No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus

More than words in a song. This is my story.

As I reflect and look back at the past year, more than ever- I see the sovereign hands of Jesus lead, and guide me.

Do you ever look back and clearly see how God was masterfully and beautifully weaving your story into a message, while at the time, all you saw was a mess? That’s just like Jesus. Only He can make ashes beautiful again. Dry bones live again. And bring joy from pain and brokenness.

2020 wasn’t what any of us expected. It was hard. It was lonely, and painful. While many of us experienced loss of finances, many others experienced loss of loved ones. It was so hard.

Friend, what words can I say to help your heart find healing, except to point you to the healer, Jesus. He is the only place your heart can find rest. He is the only one who will handle your tattered, broken heart. Your fragile and distant dreams with so much care. He is the safe place. He is the refuge (Psalms 46) and the strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) our whole selves can trust.

How can I be so sure?

Well, take a step back. As much as we might feel consumed by our circumstances and situations, it would do us good to reflect on other times. Up until now, you have survived. Even now, you are are surviving. If you’re reading this, you are breathing and your heart is beating. Up until this moment, God has provided all that you’ve needed. God has been faithful. You’ve had broken hearts before, and He healed you then. You’ve messed up before, and God forgave and restored you then. The Bible is full of stories of people who faced unimaginable circumstances, and yet had an unshakeable faith. Not the kind of faith that expects God to save us from pain, but the kind of faith that trusts that God is with us in the pain.

The certainty that God will be present now, and lead you into the future, is in the fact that He has done it in the past, and promises to do it again in the future. Even when we can not see Him, or see where He is leading- He is present. He is working, and weaving every part of our pain, our fears, our struggles, our broken pieces into a beautiful message of hope that tells a story for others to see. A story of our brokenness and a father who comes. A story like the ones we read in the Bible. A story that others may never read with words, but see you live out. A story that proves God’s kindness, His mercy, His steadfast love. A God who can handle our neediness, and welcomes our vulnerable, unexplainable cries.

We’ll never deserve this kind of love and care, and yet no one will ever care for us like Jesus.

Take heart in knowing that someday soon you will also look back at this time and wonder how you could ever doubt the goodness of God, as you see then how God was so good and how His sovereignty lead you to rest, protection, provision, joy and peace in Him.

My Michael

‘Who is the guy in your pictures?’ Is something I get asked pretty often, so it doesn’t surprise me that I got this question when I solicited questions for the July writing challenge….more than once.
The guy in the picture has a name- Michael. Michael Kander.

Michael has been my friend for about 2 years now, and we have been in a relationship for almost 8 months. Knowing Michael has been wonderful! I love the passion he has for growing in knowledge of the word of God. His zeal to disciple others and share how Jesus has changed his life, is contagious. We met online through many of the organizations that we both follow, because Michael is also an abolitionist who fights against human trafficking. We have had many conversations about the things we both find a purpose in. Like fighting for freedom as abolitionists, providing for orphans, being involved in missionary work, and sharing God’s word and His gift of salvation with others.
I am so grateful I have the opportunity to discover who Michael is in more depth, and to be on this sweet journey with him. We have had one geographical challenge. As I live in San Antonio, Texas and Michael lived in Lincoln, Nebraska. Early in the pandemic, Michael made a decision to move to San Antonio- since we would be unable to travel to see each other. I loving that he is in the same city that I am in. Meanwhile we are learning to date while in close proximity.
It’s our prayer to continue to grow in our faith, and search God’s plans for our lives. I deeply value Michael, and hope to grow closer, and more in love with him, as I continue to discover who he is, and the wonderful man God created him to be.

I often get asked- ‘Who is this guy who broke the vault to Ceci’s heart?’
Well, I hope one day you get to meet Michael. You will understand why I trust him with my heart. His commitment and discipline, to remain IN CHRIST daily, is the reason why. He also makes me smile. He tells some pretty good dad jokes. He challenges me. He listens to me rant….about anything…even things he finds no pleasure in hearing. He is incredibly patient and nice about my clumsiness…..AND he loves all of me (and I can be crazy) (if you know, you know) 🙂
My Michael is pretty special.

Thank you for asking….it gives me a reason to brag about him!

