Intention is no substitute for action

"We drive past the strip clubs and turn away or even gawk at the broken lives. But they are the same children who have just been abused for too many years...What happens when the girl who has been abused and exploited grows up? How will we respond to her when she makes life choices that are rooted in the brokenness of her youth?" 

--a quote from Treasures an LA-based organization that helps to reach women in the sex industry.

We may have pity, or even disdain, for those working in the sex industry. But it is important to know where they came from. We've talked a little bit about that. Now I want to focus on the action.

When we look at the world through our own eyes, we see greed, hatred, violence, filth... looking through God's eyes, we see a broken and hurting world, desperate for hope. What are you doing about it? Complacency is one of the worst things we could be. Everyone has unique gifts and talents. Use them!

I would have never thought I would be equipped for the work I'm doing now. Global trafficking, overseas missions, and national issues seem huge. Start somewhere. That one person who needs love, and desires to be shown kindness. To those who want to be missionaries to another country (because we as Christians are all missionaries, geographical location is just a detail), start in your neighborhood. Your workplace. Your family.

It's frustrating when talking to people who feel stuck in their lives - unhappy with their jobs, or feeling tied down to family or other obligations. If you find yourself seeing a need and wanting to help, but money, time, and obligation seem like roadblocks... let me tell you, I have come up against all of those, and seen others who could have used that as a legitimate excuse, but had chosen to believe that God is bigger than any excuse you can conjure up, and if you really had the desire, He will provide the means. Don't let fear hold you back. Just say YES!

The journey is more important than the destination

This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Feeling joy from the updates of my friends who are visiting Romania, and my little Bernadette, then immediate sadness in the longing to be there too. I so often have to tell myself that if I only knew the things God has in store for me, I would be waking up every morning filled with excitement, knowing that I am right where I am supposed to be. Although sometimes it feels as I am "stuck" here... actually, scratch that. I used to think that. I don't anymore. Now I realize that every step I take, every joy and triumph, every heartbreak and painful experience, every interaction, is all preparing me, not for "bigger things," but things I simply could never imagine. I am a firm believer that the journey is far more important than the destination, and to minimize each experience and life lesson as just a "stepping stone" towards the greater purpose is to miss a significant part of the journey. That one interaction that will touch your soul so deeply. That one person who will capture your heart for years to come. That one story that drives you into action.

This is my dear Bernadette. She has touched me deeper than anyone else I know, and her story will always be my motivation for action, as long as I am able. I hope I will be able to see her again soon.

Timing is everything

  As my friends leave for Romania today, I don't feel sadness... but excitement and joy. Knowing there must be a reason I'm not flying over the ocean right now (why wouldn't I be???). In the last couple of years, I've learned to give my dreams over to God because I realize He is bigger than my dreams, and He wants to do more through me than what I initially thought. I knew the timing wasn't great; that I couldn't stay as long as I wanted, that there are other details that need to be worked out. I love how freeing it feels to let this one go, and not sit in heartache that I can't be there, but know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has amazing plans for me, and they must be pretty awesome. So I look forward to the future, not wishing for what could have been, but hopeful and excited for what is to come!

Social Perceptions

  In all of my research of human trafficking (including reading Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd, founder of GEMS in New York) I am beginning to realize that there is way more depth to it than what is perceived. I am endeavoring to break down some of the myths that surround this issue, and create a sort of blog series, if you will. To preface, I will say that I could easily go into greater depth, and what I write here is just a tip of the iceberg. If you really want to get a greater understanding of this whole issue, Lloyd's book is an excellent resource, and has been my inspiration for the next few posts.


  People hear "human trafficking," and they picture a girl from Thailand or the Philippines starved and chained in a warehouse. While there is no doubt that is sometimes the case, even more often, it is closer to home. The truth is, the majority of the girls in the U.S. who are being sexually exploited today are home grown. Runaways, those in the foster care system, who have substance abusing parents/a missing parent, and poverty are factors that make young girls vulnerable to sex trafficking. Because of a lack of choices, hope for a better future is lost, and desperation is found. A common belief in society is that these girls chose to work in the sex industry, but a closer look into their background, and you'll find that there wasn't a choice to be made, but rather a lack of options that led to this occupation of "choice." What child ever says they want to have sex with strangers for money when they grow up? Think about it.

  A huge element in the issue of sex trafficking, is sexual abuse at a young age. The high percentage of women working in the sex industry (that includes pornography, stripping, and prostitution) who have been sexually abused during childhood or adolescence is undeniably significant. It is an estimated 80-90%. Given that fact, to some girls, selling sex may seem like a small price to pay, especially after being raped or abused.

  Also taking into consideration the average age of recruitment (thirteen), the emotional maturity and mental capacity to make sound judgments and weigh the alternatives at that age is severely lacking. The psychological and emotional limitations of teenagers, as well as the limited understanding of consequences, makes them generally impulsive, rebellious, and vulnerable to peer pressure. There is a reason we are given age limitations for driving, drinking, marrying, and moving out on your own, because as a society we recognize there is a difference between adolescents and adults, maturity wise.


  So how can we change these false social perceptions? One is by recognizing these factors play a part in how a girl ends up working the streets. Another would be to change our language. One of the statements drafted in the Agenda for Action against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children declares that the term child or youth prostitute can no longer be used. As these girls are being sexually exploited, the language and reference to them must reflect that belief. "Child prostitute" implies who a person is, rather than what is being done to her.

  Choices must be seen in context. It may not be wise to go home with someone you've just met, particularly when you've been drinking. Yet that in no way means you "chose" to get raped. When faced with these individual, environmental and societal factors, children are susceptible to traffickers who prey on their vulnerability.



More to come soon...