Some of you gentle readers may identify with this letter:
Dear Sara,
Please stop stalking me. I know you are doing it. This is the only way I can explain how your music describes my life, down to the very detail; how, when I am at my lowest points and stonewalling God, your music points me in the direction that leads out of the funk without surrendering my intelligence; and why I have spent innumerable commutes to work and church listening to you with tears pouring down my face.
And now I understand that you are getting involved in the fight against slavery.
Copy-cat.
Seriously. Have you been following around behind me the past five years as I've traveled and seen the despair, the evil, the darkness—then witnessed how the hope of Christ rises above it all, giving peace and joy to the most destitute when I expect them to curse God and wish for death? You can't look away and do nothing, either?
This quality of yours is why I have loved every CD you've produced, since you brought "Past the Wishing" to your first concert at my college. How I wished I had $15 that night. How I mooched that CD off of people who did until I scraped the cash together for my own copy. And now, I pre-order your CDs ASAP. I am an online groupie. And I am thrilled to see that modern-slavery has pushed you to act. We're happy to have you on board. I'm pretty new here, myself.
Now, please tell me how you knew about my life now when you wrote "The Other Side of Something" album some 3-odd years ago. Still can't figure that out ... . Also, have you been handing your notes on me to my pastor? He's been suspiciously prescient lately, too.
Sincerely,
Burkinator
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Letting Go of the Big Things
“I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
—Martin Luther
“The taking up of the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us.”
—John Henry Newman
Funny how when we fail to learn these two lessons—or just forget them—God makes sure we get the point. As I try to be obedient and take action about slavery (as well as deal with other situations in my life) I want to be so careful not to do what seems right to me and miss God's greater plans. Also, I need to remember that God works through small, daily acts of obedience as much as He does through the big, showy steps we would rather take. ... Especially when we think people are watching.
God, help us to recognize how the small and unremarkable tasks of life—when combined with faithfulness, obedience and reliance on Your Spirit—can accomplish more than our boldest, loudest declarations.
My many thanks to the bloggers from whom I've borrowed these quotes! You've inspired me.
—Martin Luther
“The taking up of the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us.”
—John Henry Newman
Funny how when we fail to learn these two lessons—or just forget them—God makes sure we get the point. As I try to be obedient and take action about slavery (as well as deal with other situations in my life) I want to be so careful not to do what seems right to me and miss God's greater plans. Also, I need to remember that God works through small, daily acts of obedience as much as He does through the big, showy steps we would rather take. ... Especially when we think people are watching.
God, help us to recognize how the small and unremarkable tasks of life—when combined with faithfulness, obedience and reliance on Your Spirit—can accomplish more than our boldest, loudest declarations.
My many thanks to the bloggers from whom I've borrowed these quotes! You've inspired me.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Bear With Me ...
... I'm still finding my way through the world of the blog.
When I first decided to resurrect this blog and focus on the abolition of modern-day slavery, I had planned to chart a course for myself first, jot down some initial topics, write down a strategy. Instead, it took off almost immediately and took on a life of its own.
I still want to write about why I feel so strongly compelled to be involved in this fight. But that story will take time and editing I haven't stumbled across yet. In the meantime, here's what you can expect.
1. I will give suggestions to combat slavery that the average person can manage.
2. My day job does not allow me time to post as often as I want. Figure on 3-4 times a week.
3. Sometimes, something will make me mad, and I'll just fire off a response about the injustice.
4. My links will point you to organizations and bloggers that are making a difference (as far as I am able to determine).
5. I won't be able to reply to every comment, but they are appreciated and help me judge if the content is helpful and/or thought-provoking. Remember, bloggers are people, too, and we get discouraged by silence.
Deep thanks to those who have linked to and blogged about this site. Every mention helps and I'm honored that you think the site is worth reading. Let's hope I can keep the bar as high as it's been set.
When I first decided to resurrect this blog and focus on the abolition of modern-day slavery, I had planned to chart a course for myself first, jot down some initial topics, write down a strategy. Instead, it took off almost immediately and took on a life of its own.
I still want to write about why I feel so strongly compelled to be involved in this fight. But that story will take time and editing I haven't stumbled across yet. In the meantime, here's what you can expect.
