Seeking Justice

In reply to Krys' comment:

"The question 'what can we do' is troubling—possibly in the best sense, though. Although, it makes me wonder. Are we, still young people—just teens—supposed to feel bad that we cannot at present leave our homes and actually get on the front lines (of this subject and many others of the like, helping the homeless, etc) in a major way, or do we look at this time at home as the time to prepare ourselves for the future, which for some of us (being almost adults) really isn't that far away. True, there's the whole Rebelution thing that is great, but are we supposed to feel really bad because in essence right now we can't do as much as the adults we read about who are dedicating their lives to helping others? How exactly are we supposed to respond—we who are caught between childhood past and adult hood future, but not really here nor there...if that happens to make any sense. I'll admit it's a feeling and a question one can't really put into words, there's so many facets to it..."

It bothers me too. And you're right. It should.

It was Jamie McIntosh's speech at Missions Fest last week (was it really only last week?) that kicked me back onto this topic. I had been interested in modern-day slavery and human trafficking for a year or two, especially in sex trafficking and in the work International Justice Mission is doing, but gave it up for a while for no good reason. Like Krys said, it's only one problem of many, but if the homeless is her "cause," or issue of particular interest, or whatever, and government is Kayla's, then I suppose this is mine. But back to the question—and this post certainly doesn't relate only to this topic.

It's pointless to feel guilty about what we can't help. So we're in a less influential position than celebrities or millionaires or adults with connections. So what? Remember the woman who gave her only two coins: it's what you do with what you have that matters. Guilt won't accomplish anything, so yes, for teenagers this is the time to be learning, growing—practising really—and not shying away from what you are able to do.

Which doesn't change the fact that fame and fortune are great assets when you're trying to change something.

All over the internet are lists of Things You Can Do to End Slavery. They come in stacks of ten or eleven or forty. (The eleven list is the best of those, by the way.) Don't view porn (well, duh), write a poem about it, buy free trade, spread awareness... None of those are bad things, some are very good, but most seem frustratingly small. Raising awareness is all very well—at least it's a first step—but knowing what's going on without taking further action doesn't help anyone.

Those things are important, some more than others, but I would say that the three biggest things you can do are:

1. Pray! It's effective (not to mention free, with the cheerful consequence of benefitting you as well as the people you pray for—both of which are selfish reasons, but side effects nonetheless.) Pray for wisdom, strength and courage for those giving their lives to fight injustice. Pray that the media in these countries would pick up on what's happening and expose it. That the authorities would enforce their laws instead of turning a blind eye. That the Westerners who spend their holidays in Southeast Asia (and other places) having sex with children would be caught and exposed as well and the industry would crumble. Also, if you're wondering what you can do, ask God—He'll tell you!

2. Give, to reputable people and organisations like the marvellous IJM—those who are on the front lines and often rely on those that aren't to keep them running. If you can't support them financially, support them by word-of-mouth, or with your time and labour if that's an option. International Justice Mission is my particular favourite here, obviously, but there are others too. Or organise an event, such as a fundraiser with a film screening or something. (I'm brainstorming a way to do this—brilliant ideas welcome.)

3. Encourage others to do the same. Most people don't know what's going on, and if they do, they don't know how they can help or don't want to bother with it.

Small? Well, yes. All of this looks trifling indeed against long, depressing numbers like twenty-seven million. But if these efforts help rescue even one person—to that one person, it would be enormous. We're to make good use of the resources we have; that is all. If you think about it, that's rather a large responsibility no matter how much money or influence you possess. We do what we can. God takes care of the rest.

And if you want to write a poem about it all, go for it.^^