What God Won't Ask When You Die

What GOD won't ask when you die:

God won't ask what kind of car you drove.
He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation..

God won't ask the square footage of your house.
He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet.
He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask what your highest salary was.
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. 

God won't ask what your job title was.
He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won't ask how many friends you had.
He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived.
He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin.
He'll ask about the content of your character

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation.
He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, if You've asked Him into your heart..

The Good Samaritan Response to Human Trafficking

I am shamelessy stealing a portion of my pastors message this weekend.  It was so applicable to the world of human trafficking (or any injustice) that I wanted to share.  We looked at the very familiar story of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?”  he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  

Each person that came across the victim in this parable had a different response.  Those responses are the same choices we have when we encounter an injustice.  Let's take a look:

• The Expert of the Law viewed the victim as a topic to discuss.  We too can have this same response when we hear of an injustice.  When we take this approach we are indifferent.    The world of human trafficking may seem so far away that it seems like it's not our problem.  But the truth is it is happening right here in our own backyard.  It has been identified in all 50 US states.  When we are made aware of in an injustice,  but choose not to take any action we are choosing the side of the oppressor.  I saw a quote on pinterest that said "Let's stop reading statistics and start changing them."  We can only talk about something for so long before we have to decide to do something about it. 

• The robbers saw the victim as an object to exploit.  This could not be more true in the world of human trafficking.  Traffickers don't see a girl as a person made in the image of God and being of infinite value.  She becomes an object with no worth other than bringing them money.  They see her as a means to make a profit.    Greed and power takes over any sense of morality. 

• The priest and the Levite both saw the victim as a problem to avoid.  Sometimes we look away and choose to ignore.  We bury our head in the sand and hope the problem will go away on it's own.  We don't want to be inconvenienced.  It takes time and effort to get involved.  Some problems can be  emotionally taxing as well.  Our response often becomes: "I don't have time for that."  or " Someone else will take care of it."  If this tends to be your response perhaps pray for God to soften your heart in this area.  If human trafficking doesn't pierce your heart ask God to open your eyes to another injustice.

• The Samaritan was the only one who saw the victim as a person to rescue.  This too should be our response.  Our hearts should break for the things that break God's heart.  Don't allow yourself to become crippled by the thought that this problem is too big for you to make a difference.  Do what you can.  Educate yourself.  Tell others that slavery still exists.  Research the organizations in your area that are fighting against human trafficking.  Sign up to receive their emails.  Volunteer or donate to one of them.  Start a human trafficking page on pinterest.  And don't forget to pray. 

My Prayer For Rescued Victims

I have been studying the book of Genesis this year in BSF.  Last week we studied the well  known story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.  At the beginning of Genesis 37 we learn that Joseph is the favorite son of Jacob.  Jacob has given his most loved son Joseph an ornate robe.  We also learn that his brothers are jealous.  Verse 3 says they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.  They hated him so much that one day when Jacob sends Joseph to go check on his brothers they devise a plot to kill him.  They strip him of his ornate robe and throw him into a well.  A pit of despair.  No way to escape.  Disregarded.  Alone.  Unloved.

But rather than leave him for dead his brothers decide to sell him to some Midianite Merchants that are passing by.  Joseph is sold into slavery.

While studying this part of Joseph's life I began thinking how closely his experience parallels what a sex trafficking victim experiences.  Since most traffickers target girls with some sort of vulnerability (broken home, absent parents, abuse, etc.) she most likely did not come from a place of being the favorite.  But, like Joseph, she is sold into slavery.  Like Joseph, she too is stripped, but of her dignity.  She is thrown into a pit of despair. She has no way out. She is disregarded. She is alone. She is unloved.

But Josephs story didn't end with being sold into slavery.  He would eventually be exalted to the position of prime minister to the most powerful ruler of that day.  How did he survive?  Gen 39 vs 3 and 23 tell us but the Lord (BUT GOD) was with Joseph and gave him success in everything he did.

I love all the verses in the Bible that begin with BUT GOD.  So many instances where there is tragedy, heartbreak or uncertainty.  And then you read the words BUT GOD.  It signifies a turning point or change of events or circumstances.  Do a search for BUT GOD verses sometime and you will be enriched just reading them.

My prayer is that every rescued victim would come to know that the Lord is with her.  That she would experience the true love and healing of Christ.  To know that she is precious in God's sight.  That she would rewrite the lies she has been believing. That she would be able to say "I was trapped in this horrific thing, BUT GOD has redeemed me!"  And that she is able to strike out the old and replace with the new. 

Instead of despair to have HOPE.

To stop feeling like there is no way out and to find FREEDOM.

To no longer feel disregarded and instead feel VALUED.

To know she is no longer alone, but that she has the HOLY SPIRIT in her.

Instead of feeling unloved to know that she is LOVED and CHERISHED.

And just like the song from Matthew West we need to toss out the name given to her by her pimp and have her say "Hello my name is child of the one true king."