1. I will give suggestions to combat slavery that the average person can manage.
2. My day job does not allow me time to post as often as I want. Figure on 3-4 times a week.
3. Sometimes, something will make me mad, and I'll just fire off a response about the injustice.
4. My links will point you to organizations and bloggers that are making a difference (as far as I am able to determine).
5. I won't be able to reply to every comment, but they are appreciated and help me judge if the content is helpful and/or thought-provoking. Remember, bloggers are people, too, and we get discouraged by silence.
Deep thanks to those who have linked to and blogged about this site. Every mention helps and I'm honored that you think the site is worth reading. Let's hope I can keep the bar as high as it's been set.
A Fair Halloween
My friend Bob forwarded to me the following e-mail. This is a wonderful idea and makes me glad that I skipped the cheap, monstrous-sized bag of chocolate at Target this afternoon. The following suggestion seems so much better:
Halloween will soon be upon us. Chocolate is a favorite Halloween treat. But you may not know that MOST chocolate that arrives here in the U.S. comes from child cocoa laborers that work on family farms, even as slaves. The U.S. chocolate industry says it's working to end abusive child labor on cocoa farms, but so far little has been accomplished and their plan does NOT guarantee farmers a fair and stable price for their cocoa. There is a solution -- Fair Trade Certified Chocolate! Fair Trade guarantees farmers a fair price for their cocoa, so they can feed their families and keep their kids in school. Fair Trade does not allow abusive child labor or forced labor.
I want to share with you an opportunity to participate in making certain that farmers get fair compensation for their goods. Would you consider giving out fair trade chocolate with an accompanying note this Halloween? Click here to learn more. At this global exchange web site, you can even download Halloween cards explaining fair trade chocolate!
No one loves chocolate more than me!!! But as I consider more and more the abusive conditions under which the cocoa is harvested to give me a pleasurable treat, I want to make a difference in the process.
This Halloween campaign is a small, but significant, effort toward a day when all is REALLY fair in the world. Take a look at the website. And I hope you will choose to make a difference.
That website again is: http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/halloween.html
--------------
If nothing else, I will be making a trip to Trader Joe's before the kiddies ring my door bell.
UPDATE (9/27/07): I think the links had issues, but they should be correct now.
Halloween will soon be upon us. Chocolate is a favorite Halloween treat. But you may not know that MOST chocolate that arrives here in the U.S. comes from child cocoa laborers that work on family farms, even as slaves. The U.S. chocolate industry says it's working to end abusive child labor on cocoa farms, but so far little has been accomplished and their plan does NOT guarantee farmers a fair and stable price for their cocoa. There is a solution -- Fair Trade Certified Chocolate! Fair Trade guarantees farmers a fair price for their cocoa, so they can feed their families and keep their kids in school. Fair Trade does not allow abusive child labor or forced labor.
I want to share with you an opportunity to participate in making certain that farmers get fair compensation for their goods. Would you consider giving out fair trade chocolate with an accompanying note this Halloween? Click here to learn more. At this global exchange web site, you can even download Halloween cards explaining fair trade chocolate!
No one loves chocolate more than me!!! But as I consider more and more the abusive conditions under which the cocoa is harvested to give me a pleasurable treat, I want to make a difference in the process.
This Halloween campaign is a small, but significant, effort toward a day when all is REALLY fair in the world. Take a look at the website. And I hope you will choose to make a difference.
That website again is: http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/halloween.html
--------------
If nothing else, I will be making a trip to Trader Joe's before the kiddies ring my door bell.
UPDATE (9/27/07): I think the links had issues, but they should be correct now.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
I Was Wrong
Wow. This blog rarely picked up hits. But in the last few days, there's been some real activity. This tells me that I'm just one of many who feel the pull to DO SOMETHING about slavery.
Do you feel helpless, overwhelmed, angry? I did when I first became aware of the scope of slavery, that it wasn't just in a brothel in Asia, but everywhere. It's probably here in this Bible Belt suburb. You know where this is going: "I'm just one person against a global evil. There's not much I can do!"
And that's where I was completely wrong. My friend, Bob, of Bob's Clapham Blog, had listed some organizations involved in this fight. Some were legal groups that work through the justice systems of various countries to free the oppressed. A few work in aftercare for victims. Others do job training or advocacy. The list goes on. And each organization is crying out for individuals to educate themselves about the problem and then do something—anything—to help. It became clear that one person could do a lot.