❤ ❤ ❤ [Michael, I hope you’re blushing xoxo. Love you, C ]

My Response to the Wayfair Allegations

‘You can choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.’ – William Wilberforce

 
As an abolitionist who fights against human trafficking, I can distinctly remember the moment that I realized the horrors that were happening around the world. I remember that sinking feeling in my chest that made me lose hope in humanity. The reality that evil was indeed very evil. It wasn’t just something that happened in movies anymore. It wasn’t something I was reading about in another country. It was people who live in my neighborhood, and yours. It was girls who attended my children’s schools, and boys who played video games with my son. Very real, very close, and very sad situations.
I’ve spoken in various venues about what human trafficking is, and how to prevent it. I’ve sat in coffee shops and done one on one chats, spoken at churches, auditoriums with thousands present, to both adults, children, both male and female….and every single time, the reaction is the exact same – complete shock and a feeling of desperation. A feeling of, ‘what do I do with this knowledge now that I know?’ A feeling of ‘I really want to help, but how do I go about that?’ I’ve never seen a person who hears about the horrors of human trafficking, not react.
This past week, the world saw the posts, and the tweets about a possible human trafficking ring using Wayfair, the popular site that sells home goods and furniture. It was shocking, horrifying, and unexpected. The spokesperson for Wayfair completely denied any and all allegations regarding these accusations, claiming ‘there was no truth in the claims.’
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, google Wayfair, or do a search of wayfair on your social media platforms. You will find many articles that claim that many of the items being sold on the site, are actually children being sold. Claiming that the items are a front for what represents a child instead.
I have received many emails, messages, and private messages on my social media platforms asking for my thoughts on this. Here it is-
Human trafficking, Sex trafficking, child sex trafficking is real. It is a $150 Billion industry. According to the global missing kids’ organization, there are approximately 901,125 missing children around the world. Where are these children?
I am a Christian, and I do not separate my faith from my work as an abolitionist. It is what drives me to keep fighting for freedom for others. In my prayers and in my time as a leader, one prayer that I consistently pray is for the truth to come to light. I pray for people to come to know what human trafficking is, and how to recognize it, but I also pray that God would allow for people to be seen, and for them to be rescued. For the oppressed to find freedom and for the lost to be found.
In my opinion, the Wayfair claims have brought so much to light to so many. People that did not believe the saying we often say ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ is now a concept that is understood. The idea that children could be sold, is now something that others can grasp and understand since seeing the Wayfair claims come forward.
The idea that children could possibly be sold on a sight such as Wayfair, in the manner that the allegations claim is indeed possible. I do not want to lead you falsely and say that I have proof that you don’t, because I know as much as you do. I do however want to invite you to have this same zeal for knowing the truth, as you go about your day in the grocery store. As you walk around your neighborhoods or go on vacations. If something looks odd, say something. Call the police, describe exactly what you saw and where you saw it.
I am glad to see so many people sound an alarm all over social media in regard to this claim. It is what we, as leaders, have asked you to do. We have begged you to look beyond the unusual way’s things have always been done and ask the hard questions. In these times, where the world is at a halt, and all things have moved to be done in online forms, human trafficking continues to soar. And although there are many many forms of trafficking that occur, yes- the selling of people is absolutely real. This is why the phrase of modern-day slavery exists.
See Something, Say Something! Thank you for keeping your eyes open and sounding alarms! It has awakened the reality of this evil to so many who did not believe this kind of evil existed. Twenty years ago, we called the Jeffrey Epstein allegations a conspiracy, and today, we know those evil claims were in fact someone else’s torture and reality. Join me in continuing to pray for every victim still trapped in modern day slavery. Join me in praying that the truth is revealed. Join me in praying for our law enforcement as they investigate such claims. Join me in praying for every trafficker to be convicted by the weight of their sin, and come to set these people free.
We have come this far, and I know that the Father’s heart is for justice, for peace, and for freedom!

