Don't Let Their Silence Fool You.

I was moved so deeply by this very book in the picture above, I knew I just had to do something. I couldn't just think about it anymore.  Human trafficking, and the details of each woman's, little girl's,

or boy's story entails their dignity being ripped away by someone through manipulation or abuse.

So I decided to do what I can in my life right now, which is to take a wild journey, do something crazy, and all the meanwhile be advocating for those who are imprisoned in this horrible life.  I signed up for a 1/2 Ironman to raise awareness and advocate for victims and survivors of human trafficking.  I will swim 1.2 miles in open water, bike 56 miles, and jog 13.1 in honor of anyone who has been trafficked by another human being.

So I will blog about my 1/2 Ironman journey while also trying to tell some of the stories of survivors and offering ways we can help human trafficking end.   We are all called to speak up and speak out for those experiencing injustice.  This Ironman, something I'm scared to do, is one of my ways of speaking up and speaking out against modern day human slavery.  

It's also my call to action to women all over the world.

I want women who have thought about doing something crazy themselves, to go do it.  

We need women encouraging one another so none of us fall prey to limiting our own potential or to a master manipulator/abuser.   After all, it takes a village.

A 1/2 Ironman is something I've been dreaming about for years now. Something I am scared to do, have never done, will have to work extremely hard at, and will have to make all sorts of uncomfortable sacrifices to complete.  But its those uncomfortable sacrifices that keep calling me back to my cause for finally doing a 1/2 Ironman. As I grow in discomfort on a run, bike, or swim, I am reminded that all around the world there are people suffering at the hands of an abuser and being forced to do things that no human would ever willingly do.  And as I swim, bike, and run, I'll be praying for women and men who are stuck in deplorable trafficking situations.     

As I train, I'll post blogs about my training, human trafficking, and also about getting our young girls and women my age or older, to think more confidently and do things that builds esteem.     

Our God is a God of justice, liberation, and is surely an abolitionist. 

Our God loves each and every one of us, including those on the fringes.

And when those on the fringes have their voice silenced, then someone needs to speak for them.  

So don't let the silence of women and men across the globe being held captive by an abuser fool you. 

This world desperately needs more modern day abolitionists. 

I hope you become one too.

Peace,

Annette