I am a print communicator and researcher at heart, so the natural place for me to start is by getting the word out. There might be something drastically different for you.
In the coming days, I'll begin putting up links to some of these organizations, listing some things to be aware of in your corner of the world, and explaining how I got here and where I hope to go. In the meantime, please visit the International Justice Mission's excellent site and the equally excellent Free the Slaves site. If you want more after that and I'm still not up to speed, Bob has more great links on his blog.
Will we ever see slavery completely abolished? Well, you've probably discovered that I believe in Jesus and His calling to minister to the oppressed in His name. I also believe that our world is hopelessly twisted and infected with an evil that will fight against good until the day Jesus returns to earth. As long as evil is in the world, some people will be so dark that they will enslave others. Right now, it's just too easy for them, and we need to make it much, much harder. This is part of my commission as a believer in Jesus. With His help, we can beat back this evil.
At the very least, if you pray, please pray about this issue. Pray for protection for the enslaved and for those who are literally kicking in doors to rescue them. Pray for the local group I've joined, that God will protect us from distraction, discouragement and disunity. Ask God to tell you if you need to act. Just tell Him your willing. He'll do the rest.
You can do something. It all starts with the step of willingness.
Do you feel helpless, overwhelmed, angry? I did when I first became aware of the scope of slavery, that it wasn't just in a brothel in Asia, but everywhere. It's probably here in this Bible Belt suburb. You know where this is going: "I'm just one person against a global evil. There's not much I can do!"
And that's where I was completely wrong. My friend, Bob, of Bob's Clapham Blog, had listed some organizations involved in this fight. Some were legal groups that work through the justice systems of various countries to free the oppressed. A few work in aftercare for victims. Others do job training or advocacy. The list goes on. And each organization is crying out for individuals to educate themselves about the problem and then do something—anything—to help. It became clear that one person could do a lot.
I am a print communicator and researcher at heart, so the natural place for me to start is by getting the word out. There might be something drastically different for you.
In the coming days, I'll begin putting up links to some of these organizations, listing some things to be aware of in your corner of the world, and explaining how I got here and where I hope to go. In the meantime, please visit the International Justice Mission's excellent site and the equally excellent Free the Slaves site. If you want more after that and I'm still not up to speed, Bob has more great links on his blog.
Will we ever see slavery completely abolished? Well, you've probably discovered that I believe in Jesus and His calling to minister to the oppressed in His name. I also believe that our world is hopelessly twisted and infected with an evil that will fight against good until the day Jesus returns to earth. As long as evil is in the world, some people will be so dark that they will enslave others. Right now, it's just too easy for them, and we need to make it much, much harder. This is part of my commission as a believer in Jesus. With His help, we can beat back this evil.
At the very least, if you pray, please pray about this issue. Pray for protection for the enslaved and for those who are literally kicking in doors to rescue them. Pray for the local group I've joined, that God will protect us from distraction, discouragement and disunity. Ask God to tell you if you need to act. Just tell Him your willing. He'll do the rest.
You can do something. It all starts with the step of willingness.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Slave Chocolate
When it comes to treats, nothing makes me smile like a block of seriously dark chocolate. So it broke my heart to hear that most of the chocolate for sale is produced by slaves, and mostly children at that.
Boycott chocolate? Will that solve the problem? Maybe not according to some articles I've read. (Click on this post's title to read one of the articles.) Still how can I eat chocolate when I know this? Just before I learned about "slave chocolate" a friend gave me a large bag of a favorite kind of chocolate. Each time I ate a piece, a mental image popped up of a child working in a field when he or she should be in school or out playing. Time to quit chocolate?
Enter free trade chocolate.
I thought it would be difficult to find, but the new Trader Joe's in town carries an affordable house brand of free trade chocolate, produced under standards similar to those that ensure coffee is grown and sold in a socially responsible manner. This means good growing practices, living wages for crops and fair worker policies.
Phew! I still get to hoard dark chocolate in my desk drawer, and it might even taste better ...
Boycott chocolate? Will that solve the problem? Maybe not according to some articles I've read. (Click on this post's title to read one of the articles.) Still how can I eat chocolate when I know this? Just before I learned about "slave chocolate" a friend gave me a large bag of a favorite kind of chocolate. Each time I ate a piece, a mental image popped up of a child working in a field when he or she should be in school or out playing. Time to quit chocolate?
