Matthew 18 The Greatest in the Kingdom. 1a At that time the disciples* approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3b and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,* you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4c Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5* And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
"Is it sleeting where you are in California?", my 6 year old niece asked me this morning on the phone. It is sleeting in Arkansas, so it must be sleeting everywhere. Ah, kids.
I remember being a little girl. I liked to dance, sing, pretend, play with dolls, dress up, and draw (OK, I still like to do all those things). Everything was easier. My biggest concern was being bored. I remember turning 13 and telling myself that I had to stop playing with Barbies because I was a teenager now; it was a significant moment in my life.
I can't imagine having that innocence taken away from me by being abused or raped. Gong from a blissful child to a unprepared adult almost instantaneously. This is a cause very close to my heart, as someone who values purity above all else, I think there is no greater crime than the loss of innocence. The audacity of someone feeling they have the right to take that away from another angers me like nothing else.
I know too many who have had that innocence taken away from them; who are scarred with memories of being powerless. For those of you who have, know that I don't know the extent of your pain but I weep with you. What was done to you was unfair, there is no explanation, but join me in the fight against the worst crime in the world.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Saving Innocence is a cause that we can support to bring justice to those who have been trafficked in America. It is happening here, not just in third world countries, but here. Please visit their website and read the amazing things these ladies have done to bring scum to justice, to fight for the innocent, and to bring awareness of what is happening next door.
Hope House is a place where these victims can go to seek refuge. Do what you can to give to get the doors open. I ask my friends, family, and the void that is the internet to give ANYTHING to help get this place up and running.
Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
http://www.savinginnocence.org/
