Freed to Love
/
Slavery still exists today.
Human trafficking is a global slavery that starts by means of abuse, coercion, grooming, false promises, exploiting the vulnerable, and forcing them into a life of slavery usually through forced sex work or forced, unpaid labor. Those in the foster care system, minority populations, LGBTQ youth, refugees, and their children, homeless youth, and runaways are at the highest risk of being trafficked. Those who have suffered physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse are also at the highest risk of being trafficked. These populations are all people, all a part of this world just like you and I, yet they remain unseen and unheard in day-to-day life.
Darkness, anger, and deep grief well up inside me when I think of these image-bearers being stripped of their humanity.
Darkness, anger, and deep grief well up inside me when I think of these image-bearers being stripped of their humanity. After viewing the effects of human trafficking in my community, in the lives of clients I have worked with, and even in the lives of personal friends, how can I turn a blind eye?
We are all affected whether we realize it or not and whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. This is reality. There is a call to lament in my spirit to cry out and to move on behalf of those who have been exploited.
As a counselor, I now personally have the opportunity to help combat human trafficking. I am one of many who come alongside survivors to help provide healing and restoration. I have come to find these resilient survivors have much more to teach me than I have for them. I will never have all the answers and I do not consider myself any type of expert. I come alongside these friends as an ally.
I couldn’t truly see or feel another’s pain until I first was able to see and feel my pain.
Before working in this area, God helped me face my brokenness and start my healing, which in turn helped me understand the suffering and horrors caused by the trauma of human trafficking. Over a decade ago, with the help of patient and loving people, my eyes were opened to what the true message of Jesus’ compassion, suffering, and death on a cross meant in my own life. Others who, at one point in their lives had to face their hurt, bravely chose to come alongside me to help. They walked with me through my wounds and the healing journey gave me a desire to help others facing similar trauma. I couldn’t truly see or feel another’s pain until I first was able to see and feel my pain.
I reflect often on the mercy of Jesus who, as our ally, took on the cross for the world’s broken souls. He sees us in need of his grace and his tender compassion. I’m still learning just how great his love extends. Jesus doesn’t’ turn a blind eye to us, but instead welcomes us just as we are, wounded, hurting, and in need. In Jesus we are received, never turned away, and in Jesus, we find rest through his greatest healing.
Now I find myself on the journey of healing with those who have faced oppression, abuse, and suffering. I am equipped with a love beyond what I can provide alone. The understanding, gentle, and compassionate love of Jesus. Entering another’s trauma and pain isn’t easy, but it’s worth it to see someone’s soul awaken to its inherent value found in Christ, helping people see they have worth.