Enter free trade chocolate.
I thought it would be difficult to find, but the new Trader Joe's in town carries an affordable house brand of free trade chocolate, produced under standards similar to those that ensure coffee is grown and sold in a socially responsible manner. This means good growing practices, living wages for crops and fair worker policies.
Phew! I still get to hoard dark chocolate in my desk drawer, and it might even taste better ...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Quote
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
There is a desperate hope brewing behind this blog. A hope that there will be new readers from among old friends. Many of you have known me for years and we've connected again on myspace. You know that I get worked up about things that aren't fair. I can't help it. Firstborns have an overdeveloped sense of right and wrong.
Over the past few months, God has been pointing me to pick up a cause of ultimate "unfairness."
Would you believe that 200 years after the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and the end of slavery in the United States some 60 years later, there are 27 million people enslaved?
It's true.
It makes me sick. It makes me sad. And it ticks me off.
With the help of other like-minded folks, I am getting involved in the movement against slavery. Like William Wilberforce, the man who worked to end slavery in the British Empire, I know that God defends the widows, the orphans and the defenseless--through His people.
I am one of them, and it's time to get moving.
Very soon, I will blog about some things I have seen with my own eyes. To get you started in the meantime, I strongly suggest reading, "Amazing Grace" a Wilberforce biography (or at least rent the movie) and "Not For Sale" by David Batstone. See notforsalecampaign.org for more. If you live near me, let me know if you're interested in doing something on a local level.
If this isn't your thing, that's fine. Check back once in awhile, as I'll probably post on other topics occasionally.
If this piqued your curiosity, thanks for reading! I will only post when I've come across something worth mentioning. Please drop me a line if you find anything worthy of note.
Much love,
Burkinator
(FYI: trying to keep my name and location somewhat anonymous, so don't be offended if I remove comments that give away too much. : ) )
Over the past few months, God has been pointing me to pick up a cause of ultimate "unfairness."
Would you believe that 200 years after the abolition of slavery in the British Empire and the end of slavery in the United States some 60 years later, there are 27 million people enslaved?
It's true.
It makes me sick. It makes me sad. And it ticks me off.
With the help of other like-minded folks, I am getting involved in the movement against slavery. Like William Wilberforce, the man who worked to end slavery in the British Empire, I know that God defends the widows, the orphans and the defenseless--through His people.
I am one of them, and it's time to get moving.
Very soon, I will blog about some things I have seen with my own eyes. To get you started in the meantime, I strongly suggest reading, "Amazing Grace" a Wilberforce biography (or at least rent the movie) and "Not For Sale" by David Batstone. See notforsalecampaign.org for more. If you live near me, let me know if you're interested in doing something on a local level.
If this isn't your thing, that's fine. Check back once in awhile, as I'll probably post on other topics occasionally.
If this piqued your curiosity, thanks for reading! I will only post when I've come across something worth mentioning. Please drop me a line if you find anything worthy of note.
Much love,
Burkinator
(FYI: trying to keep my name and location somewhat anonymous, so don't be offended if I remove comments that give away too much. : ) )
Like a good neighbor?
Not to start a fight, but I'm really confused. State Farm, one of the many insurance companies involved after Hurricane Katrina, et al, has just sent me a dividend check and a
Now, home policies and car policies are two different things, but how can a company that--from what I've heard--left a lot of people in the cold and complained about how hard Katrina hit them, be giving out cash to policy holders two years later? The money is all a part of the same company, no?
The check, although very welcome after a week's vacation, is making me queasy. Perhaps it's not accurate to say that it comes on the backs of Gulf Coast folks, but there's still a feeling in my heart that says this money should go to those who still are living in rotting homes. I will send my check to
So what, right? Well. If you are a State Farm policy holder who received a dividend check, or you just feel for those in the Gulf Coast, please find a similar worthy non-government group and make a donation. That's all the begging I'll do.
This concludes Burkinator's soapbox post of the day. It just bugs me that we're all getting back nickels and dimes that would mean so much more as a lump sum on the Coast.