 Hello, my name is regret

I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life
I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat
I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win
I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief
These are the voices, these are the lies
And I have believed them, for the very last time
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, and I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am no longer defined
By all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new
Has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life
What love the Father has lavished upon us
That we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King

~Matthew West

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have linked up with:

Exploitative Attitudes Diminish The Dignity of the Human Body

I volunteered at a Human Trafficking Awareness event this past weekend hosted by Buy Art Not People and Traffick Free. There was a great interactive art project called Skin Sells that really resonated with me.  On a table there were a variety of popluar magazines.  The instructions were to go through the magazines and cut out any pictures of skin.  We were to cut out just the skin avoiding clothing, hair, jewelry, etc.  These cut outs would then be used to create a collage from all the images. 

It was surprisingly easy to find things to cut out.  Even from magazines that were geared towards teenagers. 

The purpose of the Sex Sells project was to create awareness of

"the need for accountability in the way the body image is used so as not to promote exploitative attitudes that diminish the dignity of the human body. "

I couldn't agree more.  Our culture objectifies women.  It views sexuality as a tool to promote a particular brand and sell product.  Simply taking my kids through the checkout line at the grocery store subjects them to all kinds of images on the covers of magazines that I prefer for them not to see. Images of women barely dressed or with only hands covering their breasts. This type of advertising demoralizes women and creates a hyper sexual society.  It contributes to an exploitative attitude towards women. An attitude where pimps see a young girl as a means to make money.  Where he  strips her of all dignity because the demand is there. 



The moral standard for what is considered acceptable is sinking lower and lower. The FCC is currently under fire since it announced it is considering to allow network television and local radio stations to air the f-word, the s-word and to allow programs to show frontal female nudity, even during hours when children would very likely be watching and listening.

Rom 12:1-2a  Therefore, I urge you,brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world.

The pattern of this world is that Skin Is In and Sex Sells. Unfortunately, the pattern of this world tells us that these 2 statement are true.  But God calls us to a higher standard. 


For information on contacting the FCC go Here

Action Alert: Contact the FCC

FCC set to drop ban on f-word, nudity on television and radio stations nationwide

They are seeking public comments; make your voice count!
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it is considering dropping current broadcast decency standards that ban explicit profanity and "non-sexual" nudity.

You can read the press release from the FCC here.

Specifically, if enacted, the new FCC policy would allow network television and local radio stations to air the f-word, the s-word and to allow programs to show frontal female nudity, even during hours when they know children will be watching and listening.

It is accepting comments on the proposal from the viewing public until the end of April.

Current broadcast decency law prohibits expletives and nudity, even if brief or "fleeting." The Supreme Court has upheld the law as constitutionally enforceable by the FCC, despite lawsuit attempts by networks NBC and FOX to overturn it.

TAKE ACTION

Submit your comments to the FCC, urging it to reject any changes to the current policy.

The FCC will not accept general email comments. To be valid, you are required to file a formal comment via the FCC's website.

Please follow these instruction carefully, to insure your comment is accepted by the FCC:

1. Go to http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=&filedFrom=X.
2. Enter the code "13-86" in the "Proceeding Number" box and fill out the few remaining required fields.
3. Enter your comment in the text box provided and click "Continue."
4. From there, review your comment and click "Confirm."

Here is a sample comment you may submit:

I oppose any changes to the current FCC indecency standards that would allow television and radio stations to broadcast expletives and nudity on the public airwaves, even if brief or "fleeting."
The Supreme Court has confirmed the FCC&'s authority to enforce policies regarding expletives and nudity, especially during times when children are likely to be watching or listening.
Relaxing the current policy would not serve the public interest and I urge the FCC to reject all proposals that would allow for the broadcast of expletives and nudity on FCC-licensed stations.

Send your comment to the FCC now!

Source: American Family Association

Local Event April 13th

This weekend - a great event to attend if you want to learn more about the local organizations fighting against human trafficking.  Sponsored by Traffick Free and Buy Art Not People.



You can buy tickets here

To learn more or volunteer go here

Spotlight on Chicago

This past weekend I had the chance to run in the largest 8k in the US. The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. There were 40,000 plus people participating. And a lot of them were wearing green. So much energy and excitement in the air. Season 14 NBC's Biggest Loser Winner Danni Allen was even there.  I was really hoping to see her, but I'm sure she finished a lot sooner than I did.

 

Chicago. The 2nd city. As I was running (very slowly) through the streets of this great city I was reminded of the 2 faces of Chicago. There's the Chicago we know and love with it's magnificent skyline; great venues and attractions; diverse culture; unending options for arts and entertainment. And then there's the other side of Chicago. The side that goes unseen.

 

For all of it's greatness and diversity Chicago still falls victim to the fastest growing criminal industry worldwide. The underground world of Human Trafficking.

 

• Chicago is considered to be a national hub for Human Trafficking.
• An estimated 25,000 women and girls are victims of commercial sexual exploitation in Chicago every year
• Illinois generates the fifth highest number of calls to the National Human Trafficking hotline

 

Why Chicago?