Fighting Freedom During Covid-19 Crisis

During the Coronavirus Crisis, many things have halted, and slowed down. One of the things that has continued to rise is human trafficking. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a spike in all aspects that play a role in the exploitation of people.
One question that came through my poll was- ‘How has COVID-19 affected A21 Freedom Chasers?’
Our team is dedicated to bringing awareness to the issue of human trafficking. We are a small team, but completely volunteer based. We, like many others, have felt the pull of our personal lives, our professional lives, and the need to continue to fight for freedom. During this time, we have dedicated ourselves to financially support other organizations who are housing young victims and are seeing a rise and a higher need for space and supplies to continue in their work. We have financially supported organizations that are providing to survivors who find themselves in dire need. We have shared and promoted partner organizations that are having virtual events to educate the public of this issue.
Although our usual presence is a little quieter, we continue to use our platforms to share stories of freedom, opportunities to help, and opportunities to continue to educate the public on ways to keep children and others safe. All the while, we prepare fresh and new ways to fight for freedom in the coming year.

There are many factors that play a role in human trafficking occurring. We have seen a rise in pornography viewing. We have seen a rise in men soliciting sex from ads on several platforms…. even despite the risk of becoming infected with the Coronavirus or infecting the families they are quarantined with. We have seen an increase in child abuse, and child sexual abuse. These are times that are unfamiliar to all of us, but we continue to share helpful information, and highlight ways to prevent these occurrences. As always, we encourage you to say something if you see something. This will take all of us being vigilant. For Freedom.

 

A21 Freedom Chasers

Happy sixth day of July! I still cannot believe time has gone so quickly! It has been quite a busy, but nice day.
One of the questions my followers asked was how I became involved in anti- human trafficking work and started A21 Freedom Chasers.
Well, in 2014, I began to follow A21, and Christine Caine. I read and researched what A21 was and how real human trafficking was in the U.S. and in my community. I looked for opportunities to get involved, and the only real opportunity seemed to be the walk for freedom A21 hosts every year. I did not see anything available in San Antonio in 2014, but in 2015, there was a walk in Killeen, TX- 4 hours away from San Antonio, where I reside. I was determined to attend that walk.
That day, I headed to Killeen at 3:30 am, because the walk began at 8 am. It was being held at a busy park and hosted by a young girl who was a senior in high school. I was so impressed. Her passion to take on the role of hosting the walk and seeing it through was tangible. That day I walked with strangers around a park by the highway in Killeen, TX. While I walked, I prayed for trafficked victims. I prayed for traffickers to come to know Jesus and see the wrong they are doing. I prayed for others to become aware of what human trafficking is.
On the way home, I prayed, and had conversations with Jesus. I couldn’t understand why we didn’t have a Walk for Freedom in San Antonio, since we are so big. I couldn’t understand how no one really knew what human trafficking was. As I drove the four hours back home, I remember God telling me I would host the Walk for Freedom in San Antonio the following year. I was a little scared, and a lot hesitant. I quickly said no, I can’t. I told God things He already knew. I reminded Him that I was a single mom, and how chaotic my life already was. I settled in my heart that I would pray for someone else to start the walk, and I would join it.
For the next few weeks, the constant feeling of being disobedient weighed on me. I ignored it and kept busy. On January 2, 2015 I watched a message by Andy Stanley about New Year’s Resolutions. He said one line that God used to convict me. I cried like a baby and surrendered. The line was-‘ Do you ever notice how selfish we are with our new year’s resolutions? We focus on weight loss, or traveling, or building our savings account…. what if we did something about something that breaks our hearts?’ That question pierced right through my spirit. I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I sobbed and knelt down in my bedroom. I told God I didn’t know how it would happen, but I would do anything He wanted me to do. Immediately after my prayer, still sobbing, I opened my laptop. I typed out an email explaining what human trafficking was, included articles of incidents in my city, and asked who wanted to join me in starting a walk for freedom in San Antonio. I sent that email to every person in my contacts list and went back to praying. This email was sent in the late hours of the night- and so I waited for the next day.
For weeks I didn’t get a response.
I was nervous. But in some ways, I felt like Moses. I felt like if I just showed up, God would show Himself. Slowly but surely, eventually- emails came. One at a time. The first meeting I held was at a Starbucks near my home, with about six people.
A few months later- The first Walk for Freedom happened in San Antonio, TX. By that time, we had also filed to become our own non-profit organization become the A21 Freedom Chasers. Since then, we have held several training sessions in South Central Texas. We’ve donated thousands of dollars, and items to trafficked victims and organizations that help to house victims. We’ve had several Bible Studies with youth survivors. We’ve partnered with global A21 to attend press conferences for the Can You See Me Campaign across the State of Texas. We’ve hosted the Walk for Freedom in San Antonio, since that first one, and had the help of hundreds of volunteers. Our organization is sustained purely by faithful donors. In February, we celebrated our five-year anniversary. We are so excited for what the future of Freedom in San Antonio, and the State of Texas looks like.

