I am amazed many times when I am putting spam into the virtual trash bin, how disgusting and loathsome it can be. I really feel much better when it is written in a language I can’t read, then I don’t have to concentrate so hard on not reading what new filth has landed in my Lioness box. I mean, if I were actually having to touch it, I would feel the need to wash my hands, or bleach my hands afterward!

I also recently read a book about slavery. The story was real and the people were real, but written, as many stories must be, with fiction filling in the gaps of what we know. The fact that the author has walked through the house where these horrific events took place shot me with the reality of how horrific they really were! Could we imagine pulling up to that house today to see a black slave tied to the kitchen porch post being whipped for stealing a spool of thread from the person who owns her?

How tragically sad some our history is! And yet how much more tragic it is that many still live in a reality full of only objectified bodies, sexual innuendo, and enslaving the innocent! What a hollow, even hellish existence.

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything that has been created to degrade and minimize and objectify people, most often women and children, could somehow be banished from our planet? Wouldn’t that be a great relief?

But today is not that day, today is the day we have to fight. To push back against corruption. To let our voices and our anger be directed toward the preservation and protection of all people.

{If you are surprised at my use of the word anger, understand that I believe it is absolutely the correct word, and I don’t use it lightly. Modern-day abolitionist and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, Tim Ballard sheds light on one of the issues I’m referring to, that of the world wide problem of child slavery and the sex trade. These issues are the fruits of the degradation that I’m talking about. Slavery and corruption are alive and well and require our awareness and attention!}

We must step up and push back.

Here are a few ideas on how to accomplish that.

1. We develop relationships with those who are in our stewardship. Relationships of honesty and trust.
2. We become fierce advocates for our family’s physical, spiritual,mental and emotional health and well being. No exceptions on what is allowed in the door of our homes and what is kept out. {Of course today the door most often means the router.} If something is objectifying or devaluing of life, it’s out. Women, fight! So your kids or maybe even your husband at times might think you are over-reacting or that you are too sensitive? I believe that this is an important part of being a woman! If you feel that something isn’t right, let your voice be heard. Kindly, gently, respectfully and firmly lead out. Shine a light on the issue. How we feel about things can be a wonderful compass to the rest of the family. Not something to feel minimized about, but rather, your sensitive feelings are something to own and employ for the benefit of your family. We are called to keep things human and real.
3. We teach every chance we get. This doesn’t mean we are preaching at people all of the time! It means we are opening up conversations and asking questions and sharing our thoughts and testimony of what is right and what is wrong. We share our stories of the things we have learned and how we came to the understanding we have. It also means that we understand that, our example, how we spend our time, what we think is funny, how we speak of others, in all these acts, we are teaching our children.
4. We must fill ourselves up with goodness and love every day. Intentionally seek out uplifting music, literature, causes and people. Join forces with others who are fighting a good fight. Work hard but also take breaks and fill-up our proverbial cup. And even though the battle is real and fuels our swift and definite response, we understand that we are not in a state of being angry. Allowing ourselves to feel anger in response to injustice is different than being an angry person or feeling justified in behaving badly toward others, even when our cause is just. Truly, fighting the good fight does not mean becoming combative or ugly. We fight the good fight with goodness and love, and by defending the innocent. {And by sending donations to people who are prepared to fight for the just cause that we feel strongly about fighting!}                                         

 As I write this, I see ways that I want to do better. Are there things that you would like to change in your life, in your virtual viewing diet or in your general mode of operation that might clarify your position or offer greater support to those who are struggling?

I hope the “spam” you receive today will be written in a language you don’t know.

Sending great love to you!

Jacque