This morning I woke up with the sweet thoughts of Christmas and family on my heart. I absolutely love this time of year. I go all out with decorating my home and reminiscing on the memories my family has created together. Not the hustle and bustle but the sounds of laughter and excitement permeate the air and the wonders of Christmas captivate me with a childlike sensation. For me it is the most wonderful time of the year. However there are others who are alone during the holidays living in fear and dread, uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring and the Christmas season is just a reminder of that isolation. Watching families together and friends gathering to take part in the Christmas cheer can be a dagger to the heart.
I have several friends who have shared with me how difficult the holidays are for them. Due to a loss of a family member or life's unpredictable curve balls that have been thrown their way. Many experience a sense of despair despite all the well-wishing they encounter.
Being the founder of an organization that deals with the restoration of sex trafficked victims is a tremendous eye opener to the reality that Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year for many people in fact this could possibly be the most darkest time of the year for those individuals. Amid the jolly songs and festive celebrations, exchanging of gifts with friends and family many victims are crying and dying alone. When we are told that Christmas time should be the happiest time of the year, commercials enforce it, networks broadcast it, displaying an image that Christmas is the opportunity to be joyful and grateful. There are those who will never experience this kind of joy and gratefulness because they are a prisoner trapped in a world we can not imagine. So what if you are a sex trafficked victim?? How are they to be joyful and grateful during this beautiful Christmas season? Living in dark, dingy hotel rooms, under the control of some else. As prisoners, being told when, what and how things will be done. Having no control or say so. No emotions or passion for life. Just hoping to make it through another day alive. With dreams of one day understanding the true meaning of Christmas with joyful songs upon grateful hearts!
I guess my reason for writing this blog today is to express my heart and be the voice for these women who we may never know or see. Let's say a prayer today for these precious victims... at Christmas time its hard when we are enjoying our families and celebrating but there is a world outside of ours, that is full of horror and torment. No Christmas trees or Christmas cheer to be enjoyed. But my hope is that they will sense the sweet presence of Jesus even in those dark places..... and to be rescued from the prison that encloses them.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called; Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas my dear friends!
Love,
Tina
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