Now, home policies and car policies are two different things, but how can a company that--from what I've heard--left a lot of people in the cold and complained about how hard Katrina hit them, be giving out cash to policy holders two years later? The money is all a part of the same company, no?
The check, although very welcome after a week's vacation, is making me queasy. Perhaps it's not accurate to say that it comes on the backs of Gulf Coast folks, but there's still a feeling in my heart that says this money should go to those who still are living in rotting homes. I will send my check to
Convoy of Hope So what, right? Well. If you are a State Farm policy holder who received a dividend check, or you just feel for those in the Gulf Coast, please find a similar worthy non-government group and make a donation. That's all the begging I'll do.
This concludes Burkinator's soapbox post of the day. It just bugs me that we're all getting back nickels and dimes that would mean so much more as a lump sum on the Coast.
Back and mostly rested ...
I am back in town for at least a couple of weeks. The break was good, and I now need to recharge my life, i.e. buy groceries, pay bills, do laundry, put suitcase away, check bank balance. Probably should do those in reverse order, but the eating seems so much more pressing after a week of constant buffets and good friends.
The break created enough mental space for me to sense a prompting to write more about slavery and the generally pathetic response of Western Christians to this and other human rights issues. Most days, I couldn't care less about politics. That hasn't changed, and in fact, I feel compelled to act because government so often fails those who are most powerless. The cruise (with its international staff working long hours to keep cranky Americans happy) reminded me that in the world's eyes, I am a rich, entitled, well-educated person who is only using a fraction of God's blessings to be His hands and feet in a world destroyed by sin.
It appears that more thoughts will follow this post once I've caught up to life again. Please join me in finding the way from pathetic to engaged. And comment a lot. I know that my logic isn't flawless, so challenge me. And if you want to join in this battle (for we are fighting true evil here) please, please, please comment. Many thanks to those who have read and sent encouragement.
The break created enough mental space for me to sense a prompting to write more about slavery and the generally pathetic response of Western Christians to this and other human rights issues. Most days, I couldn't care less about politics. That hasn't changed, and in fact, I feel compelled to act because government so often fails those who are most powerless. The cruise (with its international staff working long hours to keep cranky Americans happy) reminded me that in the world's eyes, I am a rich, entitled, well-educated person who is only using a fraction of God's blessings to be His hands and feet in a world destroyed by sin.
It appears that more thoughts will follow this post once I've caught up to life again. Please join me in finding the way from pathetic to engaged. And comment a lot. I know that my logic isn't flawless, so challenge me. And if you want to join in this battle (for we are fighting true evil here) please, please, please comment. Many thanks to those who have read and sent encouragement.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
In case you're wondering ...
I don't post here often, but I may start pulling some of my blogs from myspace.com and copying them here. Many of my friends from college read the blogs at myspace, but I realize that I could use this page as a forum for some of the more thoughtful posts--ones that aren't a personal update for friends far and wide.
Since this spring, this issue of slavery in our time has been at the center of my more serious thoughts. I know that I have to act somehow, so this blog is likely the beginning of my sorting through that process. The posting will be infrequent, but I'll try to post something here at least every couple of weeks.
I'm leaving for vacation this week, then a busy couple of weeks at work, then an extended trip to visit my family. They live hundreds of miles away, so I have to soak them up in chunks whenever I can.
This will probably be the final post until mid-October. Hope you'll check back then.
Since this spring, this issue of slavery in our time has been at the center of my more serious thoughts. I know that I have to act somehow, so this blog is likely the beginning of my sorting through that process. The posting will be infrequent, but I'll try to post something here at least every couple of weeks.
I'm leaving for vacation this week, then a busy couple of weeks at work, then an extended trip to visit my family. They live hundreds of miles away, so I have to soak them up in chunks whenever I can.
This will probably be the final post until mid-October. Hope you'll check back then.
Impatience
Sometimes, I am so impatient. Life can be perfectly good some days, but I miss the bliss of the moment because I am waiting for something better I've planned. I get antsy with my job for no reason other than wondering if there's something better I could be doing. I miss out on what God is doing in and through my life now because I'm worried about the "bigger" things He might want me to do later.
