While on Christmas break, I read the book, "Terrify No More" by Gary Haugen, President of International Justice Mission. This is a remarkable book that tells the stories of some of the rescue efforts by IJM, but primarily that of dozens of young girls trapped in the child sex industry in Cambodia. It was heart-wrenching and heart-breaking, but also inspiring and hope-filled.
Haugen shares a quote early in the book. It's one that I've read before, but haven't spent much time processing. Lately, I can't stop thinking about it. It's by Edmund Burke:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
I would just like to invite you to think about that quote in light of the global atrocities that are occuring in places like Gaza, Zimbabwe, Darfur, the Democratic Republic of Congo and many others. We have so much influence--as citizens of the U.S. and as followers of the God of the Universe! We need to speak out. We need to give our money. We need to offer our time and our talent. We need to pray. This is hell and it looks nothing like the picture of life abundant that Jesus invites His followers to bring to their neighbors--of the local and global variety.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
What will you do?
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3 comments:
LOVE that quote, brotha! Thank you for sharing it. [Ah]
Hey Ryan! Thanks for telling me about the book. I just got it in yesterday and it is about to be packed up and sent off to Brad. It is very interesting that during Brad and I's (uncle sam induced) seperation we both (individually) began to become interested in and research the unfathomable crime of human trafficking. It is a heart breaking crime against children. I appreciate that your church has taken crimes against children so seriously. Far too many feel momentarily moved by these stories and then go on about their lives without even a moment of protective prayer uttered for preyed upon children. I pray your commitment inspires many many others.
I love Edmund Burke. Have you ever read or studied him? I think you would enjoy quite a bit of his thoughts and positions.
I would be remiss if I didn't say that I bristled at the inclusion of the struggle in Gaza with the issues in Darfur, Zimbabwee and the Congo. Somehow I doubt we agree. ;-)
My favorite Burke quote is below
"When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle."
What will I do?....
I think one of the things I can, and will keep doing is just talking about trafficking and human rights. Obviously, there is only so much I can do as a mother and wife and part time working mom with actual time; but keeping the abuse and terror of children and innocent people at the top of my list and the top of my mind all the time leads me to discussions that may expose others to join the fight and use their resources and time. I am in a waiting pattern right now following the concert as to what my next moves are. They involve helping to lead Northview to continue to fuel their passion for this subject as they demonstrated on December 5th with an outstanding amount of money in one evening. So...that is where I continue.
Subscribing to Relevant magazine is helpful as well. Keeps you up to date and aware of what is going on in the world.
All I know is I can't do nothing.
Thanks, Ryan for the reminder.
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