Our website: www.A21FreedomChasers.org

Follow us on Social Media – search A21 Freedom Chasers

Watch this– https://vimeo.com/392873254

Dealing with Hard Days

‘…and you picked up all my pieces put me back together, you are the defender of my heart…’

These words are a part of a bridge to one of my favorite songs. Defender. My favorite version is from a worship team called Upperroom. I can listen to that song on repeat when I have days that my heart is hurting, and over drawn.
Do you ever just have soo much in your heart that you don’t even know where to start sorting it out? I have days like that. I struggle to really know all the reasons, but I just know that there are things I have to discover and work through to get to the real reason(s) why.

One of the questions I received from my followers was ‘How do you deal with hard days?’ Well, I cry. I am crying now, as I type this. I thought it would be good to answer this question now, because I’m having a hard day….and I want to be transparent and vulnerable with you as I process my heart, my mind, and my spirit.
Be gentle as you read this. I am sharing the practical things I do to get through my hard days, in hopes that you will find some treasure in this for you too.
When I’m having a hard day, I don’t ignore it. I face it head on, but I give myself grace. I take myself through a process.

The first thing I do is journal. I write down everything I’m feeling. This morning started at 4 am for me. I was restless and couldn’t sleep- so I got up, and journaled. I describe in detail all of my thoughts, all of my fears, all of my hurts, all of my anxiousness, anger, and so on. While I’m journaling, I listen to songs that remind me that God loves me and help me to bring up all of the feelings I’m feeling. Here’s a scientific truth- All of my feelings are valid, but my feelings are not always factual. Say that again slowly. Essentially, my feelings are real, and are valid. They matter to God. They matter to me….but I must also know that my feelings, are not always based on facts. For example, if I am feeling worthless- that’s not factual. It’s not true. If I am feeling unloved. That is not true.
Once all of my feelings are out and on paper, I have a better understanding of every emotion I’m struggling through. I often play this Defender song on repeat and kneel down to pray. Many times saying no words at all, just letting my tears speak for me. Sometimes kneeling, other times lying in bed, curled up and asking Jesus to hold me.
I think God loves to hold us. He loves for us to ask. I think it brings Him so much delight to be the one we come to when we are struggling emotionally. When I am silent, I give God room to speak. Here, in these moments- He gives me new life. Literally, He will flood me with scriptures. His word, that tells me who I am. It reminds me of my humanness, my frailty, and the majesty of God. I love that God can handle all of me. All of my messy emotions, and I am never too much for Him. He doesn’t solve everything for me, but he remains my faithful refuge that I keep coming too, and He never turns me away….even if my struggle is the same one, over and over again.

In the many struggles throughout my life, I have learned that before I go anywhere with my thoughts and feelings. Before I turn to social media, or even trusted friends and family- I go to God. I will make it a priority to cry and hurt with Him, before anyone else. It’s my process. All of this helps me to filter through the emotions that are real, and those that I have somehow inflated in my mind, all on my own.
Once I have a good idea of the real, factual feelings- I begin to work on those. I focus on digging deeper. When did these feelings start? What triggered them? ….And then the question, what will I do about them?

I pray over these emotions the entire time. I read the word and ask God to lead me to His truth over my truth, over the noise of whatever circumstances. Depending on the situation, I will either keep the feelings in prayer, or I will ask God to give me clear direction on my next move. When we listen to the Holy Spirit, He will give us the exact words, and prompt us to speak and discuss our feelings at the right time. I’m so glad we have a helper in the Holy Spirit. I know that for me- I would have ruined so many relationships if I hadn’t waited for the right time to bring something up.

