Half the Sky

I've just finished reading Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Guys.  My heart is heavy.  Burdened.

This book opened my eyes to things going on in our world - things that we never even imagined, here in America, all safe and comfortable in our plush homes, surrounded by our rights and freedoms.

Human trafficking.

Sex trafficking.

Child prostitution.

Slavery.

Gruesomely violent rapes.

Honor killings.

High maternal mortality rates.

Neglect.

"Gendercide".

More than ever before, I am so thankful for a government that cares for its people.  Women and children have rights.  They have protection.  They are valued.  WE are valued.

We have access to health care.  Doctors.  Medicines.  Vaccinations.

We have clean water.  Education.  Food.  Shelter.

I have a loving husband who cares about me in every way.  He cares about who I am as a person and values my thoughts, opinions, and feelings.  He cares about my health.  I am important to him.  I am of value.  I am of worth.

As I read this book, my heart broke.  I was shocked.  Appalled.  Then I was outraged.  Filled with grief.  I read of girls sold into prostitution and the sex trade by their own parents.  Girls who were manipulated into slavery.  Baby girls neglected and often murdered by their parents, who would rather have boys, believing them to be more profitable - more valuable.  Women who were beaten, mutilated, and burned BY THEIR FAMILIES for being raped, as if they were the ones who did something wrong.

And yet, amid the stories of heartbreak and desolation, there were glimmers of hope.  Many men and women have risen above social and cultural stigmas and taboos to make a difference.  Yet it is not enough.

AMERICA.  Wake up.  Open your eyes.  Please.

Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing. But a curse will come upon those who close their eyes to poverty.

I'm a pretty passionate person in general.  And you know what?  I'm really passionate about this.  And I believe the Lord is, too.  I'll be writing many more posts related to human rights, the poor, and the oppressed.  I'm asking, begging you to join me in this.  Do the hard thing.  Read the unpleasant stories.  Really think about it.  Pray about it.

I know God gives us each different passions and talents.  Upon reading and learning more about the issues we face with poverty and oppression, you may feel led to reach out to the homeless in your community.  You may be filled with the desire to help orphans, widows, and the elderly.  Awesome.  Great.  Do it.  You don't have to only be moved or be passionate about the specific issues I am highlighting.  My hope is simply that you will open your eyes, open your heart, and make a difference.  Because you can.