Behind Closed Doors

This month, the global sisterhood is focusing on the issue of human trafficking, specifically for the purposes of sexual slavery. It’s no small issue, and the world is slowly but surely awakening to this crime against humanity, but there is yet so much to be done; so many yet to be freed.

I was probably about 17 maybe 18 walking home from college in Melbourne one day when a stranger roughly in his mid 30s approached me from a distance. He called me beautiful and asked me if I’d like to come away with him on a fully paid for trip, and motioned to his car just parked along the side of the road. I thought he was a sleazebag and felt somewhat grossed out and kept briskly walking and motioning for him to leave me alone. I think he swore at me and told me to go back from where I came from or something to that extent.

The truth is, I never gave a second thought about that incident till recent years…when it dawned on me that that well could have ended on the road to being trafficked myself. If i was just a little more in need of love & attention or if that guy had been gutsy enough to grab me- what then? I shall not think more about that. But I will say that it’s made me understand how easy it is for girls to fall prey to the often enticing offers – these days far less obviously guised as lucrative job offers, study opportunities and delivered by some of the victim’s own friends & family, driven by money.

When I hear the stories of some of these girls who have now been freed- trapped in debt, serving 40-50 men a day for their employers, sold over and over again- my heart totally breaks. How can such a thing happen to so many right under our very noses? How can someone…anyone…treat another human being in this way?

Alone, one can feel somewhat overwhelmed by the need. What can I do? But together maybe our little somethings can help bring freedom to one more girl; stop one more person from trafficking the next victim. Join me in bringing awareness, in praying, in partnering with organisations such as A21, or visit The Colour Sisterhood for other ways to play a part in solution.

This one’s for those enslaved and for the future of our sons & our daughters.

The Thing About Mothers

In honor of mums today, I thought I’d post a little observation i’ve had about mums over the years…

1. She eats last at the dinner table, just in case there isn’t enough for you
2. She thinks your unattractive but highly ‘original’ card is the best things she’s ever seen.
3. She doesn’t ask for much, just a ‘thank you’ or a note of love or a hug makes her feel loved (more is BONUS! ;))
4. She doesn’t care who you say you are or what kind of position you hold, if you mess with her kids…you might as well consider your days numbered.
5. She’s seemingly immune to lack of sleep and sickness…but she needs rest as much as you- make sure you take care of her!
6. She’d rather you give her a thoughtful gift than an expensive gift (well…unless they’re one and the same haha! ;))
7. She has the knack of making things homely even if it’s the crummiest house on the planet. thank God for that.
8. She doesn’t just listen to what you say…she also has the gift to read what you don’t.
9. You’ll always be her baby…even if you’re 30….married…have kids…have grandkids…have white hair…
10. She’s the greatest playback recorder of your childhood days who’ll gladly re-animate your days for good measure.

Thanks mum. as always, you’re loved and appreciated.

The Thing About Mothers

In honor of mums today, I thought I’d post a little observation i’ve had about mums over the years…

1. She eats last at the dinner table, just in case there isn’t enough for you
2. She thinks your unattractive but highly ‘original’ card is the best things she’s ever seen.
3. She doesn’t ask for much, just a ‘thank you’ or a note of love or a hug makes her feel loved (more is BONUS! ;))
4. She doesn’t care who you say you are or what kind of position you hold, if you mess with her kids…you might as well consider your days numbered.
5. She’s seemingly immune to lack of sleep and sickness…but she needs rest as much as you- make sure you take care of her!
6. She’d rather you give her a thoughtful gift than an expensive gift (well…unless they’re one and the same haha! ;))
7. She has the knack of making things homely even if it’s the crummiest house on the planet. thank God for that.
8. She doesn’t just listen to what you say…she also has the gift of reading what you don’t.
9. You’ll always be her baby…even if you’re 30….married…have kids…have grandkids…have white hair…
10. She’s the greatest playback recorder of your childhood days who’ll gladly re-animate your days for good measure.

Thanks mum. as always, you’re loved and appreciated.