Sometimes a quick update to social media unexpectedly grows into a blog post. This is one of those.
The last couple days my husband and I have talked a lot about horrific stories in the news. The Turpin family … the Nassar case … These are just two present examples of unabated evil in our world. What’s worse: We know there are millions of others that never get reported, that never receive public attention. We’re tempted to look away. To encapsulate ourselves in our safe bubble of friends and family and choose ignorant bliss over heartache and seeming helplessness.
“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”
— William Wilberforce
This morning I sit here drinking my fair trade coffee and praying about all the cruelty and injustices in the world. I’m thinking about all of this and thanking God that He gives us opportunities to help.
We CAN make a difference in this world.
This weekend Justice Network is being honored — along with our co-founder Susan Allen Panzica — at the Liberator Awards Ceremony. Susan has taken this little idea she and I had and turned it into a world-changing force. She’s a warrior for freedom. Together with other members of Justice Network, we’re receiving the Innovator Award for our work to end human trafficking.
I hate that these horrific realities exist. But I am proud to play my small part in boldly standing against them.
Small yeses can lead to unexpected places.
Five years ago I started writing about injustice on this blog. I had no idea at that time what God would do with those few heartfelt posts of passionate words. He’s multiplied them a dozen — a MILLION TIMES over! Because I said “yes” to what God asked of me — even when I really didn’t want to! — I have been able to network with authors and international organizations, to raise awareness, to speak on college campuses and in public high schools, to empower freedom-fighters, to promote rescue and restoration, to support social media campaigns that have literally reached millions of people around the world … It absolutely stuns me.
Who am I? Seriously. I am just a poorly-equipped woman with a very tender heart who decided to say “yes” to God. I can’t even get through this post without crying. How am I qualified to lead anything? I’m not … but God.
You CAN do something.
The Bible study I co-lead on Tuesday mornings is going through Kelly Minter‘s study of Nehemiah. One of the questions we discussed this week was this: Who’s welfare are you promoting and how?
We serve a God of compassion and we all have a part to play in rescuing others. You don’t have to start a nonprofit to make a difference! But do something. Anything. Right where you are. To promote the well-being of someone within your sphere of influence. We don’t have to be paralyzed or dismayed by the darkness. We can do something about it.
And God can take those little, feeble offerings and multiply them into realities much, much larger than we ever imagine.
TALK TO ME:
What is God calling you to do? How can you share His love and compassion with those within your reach?
