Today, February 7th you can be a voice for those whose voices have been stolen. Many think this issue doesn’t exist anymore or have never heard about this problem. What is the topic I am talking about? Human trafficking, and the lives it impacts daily. I choose to be a participant in the End It Movement to bring attention to the plight of those who are captives of the modern-day slave trade.
Every Life Matters
I first heard about the End It Movement and the importance of being an advocate against human trafficking when I was a volunteer at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis. It was there I learned the Super Bowl and other large events including the Olympics are huge draws for those who run human trafficking rings. However, human trafficking is a 365-day operation in countries all around the world. This is why the End It Movement is important. It sheds light in the dark about situations that could be happening in your own back yard.
It Might Be Closer Than You Think
In fact, there have been cases of human trafficking in my back yard. Last June, three people from Germantown were arrested on sex trafficking charges. I have shared about this incident with people who have said this kind of thing doesn’t happen where they live, but the reality is it probably does, and they don’t know about it. The End It Movement has created an awareness for me that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
Did You Know?
Did you know there are an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States alone who have been victims of human trafficking? Most of these are victims of sexual exploitation. However, human trafficking has a much broader scope than just sex and prostitution trafficking. There are various forms of human trafficking including forced labor, involuntary domestic servitude, child labor, child soldiers, and debt bondage.
According to Equality Today, sex trafficking is a 99-billion-dollar industry. Exploitation and greed explain why it is also the fastest growing crime in the world. We need to raise attention to this issue. We live in a world that is full of corruption, but as human beings, we have a moral obligation to fight against those things which violate other human beings in despicable ways.
Can You Imagine?
Imagine all you want is a better life for you and your family, and you are offered a job at a fair wage only to find out your boss is keeping your money, and you can’t quit because otherwise your family will be killed. Many times young boys are forced to become soldiers in their own country to fight against the government. Also, daughters are often sold into slavery to provide food for a family.
Their Stories are Powerful
You can read many true stories of situations just like these, directly from victims of human trafficking. They are hard stories to read, but the bravery of these people of all ages is powerful in helping us to understand the importance of continuing to fight against human trafficking.
It would be easy to stand on the sidelines and not get involved, but what would you do if your daughter, son or a loved one turned up missing? Unfortunately, not every missing person is a runaway. Have a conversation with your family, friends and your kids about human trafficking. It could save their lives one day. Share with them the importance of the End It Movement and why human slavery must stop in every country.
I’m Challenging You
Human trafficking isn’t a political issue; it is a human being issue. When we stop caring about the needs and brokenness of others, we have lost a vital part of our soul. Compassion, kindness, and empathy are needed to fight against the injustices of this world. Human trafficking is an injustice no one deserves.
I want to challenge you to become a part of the End It Movement. When we stand together, the light burns brighter and longer. Will you join me in shining the light until slavery no longer exists?
How can you be a part of the End It Movement?
- Put a red X on your hand
- Take a Selfie
- Post on social media with the hashtag #EndItMovement
If you are not on social media (Dad) just put a red X on your hand and tell someone about it 😊 A conversation is a great way to bring awareness to this important topic.
What Would Jesus Do?
As a believer, I can’t help but think of another man who walked the earth fighting for those who were weak, hungry, poor and counted worthless by society. It was because of love that Jesus came, and it was because of love that He died.
Jesus gave us a new commandment, John 13:34-35
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”
Love means, among other things, standing up against injustices against those who can’t fight for themselves. We don't have to agree with people in order to do the right thing. We just need to DO the right thing! Share on XWe don’t have to agree with people in order to do the right thing. We just need to DO the right thing!
I Will Be a Voice!
I will not close my eyes, stand by and allow anyone to silence my voice about the atrocities that are happening daily around the world by those practicing modern day slavery. The lives of the victims are too important! They may not believe what I believe, but it is because of love that Jesus says they will recognize we are His children.
The world will see we are different than the rest of the world, by loving like Jesus. The End It Movement is one way to demonstrate love to a world in desperate need of His light and freedom. Together, let’s put an end to human trafficking and start a wave of healing for those who have suffered for far too long.
Sounds like an impactful cause if you want to support!
Hi, Rebecca!
It is very impactful because precious lives are depending on us.
Human trafficking is such a heartbreaking issue. Thank you for bringing awareness to it here. I’m not familiar with the End It Movement but I’m going to look into it now. Thanks!
Hi, Lori!
It is such an important topic that awareness needs to come to light. Let me know if you would like more information about the End It Movement!
Will surely pass the message on! Thanks for sharing x
Hi, Marina!
Thank You for passing on this information!
This is so motivating! Everyone should read and take part of this. Thanks for sharing.
Thank You, Maggie! My prayer is that the post motivates others to get involved! Thanks for sharing!
What great suggestions to keep the conversation about this going! Thanks for sharing this!
Hi, Patricia!
Yes, lets keep this conversation going because lives depend on us!
That’s so inspiring, I love that you share this kind of posts to spread the awareness
Hi, Paula!
I believe if one person can be helped by having this information it is worth it! I do not want anyone to suffer at the hands of those who do such horrible things to human beings.
It’s so important to let everyone know this is happening!
Hi, Amanda!
It is important to let everyone know because of the risks involved with those we love.
Some shocking truths in this. Its unbelievable what people to do people. This is a great movement and great insight.
Hi, Cassie!
It is heartbreaking to know how many people potentially suffer at the hands of others’ greed. This is why it is important to raise awareness.
I have done the quiz that helps determine how many slaves contribute to your lifestyle. It was eye opening.
Hi, Rachel!
It was eye-opening for me too! There were things I hadn’t even thought about, but now I am painfully aware of what I buy and use.
This is an issue that should not still be in our world but it is. THank you for shining light on it.
Hi, Tiffany!
I agree 200% with you! It is a violation of the human soul!
Thank you for this post. We all need to be a part of the change that we wish to see in the world, and this is such an important one.
Hi, Sharon!
I agree we all need to come together to make important changes for future generations.
So glad you are raising awareness about this. It truly breaks my heart. Hey, are you in Germantown? I am your neighbor in Dousman! How about that? Blessings, Amy
Hi, Amy!
It truly breaks my heart too to know the bondage others are living in due to the power of others. This is why it is important to raise this awareness so others can share this information too!
I can’t believe we are living in 2019 and this is an issue. It makes me ill, especially as the mother of 3 young girls.
I didn’t know this movement, It’s so awful it has to stop, thank you for raising awareness
Hi, Mimi!
You are welcome! I hope you can help raise awareness too!
It’s so important to bring awareness to this devastating epidemic. Thank you for voicing it!
Hi, Marta!
It is sad to think about how many people are suffering at the hands of other people. The more we tell others the light shines brighter on this pitiful darkness.
It is amazing that something like human trafficking can happen in the U.S. today. What is worse is that it is something we know about, but feel helpless to change. Thank you, Sheila, for your voice for the voiceless!
Hi, Janene!
It is incredibly sad that it happens anywhere that people are looked as a commodity rather than human beings. I always say, “Together we are better!”