"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him." Psalm 127:3 NLT
Kids are unique characters! These "mini-people" are living their best lives - gliding carefree through life. Last week while at Kids' camp, I had the profound opportunity to observe some of these rather "entertaining" characters and their behaviors. I observed that mixing five or more fountain drinks is still a favorite mealtime practice. After a few sips at the table, someone always insists that his/her mixture is the BEST of all time! After the daily drink debate, they withdraw and count their remaining snack-cash-stash from the pockets of the not-exactly-clean clothes that they willingly chose to wear two days in a row. Certainly, these kiddos are quite entertaining. They employ a completely different set of priorities than that of their parents and other adults. However, these kids are enjoying life without many worries at all!
Our society celebrates babies and children. Over the last several years, gender reveal parties have become popular celebrations prior to a baby's birth. Additionally, we lavish the future parents with gifts for the unborn bundle-of-joy so they are well-prepared when the baby arrives. After the baby arrives, photos and texts are sent immediately to notify family and friends of the newborn's arrival. Many rush to the hospital to get a peak at the baby or a photo holding the new little one. It's an extraordinary event and one that deserves a celebration!
Babies and children are BIG NEWS! But tragically many babies and children are big news because they bring big money. Yes, that's correct. Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal industry in the world. Each year 350,000 children go missing in the US, and it is roughly estimated that 100,000 of those are sex trafficked. The United States is now reported as one of the top sex trafficking destinations in the world. It's an awful, sickening, agonizing realization. BUT we MUST be aware of this tragic crime so we can help fight to end it.
The Sound of Freedom Movie is being released by Angel Studios (The Chosen) on the week of July 4th. Based on a true story, the movie tells of Tim Ballard's journey as a former US agent. He quit his job in order to rescue children from the global sex trafficking industry. He created a private foundation, Operation Underground Railroad, so he and his team could work in any jurisdiction and rescue children directly. Watch the trailer. Grab some tickets. It will be extremely difficult to watch, no doubt! However, I'm willing to be uncomfortable for a couple of hours in order to become more educated and aware of this ever-growing, dreadful crime! Not On My Watch! I do not want to be responsible for this nauseating, filthy behavior reaching my grandbaby, our FirstKids, or any other child EVER again. It stops now! God's Children are NOT for Sale!
