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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Book club check-in

We're halfway through August now, so I want to check in with you who are joining in on the "Life Changing Book Club." How's it going? Are you reading "Not for Sale"?

I've only got a few chapters left to go, and I found that at about chapter four I got really overwhelmed. I'm surprised it took me that long, really. I mean, human trafficking is a huge issue that will not be resolved anytime soon, and it's going to take a lot of highly trained professionals to do it. I even asked myself why I need to know this if I can't do anything about it. I will tell you that it gets much more encouraging towards the end, especially in chapter six.

We'll talk more about the book after everyone has had a chance to finish it, but here is the major message I'm getting right now:

Take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you.

I will not be traveling to Thailand to work in a home for escaped sex slaves anytime soon. I can pray for those workers, and I can give money to help those that are able to be "in the trenches", but it will be a long time before my responsibilities here ease up enough that I'll be working overseas again.

In each chapter, I noticed a theme  developing: One person recognized problem in front of him/her and took responsibility to act. No one is expecting to eradicate slavery single handedly. I think it becomes much more manageable when we quit trying to solve the problem and just ask ourselves two questions.

What do I see that needs fixing?
I firmly believe that there are plenty of opportunities to fight for justice around us, we just aren't used to looking for them. We just need to pray, open our eyes, and not hesitate to respond unselfishly when we see a need. This is my prayer for our home right now.

Am I doing everything that I can?
I am guilty of trying to simply do something, or only doing "enough to feel better". I don't see that as a true sacrifice or answer to a call. My prayer is that I will give of myself so deeply it hurts and that I will teach my children to do the same. Part of that is by raising my own awareness by reading difficult books like "Not For Sale" and making it a point to keep this at the front of my mind and heart.

So, what does this look like for me?
For our family, it looks like educating ourselves and challenging each other daily to be focused on what really matters. Dennis and I have a dream taking shape for a future in helping the least of these, and we are preparing ourselves now in every way we can. Maybe some day I can elaborate on this  more.

For me as a blogger, it looks like using the little bit of a voice I have with this blog to raise awareness and get you folks in on the conversation. I think we should all use our circle of influence, no matter how big or small, to raise awareness about the huge problem of human trafficking.

For me as a mom, it looks like raising kids with a heart of service and eyes open to the suffering around them.

For Dennis and I, it looks like inviting an orphan from Ethiopia to join our family forever and call us "Mom" and "Dad". This is continually at the forefront of my mind right now, so I've chosen a book about orphan care to be our book for next month. It's not just about adoption, but also about the orphan crisis worldwide and the many ways we can all help. I'll be talking more about it later, but if you want to go ahead and get it ordered, the book is "Orphanology" by Tony Merida and Rick Morton.

Click this picture to order yourself a copy now!
What does making a difference look like for you in your life? Know that I am praying for your readers as you join me in this journey.

2 comments:

  1. I think I'm in either the second or third chapter. Man, this is tough. I'm just going to keep reading. I want it to completely change my life. I want to make huge sacrifices. I want to see the need right in front of me and act! Praying for you too girl..

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    1. Your attitude is definitely inspiring to me, and helps me feel like I'm not so crazy and extreme. Thank you for your encouragement!

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