 

• Chicago’s convenient access to airports and major interstates offers strategic entry points for traffickers and their victims.
• Chicago has a large amount of major events and attractions that make it a tourist destination where demand is high, enabling traffickers to exploit vulnerable women and children.
• Foreign national trafficking victims can go unnoticed due to high concentrations of immigrant populations in Illinois.

 

Who's Helping?

There are a number of great organizations in Chicago joining the fight against human trafficking. 

Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation
CAASE is committed to building a global community free from sexual exploitation. We know that all forms of sexual exploitation, including sexual assault and the commercial sex trade, are detrimental to a healthy society and undermine the dignity of all people.

Their End Demand Campaign is working to shift law enforcement's attention to sex traffickers and people who buy sex, while proposing a network of support for survivors of the sex trade. While walking to Navy Pier to pick up my race packet I saw 2 of these garbage receptacles along Ohio Street. "Human Beings are not Disposable" sponsored by the End Demand Campaign.

In January 2013 they published a report Research about Johns which includes material from online message boards where men discuss buying sex in Illinois.

They have also proposed legislation to end felony prostitution in the state of Illinois.

Stop It Now

Since 1992 Stop It Now!^® has been preventing the sexual abuse of children by helping adults, families and communities take actions that keep kids safe - especially before they are ever harmed.

The Salvation Arrmy's Promise program
The Salvation Army developed the PROMISE model (Partnership to Rescue our Minors from Sexual Exploitation) to combat the sexual trafficking of children. In January of 2005, the PROMISE model was launched in Chicago. This model includes the formation of a task force which engages in initiatives that address the four main provisions of PROMISE: Awareness, Prevention, Intervention, and Service Delivery. To insure a holistic approach, specific strategies for implementing these provisions are developed by PROMISE members who represent the social service, education, legal, judicial, healthcare, law enforcement and other sectors of our community.

Traffick Free
Traffick Free exists to elevate justice and communicate the reality of human trafficking in our world. We work to end modern-day slavery by developing awareness campaigns, educating local communities, partnering with organizations that combat trafficking and aid victims, intervening in at-risk situations, promoting enforcement of legislature, and encouraging the prosecution of traffickers.

Hotlines:

Cook County Human Trafficking Response Team Hotline: (312) 718-4449

STOP-IT

Chicago Salvation Army Trafficking Outreach Program and Intervention Techniques Hotline
1-877-606-3158

National Human Trafficking

Resource Center Hotline
1-888-3737-888

Free Dowload for the Book Priceless

Download a free copy of this book!  Don't delay as this offer is only good today and tomorrow.

Book Descriptiom: 
Photojournalist Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered his faith while helping a young African orphan. Now his photo work carries a greater mission: To educate people about social injustice happening around the world.

Daniels next assignment carries him back overseas and into the heart of Russia. Once there, Daniels is persuaded by an old friend to help save two girls from a desperate situation. Soon he becomes a key player in a dangerous campaign to rescue helpless women trapped in the sex-slave trade. What Daniels encounters during his journey will shake his faith, test his courage, and even threaten his life. Yet as Daniels gets deeper and the stakes get higher, he will discover that hope can be found in the darkest of places.


About the Author: 
Tom Davis is the president and CEO of Children’s HopeChest, a global orphan advocacy group. He has authored four books, including the first in this series, Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World. Tom and his wife, Emily, have seven children and live in Colorado.

To purchase from Amazon go Here

To purchase from Barnes and Noble go Here

MSNBC to Debut New Episode of SEX SLAVES: WINDY CITY, 4/7

If you have access to MSNBC this will be worth tuning in to.
MSNBC's investigative series that explores human trafficking is premiering a new episode on Sunday, April 7th at 10 P.M. EST. Hosted by TODAY's Natalie Morales, the series sheds a painful light on an issue that has lived too long in The Shadows of society. Next to drugs, human trafficking is now the second largest criminal activity both in America and internationally.

In this hour, producers document Cook County's Human Trafficking Task Force as they pursue the criminals that solicit young women and girls selling themselves on the streets of Chicago. Leading these efforts is State Attorney Anita Alvarez along with Cook County Sheriff and Chicago PD, who collaborate to identify and convict the criminals who exploit the vulnerable, including the homeless.

In one particularly heartbreaking moment, producers meet a grandmother whose drug addiction has led her to spend a lifetime selling herself on the streets of Chicago. The documentary also re-acquaints viewers with a woman prostitute who was featured in a previous episode. Before, she was seemingly at peace with "the life"- but this time, her anger boils over as she is clearly now worn down by prostitution....and worn out. The Illinois Supreme Court also granted MSNBC unprecedented access by allowing cameras into the courtroom of a Cook County special court led by Judge RoseMary Grant Higgins where women who have been exploited are given the opportunity to rehabilitate their lives, instead of serving time.