ReLENTless Acts of Justice

I can’t recall a time when I truly participated in Lent. The children and I did something similar for 4 weeks before Easter. It was mainly a giving time to others--letters, cards, meals, phone calls, etc. Perhaps I gave something up for Lent--once. However, this year I noticed that World Vision ACTs (activism network) had ideas for Lent on a daily basis. The event is called Relentless Acts of Justice. I thought I’d give it a try and participate in as many of the activities as I can. I believe the first event with ACTs, we, as a family, took part in was Malaria day when we discussed the affects of malaria and raised money for mosquito nets to be distributed among those that may not have one. This event will be more of a challenge for me but I will give it a try. I’ve recently been listening to the “Radical” series of messages given by Dr. David Platt who encourages us to truly follow Jesus and his teachings. (You may see his sermons online at www.brookhill.org or read his book entitled RADICAL.) I had just finished one of the activities that he shared the other day and it was on today’s Relentless emails: to make a list of your luxuries. If you have a roof over your head, food in your belly, clothes on your back, you’re considered rich in the world we live in. We may not feel like we are rich, but compared to most of the world today, we are wealthy. (Of course I’ve never thought of myself as wealthy--monetarily that is. But I am!) God has blessed us in America. So how can we wisely use that blessing to bless others?

4 Year Anniversary

Sometimes when things are at their lowest point, the best moments are just around the corner. But you have to venture around that corner. (Suzanne Locklear)

I never had time to be scared or even imagine dire consequences from cancer--I was too focused on conquering it. (Judith Barnard)

Whole days, even weeks, go by now and I don’t even think about it. It’s amazing that after something so terrifying, you can forget. (Nancy Reagan)

My cancer gave me the courage to say yes to life and no to unhappiness...I chose to live. (Elizabeth Miu Lan Young)

It’s a pretty amazing wake-up call. Life is short and I can assure you I don’t waste much time. (Dierdre Black)

Why I celebrate:
Four years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve always had a fear of cancer because cancer is often looked upon as a dreaded curse. And yes, I thought that way myself for a couple of reasons. However, though I’d often begged God to keep cancer far away from me, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 27, 2007. Though a bit shocked, it wasn’t devastating news. During the whole episode, God showed Himself faithful--mainly through the diagnosis. Though it had been 2 years since my last mammogram, I was told that if I had gotten the mammogram on time, the tumor probably wouldn’t have shown up. If I had waited, it wouldn’t have been felt until it had really enlarged. The mass was only 1/2 cm--pea sized. Even though small, cancer can be scary. I was alone in the doctors office when I got the news of the possibility of breast cancer--a terribly lonely time. After the mammogram, a second mammogram, an ultrasound and finally a biopsy, I knew it was my turn for the disease that no one wants but has infiltrated our family. The day I got the call, Jim was at work, Caleb was in L.A., Cory in Madagascar, Carey in Tennessee, and Charley was at home. I immediately called my good friend Cindy and she came right over. She had been through breast cancer the year before. She helped me through those first few minutes of wrapping my head around the news. It wasn’t long before friends and family began sending me words, songs and Scriptures of encouragement. That night, to relieve some of the stress of being overwhelmed, we went to Red Brick Pizza (in Paso) of all places to eat and watch TV (each table is set up with a little TV on it). (that sounds random-lol)
The surgery was on March 2 but the day before is when I really fell apart. Charley soon had me laughing and we decided to go bowling. (What else is there to do in a small town? Ha!)
Encouragement continued to roll in, even at the hospital. Sarah Kate, Joel and Diego came to be there for me and Sarah sang Ginny Owen’s “If You Want Me To”. One of the nurses prayed with me. I am so thankful for all those that shared in this experience with me through prayers, encouragement, Scripture and songs.
After my radiation treatment, we moved to Tennessee and I’ve been celebrating my BC anniversary every year with something fun, unusual, or unexpected. This year, year 4, I’m not sure what I’ll do. A trip to California sounds good to me. We’ll see.

The stedfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an EVERLASTING ROCK!! Isaiah 26:3-4

I sought the Lord and He answered me. And delivered me from my fears. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalm 34:4

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

Red Hand Day--February 12

Children Should Not Be Forced Into Combat

Red Hand Day, on February 12, is a worldwide initiative to stop the use of child soldiers. According to U.N. statistics, there are approximately 250,000 child soldiers worldwide being used in adult wars. The average age is 15-18, however some as young as 7 years of age are forced to participate.
They basically become slaves for their commanders. They fear for their lives so do as they’re told from running errands to becoming victims of sex abuse. They may participate in combat, laying mines or other explosives, scouting, spying, cooking and domestic labor. Some join voluntarily for a sense of survival. About 1/3 of child soldiers are girls doing what the boys do as well as forced to be “wives” or “sex slaves” to the commanders. They may be infected with HIV/AIDS or other STDs and many girls become pregnant. These children live under harsh conditions with little food and little or no healthcare.
In the past decade more than 2 million children have been killed in conflict situations. An estimated 6 million children have been seriously injured or permanently disabled. (World Vision)

Pray for the Child Soldiers!

Superbowl Sunday--Super for ???

How will you spend your Super Bowl Sunday?

