There was a distinct vision of how this blog was going to be set up and ran, and here we are, only in the second week and it’s already blown. There were posts written and in the queue, but something much more urgent came up that I feel compelled to address.
I had the honor of getting to know M., a delightful fifteen year old young lady this past year. She’s smart, funny, has a good heart, and brave. She went missing several weeks ago and her mother and the others who care about her have been desperately doing everything possible to try and figure out what happened, how to reach her, and what to do. You can find her picture and info at missingkids.org. Call 911, or 1-800-the Lost if you suspect or know anybody who may be lost. And PLEASE consider sending out good thoughts and prayers not only for M,, but for all the lost children (and adults).
I cannot begin to imagine what mothers & others who have genuinely been heart vested for a long time must go through when someone they love so much vanishes. As mentioned, I’ve only known M. a relatively short period of time, but the intensity and desperation of the desire to find her and get her to a safe place, and the sense of helplessness at being unable to do that runs deep. Being aware of what she could be going through is terrifying.
Then there’s the child’s perspective. While doing what I can out here in the peripheral of M.’s realm I’ve had several people ask me if she’s a runaway with the belief that if she is, then it’s not that big a deal. But those of us who have been involved with anti-sex trafficking groups know how vulnerable a child on the streets is and how frequently being preyed upon happens. As all of us who have survived similar horrors and those who have been trafficked can tell you, it is never a child’s intention to be dragged into it. It’s hell to go through, and if they’re ever able to get out of it, it can be hell to live with afterwards until an effort to heal from it can begin. To be honest, the healing process is not easy, either, but it is oh-so-worth the effort.
Please believe, if you don’t already, if you are still involved or are a survivor, we ARE all worthy of doing everything it takes to be free and to heal from it. No matter our age, what we’ve been through, or how positive we are that we aren’t worthy, NO ONE can take away our precious, infinite value that is inherent in ALL of us, whether we believe it or not. We also deserve to fully accept it was never our fault to begin with. I fervently hope and pray, for all who are, have been, and will be trafficked, that we catch a glimpse of our infinite value and hold on to it for dear life as we navigate our way back to freedom and imperfect wholeness. Amen!
Here’s an old Bon Jovi song called “Keep the Faith” that encouraged me through tough times. I think it’s really appropriate for this type of situation.
UPDATE: Madison was found a several months after she had gone missing, thank God! If you feel moved to, please continue to keep praying for others who are in a similar situations. Thank you.
