Thursday, June 17, 2010

Revolutionary Road


Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope...build(ing) a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. -
Robert F. Kennedy


I'm feeling a little restless these days. Today there is a feeling of itchy feet, and I have a mind full of wanderlust, ready to take on the world. The constraints of this life though, keep me here in this place. I have often wondered at what turn in life I got lost, and missed the boat? Sometimes I feel stuck here, like I'm on Gilligan's Island. I've often wondered why God filled me with such passion and burning zeal to just keep my feet planted here on solid ground? I should not be tied to a desk, but should be wandering the world. Perhaps though, that restlessness is meant for a different road? The revolutionary road.


My friends and I are doing a weekly study called "The Love Revolution." (Read the book by Joyce Meyers) It's been life changing. Each week we have committed ourselves to a different project, something that can benefit others in our community. We are learning to love others. As all good Christians are taught, I have been taught all my life to love people. The first Bible verse I memorized was in second grade - "Love one another and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:44. I will remember that verse till the day I die. Imagine my shock when I realized not too long ago that I really don't love people! Well, that is not entirely true, I love those who I want to love, and who I choose to love. (If you are honest, you are probably like that too!) I love when it is convenient to me. I am just fine here in my own little house, on my own little street, in my own little town, in my own little state, in....in what? In the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth! What can one little person do to impact this world? One person can start a revolution. I have come to the conclusion that I can just sit here on my comfy couch, or I can step out and try to make a difference in this world. Can you imagine if every one of us stepped out to try and make a difference? Did you know the 7 wealthiest people in the world could totally wipe out world hunger? Our minimum actions can result in maximum world changing results.


I am not a women's libber, but I love women. I weep for women. I hate injustice against women. About ten years ago while floating through life, I attended a function where we were asked what we had a passion for. One moment I had no idea, and the next moment I knew exactly what it was - I had a passion for women. I spoke that out loud, and then I wept. It's been a process, and one not void of injustice and pain. Sometimes we have to hurt in order to feel other's pain.


Twenty years ago this year, I believe God put into me that restlessness and passion in my heart and soul. He put in me the desire to make a difference. I have always wondered what he would do with that desire. There have been times that I wondered if along the way I got lost, or took the long road? Twenty years ago He took me through the streets of the Red Light District in Amsterdam. I had just read a book about some missionaries who were living right there among the prostitutes, trying to help them to get off the streets. Back then they were there of their own choice. Today, many of them are there because they have been trafficked. They were stolen, and bought and sold. Last Fall I watched a move called "Taken." I had no idea what it was about. It was about Human Trafficking. I thought it was an excellent movie. A few days later, I flew to California to a conference. I had no idea who the speaker was, or what she was going to speak about. It was Christine Caine, founder of the A21 Campaign. A tiny woman who has made a significant impact on the world. She is combatting Human Trafficking. The A21 Campaign started with her, one woman. God has a peculiar way of working and preparing us doesn't he? Imagine my surprise when a few weeks later an aquaintance of mine started to tell me of her work with the prostitutes in Duluth. She spoke to me of one client in particular, a young girl who was trafficked to Chicago. She ended up very sick and she was dumped off on a return trip to Duluth. Yes it's really going on, young high school girls in Duluth, being befriended and trafficked away. I know what my passion is, what is yours? Whether it be here or abroad, you can make a difference.


Revolution? Yes, revolution. It means a sudden, radical or complete change. A change in thinking and living.


"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."