Human Trafficking Awareness Day (How Homeschool Moms CAN Help)

Usually this is Wordless Wednesday, but I have too many words bubbling to the surface to ignore. I realize this topic isn't a comfortable one. It gnaws at my soul and has made me physically ill at times. I have often wished that I could "un-know" all of the things about human trafficking that have been brought to my attention.

 There are PRICELESS lives at stake.

It sickens and repulses me to think that women and children (yes, even boys) have been sold and treated with less dignity than most animals.

I am convicted by all of the past assumptions I made about hookers/prostitutes, and how they "chose" that lifestyle.  

Oh, man! How little did I know.

My heart is heavily burdened with responsibility to be Jesus' hands and feet to those who have been trafficked, sold...

exploited.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17)

"From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight." (Psalm 72:14)

Okay, so what can a busy home school mom, with no experience in this issue, do to help? 

THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS!!!

For starters, get educated. Read blogs, books (I have many suggestions), articles, and anything else you can get your hands on about this horrific type of modern day slavery.

(First shameless plug: I know this author. He rocks. Buy his book, then buy Kleenex.)

(Or buy this book. Don't forget to order Kleenex.)

Find out if your state has a local coalition for fighting human trafficking. If you live in Oklahoma, go to this link. There are ways that you can get involved locally.

Host a jewelry party to help build circles of protection around rescued women and children.

* PRAY * PRAY * PRAY *

Look into reputable sites like here, here, here, and here, to discover the many creative ways to reach out a helping hand.

Another freedom fighter can be found here . Her testimony blew me out of the water! Don't let the name of her ministry turn you off. Give. It. A. Chance. I promise that if you read her story, you'll be reduced to tears and praises to God for what HE alone can do. (Annie has replied to a couple of my tweets. *Yes, I thought it was pretty awesome!*) Follow her on Twitter and then pick your jaw up off the floor from the amazing testimonies she constantly shares. P.S. Annie, if you are reading this, I dream of walking the strip with you someday, sharing the Good News. I would love to see you in action, girl! ;) *secondshamelessplug*

One last thing, if you should ever want to contact me with questions: layla@paytonlink.com ...

DO IT!

I'll answer what I can and seek answers to what I am ignorant about. 

Remember, we aren't just talking about women here,

we are talking about children (babies) too!

Cheering you on & checking the fuel gauge,

Layla