I was at the grocery store the other day with Chloe. Going to the grocery store with a baby takes forever. Not because of the baby, but because of all the other people who want to admire said baby. It’s…err, she’s a great ice breaker but sometimes you just want to get your groceries and be done. After pausing awkwardly for the millionth person to smile and make faces at Chloe I wondered at what age does it become awkward for someone to smile and “aww” at a child.

And then I wondered when will be the first time my daughter is looked at inappropriately. My stomach twisted at the thought and I quickly shoved it away. Not something I need to worry about yet…

And then… Oh dear Lord, I can’t believe I’m about to write this next sentence.

And then I read a story about a 1 year old who had been rescued from someone who had trafficked her. A one year old. 12. Months. Old. A baby. Chloe is 9 months old…she’ll be 1 in 3 short months.

F*** no.

Babies are the purest form of human we’ve got. How can we live in a world where there is such ugliness as to take that innocent being and defile it in the gruesomest way?

My baby is soft and fragile and beautiful and adventurous and full of life and sweet, melt-your-heart smiles.

I cannot even fathom such an evil. It is not okay. It is so not okay.

The devastation that is sex trafficking has been heavy on my heart for years. I’ve spent hours reading books, doing online research, praying, bringing awareness to, and weeping for this issue. And then I kinda stopped. It was too much. I wanted to do more, I wanted to move to Amsterdam and be in the midst of it, but it wasn’t meant to be, and so since I couldn’t do more I just stopped. Then I became a wife and a mother and you know the drill.

But I’m done. Done with the stupid excuses. Especially now, because it’s personal. I want to fight for my daughter’s safety and all the other daughter’s out there. I don’t know how or what but I’ll find it. The mama bear I didn’t know was in me has been awakened and is thirsty for justice.

“we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” -mlk jr

This post ends on a slightly hopeless note. Check out my my next post to hear about the hope that there is!