As a classroom teacher for twenty years, there are special books that I ran across and committed to reading to each of my classes. One of these "treasures" was Go Free or Die: A Story about Harriet Tubman written by Jeri Chase Ferris. I am a little unclear about the number of times I have read this book, but it must be over forty times because I just about have it memorized. (It's wonderful!) I was recently reminded of this "treasure" for a rather strange reason.
Last Sunday night, I was once again forced to face a dreadful reality that exists in our community. Sex trafficking. It's ugly, it's nauseating, it's shameful, it's for real, and it's right here. Shreveport-Bossier City- we have a HUGE problem. The sex industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. In the sex industry, sisters, daughters, mothers, friends, and children lose their identities. They become the property of another person. Much like Harriet Tubman was the property of her slave owner, these women, teenagers, and children are held in bondage. They are not allowed to leave. They are forced to live as slaves with very little chance of freedom.
Trying to explain slavery to fourth and fifth grade students was never easy. Each time a class listened to Harriet's story, they asked how could people own other humans and treat them so inhumanely. I never had an answer and never will!
Harriet Tubman was mistreated by her owner. Also, her sisters were sold into the deep South when they were very young. So, it must have been devastating for Harriet's parents to watch them leave, knowing they were absolutely powerless to stop this so-called "business" transaction. Perhaps that situation significantly contributed to the driving force that eventually led Harriet to become the slave population's deliverer, hence the name "Black Moses". The book states that Harriet successfully led hundreds of slaves to freedom across the Mason-Dixon Line with the help of the Underground Railroad. (Try explaining that one to fourth and fifth graders) The so-called Underground Roadroad was only made possible by the compassion exhibited by the Quakers simply because they believed slavery was wrong. It was the Quakers that opened their homes as "train stations" along the route. The Quakers supported the cause by providing disguises, carrying slaves in their wagons, opening their homes, feeding the escapees, and praying for the slaves' safe journey to freedom. Risky, wouldn't you say? Clearly, they were all in!
I am almost certain that "Black Moses" led nineteen groups of slaves to freedom without ever losing one life. Nineteen groups! When asked how she did this repeatedly, Harriet responded, "I only went where the Lord led me". Wow! Harriet demonstrated her faith in action.
Isn't it about time for some modern-day "Harriets" to come forward and lead our exploited children, teenagers, and women to safety??!! I certainly believe it is!
This problem is not going away! We must decide to do something about it. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I can educate myself to discover the best ways the Lord can use my gifts and talents to help this hurting, neglected, forgotten group of people.
The title "Go Free or Die" came from a motto that Harriet used to determine her future. She would go free, or die trying. I feel compelled to help those that are enslaved in trafficking. I believe they must be shown that the Lord loves them enough to die for them. He offers healing and a unique freedom. These victims deserve the chance to experience His love and acceptance that is only possible in a personal relationship with him. What will you do to help?
For additional information see:
http://thehubministry.com/purchased/
http://www.8daysfilm.org
Last Sunday night, I was once again forced to face a dreadful reality that exists in our community. Sex trafficking. It's ugly, it's nauseating, it's shameful, it's for real, and it's right here. Shreveport-Bossier City- we have a HUGE problem. The sex industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. In the sex industry, sisters, daughters, mothers, friends, and children lose their identities. They become the property of another person. Much like Harriet Tubman was the property of her slave owner, these women, teenagers, and children are held in bondage. They are not allowed to leave. They are forced to live as slaves with very little chance of freedom.
Trying to explain slavery to fourth and fifth grade students was never easy. Each time a class listened to Harriet's story, they asked how could people own other humans and treat them so inhumanely. I never had an answer and never will!
Harriet Tubman was mistreated by her owner. Also, her sisters were sold into the deep South when they were very young. So, it must have been devastating for Harriet's parents to watch them leave, knowing they were absolutely powerless to stop this so-called "business" transaction. Perhaps that situation significantly contributed to the driving force that eventually led Harriet to become the slave population's deliverer, hence the name "Black Moses". The book states that Harriet successfully led hundreds of slaves to freedom across the Mason-Dixon Line with the help of the Underground Railroad. (Try explaining that one to fourth and fifth graders) The so-called Underground Roadroad was only made possible by the compassion exhibited by the Quakers simply because they believed slavery was wrong. It was the Quakers that opened their homes as "train stations" along the route. The Quakers supported the cause by providing disguises, carrying slaves in their wagons, opening their homes, feeding the escapees, and praying for the slaves' safe journey to freedom. Risky, wouldn't you say? Clearly, they were all in!
I am almost certain that "Black Moses" led nineteen groups of slaves to freedom without ever losing one life. Nineteen groups! When asked how she did this repeatedly, Harriet responded, "I only went where the Lord led me". Wow! Harriet demonstrated her faith in action.
Isn't it about time for some modern-day "Harriets" to come forward and lead our exploited children, teenagers, and women to safety??!! I certainly believe it is!
This problem is not going away! We must decide to do something about it. I certainly don't have all the answers, but I can educate myself to discover the best ways the Lord can use my gifts and talents to help this hurting, neglected, forgotten group of people.
The title "Go Free or Die" came from a motto that Harriet used to determine her future. She would go free, or die trying. I feel compelled to help those that are enslaved in trafficking. I believe they must be shown that the Lord loves them enough to die for them. He offers healing and a unique freedom. These victims deserve the chance to experience His love and acceptance that is only possible in a personal relationship with him. What will you do to help?
For additional information see:
http://thehubministry.com/purchased/
http://www.8daysfilm.org