Whenever one of these spells hits, it's helpful (at least for me) to think about impulsive people in the Bible. Abraham, Jacob, King Saul, Peter ... even Judas. While God restored some of these people after they forced His hand or tried to make things happen on their own, they still missed out on the better things He wanted for them. Abraham ended up with a domestic dispute between his wife and son and her handmaiden and son. We're still dealing with that one. Then we have Jacob and all the crazy plots, like tricking his father and swindling his brother. He spent years on the run for that one. Saul's impatience meant that he lost his kingdom, not just for himself, but also his descendants. Also, he died a pretty miserable death and lost his sons. Peter, well, where do we start? He did some wild things and is often used to illustrate just how stupid people can be. And Judas? Well, you know what happened there. It's the saddest story of all, really.
Looking back at a relatively few years on earth, God has pointed out to me some times when I really wanted Him to get me out of something--NOW! In the present it's obvious that back then God wanted me to have a specific experience, help someone or just learn to trust that He had a really good idea of what to do with my life. This is a lesson I still don't think has gotten through my thick skull.
Right now, as far as my calling in life goes, things are not perfect, but calm. Perfect time for impatience to set in. "God, isn't there something bigger and cooler I could do for you?" Suddenly all the opportunities given me at church and through my career look pathetic and insignificant. So I fight the temptation to be dissatisfied. Starting here, I am going to try to have a different outlook. That 15 millionth meeting at church won't be another thing eating up my time. It will be a chance to catch another piece of what God is doing now, not in five years. I am going to remember that every slow time and dark place has somehow polished my character and abilities and that none of them takes God by surprise. Finally, I will enjoy the good today God is giving me instead of rushing ahead to tomorrow.
Yes, this is maybe more personal a blog than I usually put out there, but it feels like doing so will make me remember these thoughts and live them out.
Anyone wanna join in?
Whenever one of these spells hits, it's helpful (at least for me) to think about impulsive people in the Bible. Abraham, Jacob, King Saul, Peter ... even Judas. While God restored some of these people after they forced His hand or tried to make things happen on their own, they still missed out on the better things He wanted for them. Abraham ended up with a domestic dispute between his wife and son and her handmaiden and son. We're still dealing with that one. Then we have Jacob and all the crazy plots, like tricking his father and swindling his brother. He spent years on the run for that one. Saul's impatience meant that he lost his kingdom, not just for himself, but also his descendants. Also, he died a pretty miserable death and lost his sons. Peter, well, where do we start? He did some wild things and is often used to illustrate just how stupid people can be. And Judas? Well, you know what happened there. It's the saddest story of all, really.
Looking back at a relatively few years on earth, God has pointed out to me some times when I really wanted Him to get me out of something--NOW! In the present it's obvious that back then God wanted me to have a specific experience, help someone or just learn to trust that He had a really good idea of what to do with my life. This is a lesson I still don't think has gotten through my thick skull.
Right now, as far as my calling in life goes, things are not perfect, but calm. Perfect time for impatience to set in. "God, isn't there something bigger and cooler I could do for you?" Suddenly all the opportunities given me at church and through my career look pathetic and insignificant. So I fight the temptation to be dissatisfied. Starting here, I am going to try to have a different outlook. That 15 millionth meeting at church won't be another thing eating up my time. It will be a chance to catch another piece of what God is doing now, not in five years. I am going to remember that every slow time and dark place has somehow polished my character and abilities and that none of them takes God by surprise. Finally, I will enjoy the good today God is giving me instead of rushing ahead to tomorrow.
Yes, this is maybe more personal a blog than I usually put out there, but it feels like doing so will make me remember these thoughts and live them out.
Anyone wanna join in?
Recent thoughts
I have accomplished nothing today other than finish a book I've been trying to wrap-up for weeks. It's great, but it makes me angry. Everyone should read it. It's called "Not for Sale" by David Batstone. It's about the global slave trade.
Some may remember the movie recently about William Wilberforce, called "Amazing Grace." It's the story of how the slave trade was ended in Britain. The sad thing is that there are more people enslaved today world wide than there were in the 1800's when Wilberforce and his group fought slavery. How many? 27 Million! This includes many thousands in the United States.
Who, you say? Probably just prostitutes, right? And they chose it? Wrong. Most women in the sex industry are coerced or abducted--foreign and nationals alike. And sex workers are not the only ones enslaved. The next time you order from your favorite ethnic restaurant, a slave may prepare your food. At the nail shop, that cute little Asian woman who does your toes could be a slave. That cheap labor that landscapes the lawns in your neighborhood or builds the new houses in town? That housekeeper in the hotel or "nanny" at a neighbor's house? They may all have been promised work visas to the US, a job, an education and money to send home to their families.
