to help.

 

Take it to your church, to your workplace...share the information and then pray, think...get creative.  There ARE things you can do (for instance, the last paragraph that discusses looking for items made in America to purchase instead of China...).  Don't give up hope, don't allow yourself to feel inconsequential.  Everyone has a place in this fight and everyone CAN do something to end these atrocities. 

 

 

 

Proverbs 31:8-9