This is my process. It’s not fancy. It’s messy. It’s raw. It’s work. It’s painful. Nothing usually gets solved the same day- but at least the process toward the solution has begun. I remain patient and in prayer. Sometimes God reminds me that the solution for my feelings is His refinement of me. Other times He will give me a strategy to overcome struggles- like ‘get off of social media (usually this is when I disappear for weeks 🙂 – now you know)…but I know that the benefit is that I spend more time with Him, and that is always a greater reward than browsing through other pictures of people I don’t really know.

I don’t cringe at my messy days like I once did. I actually embrace them. I embrace the closeness of the Father. No one can help to heal my heart like the one who created it. No one can love my heart like the one who makes it beat….and no one defends it as much as the one who pursues it daily.
Friend, I hope you have a wonderful day. I hope that the next time you have a hard day, you are able to let yourself be loved by Jesus.

Defender: https://youtu.be/Za-yGR3sbNw

How I deal with hard days:

• Journal out your feelings to music
• Let yourself feel- Cry
• Pray / weep
• Go back to the truth- Read your Bible
• Once your true emotions are identified- ask God for clear guidance
• Follow Through- Obedience is golden
• Smile- and repeat as needed

 

 

 

Hello

My name is Cecilia, but I go by Ceci [CECE]. So you are welcome to call me whichever rolls off the tongue easier for you. I will respond to both.

Here we are, July 1 of 2020.

I started a writing challenge today, where I have committed to writing every day in the month of July. I chose to do personal entries in my blog….so for the month of July, you will get to know me just a little better.

I am a single mother of two children. One adult child, Catherine, and Joseph who turns 17 tomorrow! Buster, our little Bichon Frise, is my favorite child 🙂 (yes, my children know this).

I am a full time employee at USAA in San Antonio, TX. Currently, I am a Risk and Controls advisor for IT Infrastructure Services. I have been a USAA employee for 13 years, and a member for 20 years. I LOVE USAA!

Outside of my work at USAA, I lead a non-profit organization that fights against human trafficking in San Antonio, and the surrounding areas. A21 Freedom Chasers brings awareness to the issue. We are an A- Team (abolitionist team) of A21 the global organization.

A few years ago, I also started a second non- profit organization, that I have not had the time to commit to. Arrow Chaser. It is an organization that empowers single parents. One day, I hope to pour more of myself into this organization.

I am also a daughter to church Pastors, and a sister to three brothers, and two sister-in-loves.

I know that in the coming days, you will get to know more about me than I usually share, but I’m excited! Thank you for taking the time to read my first entry!

July is going to be wonderful 🙂

 

 

Discern the times.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20

What interesting times we find ourselves in. We have seen the world become things we never imagined. Our nation at the center of so much.

The beginning of 2020 looked to be an amazing year. It was a year that begin like all years do. Full of anticipation, expectation, and a resolve to accomplish new goals, fresh vision.

Suddenly, it happened. The world halted. The novel Coronavirus came upon every corner of the world. Every country was affected. There was no social status or affluency that wasn’t affected. In a matter of days, we saw ourselves and the world shut down. We were quarantining in our homes. We were being creative in the ways we spent our days at home. Some of us thriving. Some of us hurting. All of us longing for ‘normal’ to come back and come back fast. Days turned into weeks, into months. Some of us still home.

While our hearts were already lonely and longing for human connection, we then witnessed the tragedy of the murder of George Floyd. To many it was another unjust, unnecessary, incredibly painful reminder of what happens too often when cameras are not rolling. To others, it was the beginning of a revelation. The beginning of confronting a reality that we have ignored for too long.

Our hearts, our minds, our spirits already in isolation. Already hurting. Barely surviving one reality, and now faced with a new tragedy. And now the unrest. The violence, the threat to law enforcement. The political agendas. The Twitter wars. So many opinions. So many feelings. So many thoughts.

What are we as Christians to do? How are we to respond to a world that needs love, peace, grace, justice?….even while we, ourselves, are in search of these things?

Jesus, in Luke 12, talks about times such as these. In Luke 12:54-56 He reprimands His followers and says, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, right away you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and so it does. And when the south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why don’t you know how to interpret this present time?’

Jesus was essentially saying to His followers that they should not only be sensitive to the things around them, but also to foresee what was happening, or what might be coming next. As much as in nature, and the world around us that we can see, as in the spiritual and in the supernatural that we cannot see.