But often their passports are confiscated, their families are threatened, their wages are withheld, their lives are threatened, and their freedom is stolen. Those who wish to escape are warned that they "owe" money: transportation and lodging costs, etc. They are warned that the police will throw them in jail for immigration violations. They are warned that their families will pay for their disobedience. And they are often beaten, raped and imprisoned.
What can be done? First of all, we can pray. Second, we can look at our own communities with open eyes. Third, we can tell God that we are willing to do whatever He asks. Fourth, go to biblegateway.org and type in the words justice, mercy, captive, widow and orphan (orphans and widows are extremely vulnerable to slave traffickers). These words come up more than you would expect. And I think God is making a point.
That's as far as I've gotten. Fortunately, others with a heart to do something keep crossing my path. We're praying, talking and planning to see what we can do here in our world.
What can you do in yours? Will you close your eyes the next time an immigration bust airs on local TV? Will you ignore the suspicious behavior of the employees in the local restaurant? Will you drive quickly through "that" section of town and judge the woman on the street corner for the "choice" she's made?
I can't do that anymore. I'm praying you won't be able to, either.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
--Isaiah 61:1, NASB
For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe. He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. --Deuteronomy 10:17-19, NASB
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Slow day?
So I thought that I was booked for at least half of today, but I had the wrong date. Minutes later, it looks like the time has already been filled up again. After two weeks of long hours and mind-bending editing at work, do I go out or stay home and curl up on the couch? Will couching just make me feel worse in the long run?
&^#%@$(*&!?":{\`~!%^!!!!
&^#%@$(*&!?":{\`~!%^!!!!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Times I Wish I Had a Camera ...
1. When I pass the "Brothers' Heating and Cooling" billboard on a 60ยบ morning: Said billboard features a bright red LED of the current temperature and a picture of two goofy looking men wearing down jackets and earmuffs and saying, "Brrrr... it could always be better." I laugh every time, because it's rarely cold enough here for that billboard to make any sense.
2. When I pass the "MyTV12" sign: This one points to the infamous 485/77 interstate bottleneck and says, "My Traffic Jam." I spend a lot of time glaring at that sign while waiting to merge.
3. When a woman in a Subaru Outback-type, crunchy-granola-girl hatchback cuts me off in traffic: Her only bumper sticker? A blue box that says (in white letters) "Teach Peace!" She is doing a tremendous job of that with her driving.
Unfortunately, these moments often strike me while I'm driving, which does not lend itself to safe or unblurry photography. But use your imaginations and smile with me.
2. When I pass the "MyTV12" sign: This one points to the infamous 485/77 interstate bottleneck and says, "My Traffic Jam." I spend a lot of time glaring at that sign while waiting to merge.
3. When a woman in a Subaru Outback-type, crunchy-granola-girl hatchback cuts me off in traffic: Her only bumper sticker? A blue box that says (in white letters) "Teach Peace!" She is doing a tremendous job of that with her driving.
Unfortunately, these moments often strike me while I'm driving, which does not lend itself to safe or unblurry photography. But use your imaginations and smile with me.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
I suspect ...
A friend of mine gave me a card last week for my birthday. It read: "I once tried a dessert called 'Death by Chocolate,' but it only made me stronger."
I laughed, but not as hard as I did when I read her comment inside.
"I suspect you have already tried this challenge ..."
I laughed, but not as hard as I did when I read her comment inside.
"I suspect you have already tried this challenge ..."
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Resurrected?
So ... this blog has been dead for about a year. I wanted to blog but I was a little too paranoid about saying something that would get me fired. Also, I just wanted to write about whatever was on my mind. Then I decided that what I needed was a JOURNAL. If you want to write without fear of the wrong person reading your work, you don't post it on the net. Duh. So this blog has really just become a place holder. I have a myspace blog that isn't as pretty, but easier to manage. If you know me and want to see what's up, go to myspace.com/k10burke. Otherwise, this page exists mostly so I can read and post to other blogs. But since no one has ever read this page, I don't think anyone will be too heartbroken.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
LIVE 8
I'm not sure what to think about LIVE 8. It's a great way to get the average Westerner concerned about the crushing poverty that a large part of the world experiences. But will more money help?
