In last week’s blog post, we discussed specific ways that we can take action to stand against human trafficking. Today, I want to encourage you to move forward in spite of the hindrances that would keep us from taking those brave steps.
When we are hanging with friends on the weekends, my husband sometimes jokes that I like to watch depressing stuff. Of course, that’s not true. I do, however, include a diverse repertoire of real life stories and documentaries in my viewing “diet,” because I want to be aware of what is going on. Educating myself in this way is humbling, makes my grateful, equips me to mentor and educate others, and also encourages me to pray.
Yesterday, I wrote about the new release of the International Justice Mission’s Founder and President, Gary Haugen’s book, The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence. Check out the video! So far, it is the hardest book I have ever read. I could skim the pages or close the book; I could pretend that women are not being beaten and little girls are not being raped and left for dead with no justice. That would be easy, but Kim and Shayne are right to begin Chapter 5: Excuses with a quote from Flannery O’Connor:
The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.
Taking simple steps about what I choose to intentionally read or watch can be hard. However, I want to follow in the footsteps of those faithful servants who have gone on before me to become God’s ambassadors for change in an unjust, fallen world where people are suffering. In the words of the World Vision founder, Bob Pierce, I do want my heart to be broken for the things that break the heart of God. When God sees justice, he does not turn away. The simple and humble place where we begin justice work, is actually the place where we form the question, “God, will you please break my heart?”
Our hearts must be broken and convicted because there is nothing glamorous about pursuing justice. We do it simply because it is the right thing to do. The pursuit of justice may not be easy, in fact it is often hard, requires suffering, some persecution, maybe isolation, it demands that we face our fears and sometimes death. The truth is: God can and will use all of those obstacles to cause us to die to ourselves and transform us into the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.
If you and I want divine transformation, we must honestly ask, “what [am I] afraid of (59)?”
Refuse to Do Nothing Book Discussion –
Chapter 1: The issue of Human Trafficking
Chapter 2: We’ve Done This Before
Chapter 3: So you want to be an activist?
Chapter 4: Take Action #HumanTrafficking
© Natasha Sistrunk Robinson 2014
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 