As people around the country meet for food, fun and fellowship--eating to their heart’s content and cheering on their favorite team--young girls are being sold into the superbowl city, in and around Dallas, Texas. Church activities are put on hold because of this big game--one of the biggest human trafficking events in the U.S.A.
“It’s a sad fact that where men and money converge, human trafficking follows. To meet the demand, many prostitutes will be brought in, including children and teens. Many of these will be forced victims, literally being sex slaves for human traffickers.”
“Dallas Cowboy, three time pro-bowler Jay Ratliff has joined the fight against the tragedy of child human trafficking. ‘It has recently come to my attention that American children are being bought and sold for profit and pleasure and I’m mad. Men, I’m talking to you,’ declared Mr. Ratliff.” He states that “real men don’t buy children, they don’t buy sex.”
It is estimated that between 100 and 300,000 U.S. children are trafficked within our own borders each year. (Aaron Russell, Dallas City Buzz Examiner) 25% come through Texas. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
“Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott noted that there is a ‘looming potential explosion of human trafficking around the Super Bowl.’” He also announced that he would be sending a dozen staff members from his human trafficking task force to assist local law enforcement in cracking down on human trafficking during this years Super Bowl. (John Burger)
Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal trade and is expected to surpass drug trafficking in the next two years, according to Traffick 911. (Josephine Vivaldo--Christian Post Contributer)
Several local organizations in the Dallas area are joining in the effort to raise awareness and support ground work in recognizing and reporting human trafficking for the Super Bowl 2011. Also, 5 major airlines offered a course last week to teach ways to identify traffickers and their victims.
So while you’re enjoying your wings and nachos--pray for the little ones losing their innocence today.
Other resources:
www.traffick911.com

Some Red Flags:
Scripted answers.
Inconsistencies in story.
Branding or tattoos, especially that reflect ownership or money.
Bruising, including handprints or thin marks like an extension cord or wire. Varied stages of healing with black, purple, blue, yellow shades.
Coming on to several men.
Appears helpless, shamed, nervous.
Malnourished.
Inability or fear to make eye contact.
Chronic runaway; homeless youth.
Dating much older, abusive or controlling man.
Not attending school or has numerous school absences.
Clothes that say, “Daddy’s girl” or inappropriate for weather.

On its own, one of these signs might not indicate trafficking, but 2-3 together are a good indication. The average life expectancy for a child forced into sexual slavery is 7 years. Don’t wait. Call 911 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1.888.373.7888, if you suspect something. It’s better to be wrong than not to report it. A life might just depend on it.

"Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." Proverbs 31:8

Take Your Best Shot

For the past couple of weeks I have been reading about causes, passion, doing something bigger than yourself. The two books I have been reading would be terrific reads for you and the young person in your life. (I actually posted information about one of the books on my previous blog about human trafficking.)
Austin Gutwein was a nine year old when he watched “Maggie”, a story about an AIDS orphan in Africa living with her great-grandmother. He was so touched by her story that he wanted to do something, but he didn’t know what to do. After speaking with someone at World Vision, he was encouraged to use his interest and passion to bring hope to orphans in Africa. He started “Hoops for Hope” to raise money for this cause. His first event was held on World Aids Day and he shot over 2,000 hoops (baskets) by himself. The next year, hundreds joined him. You can take part in shooting hoops to raise money for Austin’s organization or maybe you’ve got a different passion. There are many needs around the world. Find your passion, take your best shot and do something bigger than yourself.

His book: Take Your Best Shot.

Some Stats:
Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS.
Of the 11 million people in Zambia, 1.2 million are AIDS orphans.
Every 14 seconds another African child becomes an orphan because of AIDS.
There are 15 million AIDS orphans worldwide; 12 million are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day (and month)

I wasn't ready to post this blog yet but decided I needed to, especially after reading someone else's blog on the subject. Think about this: It's been said that the 2011 Super Bowl will be the largest human trafficking event in the history of the U.S. That bothers me--does it bother you? Didn't slavery end back in the 1800's? or even before that? There are more slaves in the world today than there have ever been in history. There are approximately 27 million slaves worldwide. Is there any help? Any hope?
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a form of modern-day slavery.
I've been reading a book about a young abolitionist. No, not Harriet Tubman or William Wilburforce. His name is Zach Hunter and he has become a voice for the voiceless. All around the world, including our own country, people are oppressed and enslaved. Zach Hunter wants to see them set free. At the age of 12 he started "Loose Change to Loosen Chains", a student led effort to raise awareness and funds to free slaves. Since then, he has written 3 books on the subject, encouraging young people to become aware and to discover their passion to change the world. Zach is 17 years old and has spoken in front of thousands of people across the country. He works with International Justice Mission, a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. You can learn more on ijm.org.
Zach Hunter's books can be found at your local bookstore:
Be the Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World
Generation Change
Lose Your Cool: Discovering A Passion That Changes You and the World

The Starfish Story

Early one morning a boy was walking along a beach. Hundreds of starfish lay stranded on the shore, having been washed onto the sand the night before by a storm. As he walked, the little boy would pick up a starfish at random and throw it back into the sea. An old man came down the beach, walking in the other direction. He asked the little boy what he was doing. "I'm saving starfish," he answered. "Young man, don't waste your time. There's no way that you can make a difference for all these starfish," the man said. The little boy leaned down, picked up one more, and threw it back into the sea. He looked the man in the eye and said, "I made a difference to that one." (adapted from the story by Loren Eiseley)

Who's the one on the beach waiting for you? Who's the starfish in your life that you need to help? You might think that you are just one person in this world. But to one person, you might be the world.