Over the last few decades, affluent governments have given billions of pounds, francs, dollars, rubles, livres, etc.--just to the African continent alone. But how much difference has it made? Often that money ends up lining the pockets of dictators and a small band of high-level officials. Instead of using foreign aid to help build national infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and economy, these "leaders" use the money to fund new stadiums, government ministry buildings and other projects. They award contracts to contractors, and then line their own pockets with kickbacks from the contractors. Meanwhile, their countrymen starve.
Does this mean that the affluent nations should stop helping the impoverished? Absolutely not. But they should find a way to build in some accountability to lending process. I know that the aid is usually contingent on long-term plans, but does anyone check to see the results of these plans? Is there any form of accounting for how the money is spent? I can't spend $15 at work without presenting a reciept. If I don't show receipts, I don't see any more money. Why isn't anyone applying this standard to foreign aid?
I haven't paid much attention to LIVE 8, other than to wonder about how the money raised will be spent? Will it go to international non-governmental organizations who tend to use funds more effectively? And if so, will the national governments undermine the work of these NGOs?
Here's a couple of links to the sources for this ramble:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4104164.stm
http://slate.com/id/2121864/
In my limited experience, it seems that the best way to help people is not give their government the money. Give it to the people, more directly. Build a hospital and train the people who live by it to be doctors and nurses. Take agricultural supplies and train the people who are starving. Build a school and teach teachers. The list goes on. I wish I knew how to fix these problems immediately. All I can say is that we can each do something. Sponsor a child so that they can attend school. GIve money to an NGO that builds and supports hospitals, schools or other needed facilities. Every time you feel yourself being overwhelmed by need, do something to help one person--and try to do it effectively. Governments are pretty terrible at that, but private organizations seem to do a better job.
Final note: If you think Christianity is part of the problem in Africa, I dare you to go to a church-sponsored hospital in a third-world country. Then go to a public hospital. The differences will be startling. I have been overwhelmed by the commitment and compassion of African Christians. It shames me, really.
Over the last few decades, affluent governments have given billions of pounds, francs, dollars, rubles, livres, etc.--just to the African continent alone. But how much difference has it made? Often that money ends up lining the pockets of dictators and a small band of high-level officials. Instead of using foreign aid to help build national infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and economy, these "leaders" use the money to fund new stadiums, government ministry buildings and other projects. They award contracts to contractors, and then line their own pockets with kickbacks from the contractors. Meanwhile, their countrymen starve.
Does this mean that the affluent nations should stop helping the impoverished? Absolutely not. But they should find a way to build in some accountability to lending process. I know that the aid is usually contingent on long-term plans, but does anyone check to see the results of these plans? Is there any form of accounting for how the money is spent? I can't spend $15 at work without presenting a reciept. If I don't show receipts, I don't see any more money. Why isn't anyone applying this standard to foreign aid?
I haven't paid much attention to LIVE 8, other than to wonder about how the money raised will be spent? Will it go to international non-governmental organizations who tend to use funds more effectively? And if so, will the national governments undermine the work of these NGOs?
Here's a couple of links to the sources for this ramble:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/documentary_archive/4104164.stm
http://slate.com/id/2121864/
In my limited experience, it seems that the best way to help people is not give their government the money. Give it to the people, more directly. Build a hospital and train the people who live by it to be doctors and nurses. Take agricultural supplies and train the people who are starving. Build a school and teach teachers. The list goes on. I wish I knew how to fix these problems immediately. All I can say is that we can each do something. Sponsor a child so that they can attend school. GIve money to an NGO that builds and supports hospitals, schools or other needed facilities. Every time you feel yourself being overwhelmed by need, do something to help one person--and try to do it effectively. Governments are pretty terrible at that, but private organizations seem to do a better job.
Final note: If you think Christianity is part of the problem in Africa, I dare you to go to a church-sponsored hospital in a third-world country. Then go to a public hospital. The differences will be startling. I have been overwhelmed by the commitment and compassion of African Christians. It shames me, really.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Janus-The First Post
I'll start by laying out the basic idea behind this blog. Sometimes I'll post. Sometimes I won't.
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