The apostle Paul gave us specific instructions on how to be ready for times like these. To be ready for a daily struggle, a daily battle of our minds, of our hearts, and our spirits. In Ephesians 6 he boldly pleads with us to ‘be strong in the Lord and in His might.’ Because Paul knew the daily struggle. It was real for him too. To see beyond what was happening in the world. To remain steadfast in a truth that had proven faithful yet see little fruit of it around him. He understood that in himself there was not always enough courage, or boldness to have faith in. There was only enough strength in Jesus…and so he pointed us to him, to Jesus. He goes on to describe how we can do that. Paul says, ‘Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.’ Several things to note here. We are in a fight! We are not just in this temporary season that will pass, Paul sensed the daily struggle and was quick to warn us to fight DAILY. Why? Why do we have to fight? Well, Paul also tells us why- ‘For we do not wrestle flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.’

Our fight, although we do fight things here in the world around us….is not of this world. Our fight is against a real enemy that is unseen to us. An enemy who operates in the air. Who whispers lies and deception to us. John 8:44 calls him the father of lies. This enemy wants nothing more than to kill and destroy us (John 10:10).

As followers of Jesus, we have a hope. We have a secure hope that we can trust, because His track record is perfect. He’s never once faced a battle that He didn’t win. Jesus is more than a name that we say. Jesus is a name that we can cling to. A name that will change the narrative. And as followers of Jesus, we carry all authority He has given us.  (Matthew 28:18)

Our commission, our mandate did not end with COVID-19. Our ministries were not paused while the world hurts. If ever there was a time for us to operate in our callings, it is now. Our world looks different, but Jesus didn’t change. His love still abounds. His grace still covers a multitude of sins. His peace still passes all understanding. Still. Today.

The wonderful advantage that we have is that during this time, we have all been leveled out. No one has greater influence than anyone else. We are all home. We are all quarantined. We all have access to the same tools. What are you doing with what you have? How are you being the salt of the earth? Are you letting your light shine right where you are?

I urge you to rise above the noise. Discern the times we are in. Do not become complacent. Do not give the enemy room to come in with temptation, with fear, with apathetic thoughts, with comparison, with discord. Discern. Pray. Get alone with God. Let Him minister to your soul. Let Him deal with all of the things that you have struggled with….and then go. Go to your family and your friends and be who God called you to be. Use your influence on social media to be the minister of the gospel that we have all been called to be. Our world needs a hope, needs truth, needs love, needs peace- and we know exactly where they can find it. The one true source, Jesus.

What has God called you to do? If you’re a writer, pick up your pen. If you’re a musician, pick up your instrument. If you are creative, start creating. If you are a leader, lead. If you are a poet, write. If you are a speaker, speak. If you are a painter, paint. If you are a prayer warrior, pray. Each of us has a calling. Each of us has influence in our circles. ‘Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’- Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)

Make it Count

What times we live in. I don’t think any of us ever imagined that one day we’d refer to the good ole days…of a few weeks ago, when life was moving. When we were out of the house. Working, hustling, traveling, doing all the instagrammable things, with all the people we love. How fast things change.

One day we hear reports about a virus in another country, on the other side of the world, and the next day, it is here. In our country, in our city, our neighborhoods. So quickly. So surreal. Our lives literally changed overnight. We went through all the stages of being prepared…not really thinking about the big picture of what was happening. Then hunkering down, then the reality sinks in, and we mourn and grieve the realities of the plans that we are now cancelling….and now 6 weeks in, it’s real. We’re doing this staying home thing. For our safety, for the safety of our loved ones. So crazy!!

As we are settling in. Settling our minds, and our hearts, and making the most of this new reality, we’re also making new habits. We’re establishing new ‘norms’….because that’s what we do. As humans, it’s how we survive.

The one thing I see people doing this week is making masks. Masks for ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us. It’s actually really heartwarming to see humanity love and care for each other. It’s beautiful.

As I was in prayer for our world this weekend, I started reading the story of Nehemiah. He was a cupbearer to the King of Persia in his time, who heard about the walls in his city being destroyed. This troubled Nehemiah so much that the King took notice and asked him what was wrong. In a short conversation, the King allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. He was later appointed to be the governor over that city.

