Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The Saddest thing.

The saddest thing is that slavery still exists. On our street corners...People are being sold and bought everyday . I wanted to do something to help end human trafficking. So i painted a painting. Many prayers went into it. Prayers that it would open some eyes and prayers for all the girls who are living a nightmare. Everybody needs to know about this injustice. It needs to stop. Can you imagine your little kid or sibling being sold into slavery? Imagine them being forced to do horrible things and unbearable labor all day long, day in and day out. Imagine yourself in that situation. When i think of slavery i feel despair at knowing what i can do to help. But i'm starting by spreading the word. The more people know about it the better it can be fought. There's strength in numbers you see.
 Here is something i wrote to God a few years ago when i saw something that made my soul cry.

Dear God
Tonight i remembered that sad little girl we saw in that public washroom. We had been shopping in a small mall in a rather seedy part of town. We were taking a quick bathroom break. As i walked into the bathroom i saw the girl. She had her makeup spread all over the floor which i thought was rather strange but i tried not to stare and retreated into a stall. When i came out she was still there wearing her very tight revealing clothes. As i washed my hands i glanced in the mirror at her, curious. I noticed her shaking uncontrollably as she tried to apply make up over a bruise. I wonder if the shaking was from drugs or fear. Both options are terrible. As i walked out i looked her in the eyes and saw she was crying inside, and for some reason that was more heartbreaking than if she would have let the tears fall. Down the narrow hallway i walked and toward the end there was a man lurking. I realized then that this guy was probably her pimp and my heart wept for her. I wish i could have done something for her. Why hadn't i asked what was wrong? Me with my practically perfect life and her with her torn heart, abused body and tortured soul. Could i have done something even if i'm only 16? Dear God teach me and show me some way to help the less fortunate. You gave my life so that i could reach out and help the ones who don't have anyone else to help them. Help me remember that i am yours, for you to use to help the broken hearts. Please help me not to forget to shine your light. Please Jesus help all the many slaves around the world to be rescued, to find a way to get out, to find a better life in you. In Jesus name, Amen.

That was 3 years ago and I will never forget that girl. I wonder where she is right now...If she's still alive. I don't know if you know this, but there are around 27 million slaves in the world right now. 80% are women and 50% are children. And pregnant women are increasingly being trafficked for their newborns.:'( Its horrifying.
Visit this website to learn more about the tragedy of human trafficking and what you can do to help stop it. http://enditmovement.com/ 

5 comments:

  1. I remember that girl, too...i remeber another one in Chicago downtown...her pimp was yelling at her & she was crying...then she turned to us & smiled at you kids sweetly....the picture you painted speaks the truth...spread the word. END IT

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  2. Amazing/sad/gorgeous/heartbreaking painting. Just got back from a road trip and saw these girls on the outskirts of every city we drove through.

    I recently read a book that touched on this subject. Unraveled by Sharon Souza is set in Moldova, and it's a great read.

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  3. Thank you Wanderer. I will have to read that book.

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  4. Meaningful painting.... I also hope it ends!

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