Walls around a city, in the Bible, served as a protection from enemies, and defined separation; established boundaries to keep things in, and keep things out.

As I read the book, and thought about our current times, I felt like this was a great time to evaluate the walls in my life. What are the conditions of my walls? Have I allowed things into my heart, mind, soul that don’t belong? Have I allowed my enemy to win battles over my heart, mind, soul that I know He doesn’t deserve to win?

The answers were yes. Yes, I had allowed things to come into my walls that I should have never allowed. I was squandering my time. I was watching things that were fruitless and pointless. I was reading things that were popular, but so time consuming. They did nothing to help me grow as a person or as a Christian. Yes, I had allowed my enemy to win battles over me, like fear, like doubt, like self pity, comparison, and so many other things. Honestly, I would just let him win…calling them battles is not even fair.

Gosh, how did I get here? Slowly. One day at a time. One bad choice at a time. Until I made this a ‘normal’ thing. Is it surprising? Well, sadly, no.

I kept reading Nehemiah, and discovered what he did to repair the walls. He inspected- check! He began the work- harder than it sounds. What does that look like for me? Slow. One day at a time. One better choice at a time. Defining clear boundaries for myself.

I am finding that this quiet, quarantine, slower pace time in my life is really such a blessing. I am not done reading Nehemiah, not because it’s a long read- but because I am really dissecting it and really digging in deep. So far, I see that his enemies kept tempting, and coming around to provoke, and entice him into war….and I suspect that in my quest to rebuild my own walls, my enemy will do the same.

Because I love you, as a friend, and as a fellow human- won’t you evaluate your walls? Are there any gaps that you can work on closing? Maybe your walls are doing great- can you help those around you? Maybe your walls are completely destroyed- how can I help you rebuild?

I can point you to the one who I am completely devoted to, who helps me win every battle, and gives me the courage to set boundaries – Jesus. The one who changes me daily, who I can trust with every detail of my life….even the ugly parts.

Make your quiet time count. Don’t look back a few months from now, and regret the time you have now. It truly is a treasure. Time is a gift, that today, many are literally fighting with their lives for more of. Make it count.

Love, C

Fighting for Freedom

A few years ago, I became aware of a major problem lurking in the shadows all around us. I heard about the statistics that completely shook my core. Hearing that we have more people enslaved today than ever before in human history…how could that be? I thought. I couldn’t ignore that statistic.

That statistic kept me awake at night. It caused my overthinking brain to research and find out why. I began my quest for information, and the results of all the facts surrounding human trafficking were extremely sobering and all too gut wrenching. The ever expansive problem of human trafficking was so vast, it was hard to grasp all of it. Surely others have heard about this. Surely.

That was not my experience. When I became aware, I could not think about anything else, except the possibility of people currently being enslaved. Someone’s daughter, mother, friend, son, father, brother. When I mentioned my findings to others, they were in complete shock and many times in complete denial and disbelief, as if I was telling them something that could not possibly be true.

In an effort to bring awareness to this topic, first in my own community, I began my search of people that would help me host the first A21 Walk for Freedom in San Antonio, TX. That search, brought together many wonderful friends who share a passion to see others come to freedom. As we began our mission of hosting a walk, we received a donation to file to become a non profit organization.

On February 21, 2020, A21 Freedom Chasers will celebrate 5 years. In these 5 years, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to serve our community as an awareness group. We have hosted the A21 Walk for Freedom with many others around the world, and have seen so many people walk in their new found freedom, because someone had the courage to help them. Because someone empowered them and gave them a voice.

Awareness is prevention. We firmly believe this.

Every single one of us is a Freedom Chaser. Every one of us has the opportunity to help someone find freedom.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

Red Flags / Indicators:

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
• Has a child stopped attending school?
• Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
• Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
• Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
• Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
• Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
• Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
• Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
• Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.*

See something? Say Something:

Human Trafficking Hotline (save this as a favorite on your phone):

1-888-373-7888

or text HELP or INFO to

BeFree (233733)

You can find helpful information at www.a21freedomchasers.org, or on all social media platforms- A21 Freedom Chasers, and make sure you tune into our podcast- Talk for Freedom- available on Apple podcast, and Google Play.

 

*Blue Campaign