My daughter turned one on Sunday. She is incredible. She’s smart, and goofy, and adventurous. Her personality has come out so much recently. She’s curious and mischievous and always wondering what’s around the corner.

There’s been a bit of time since I wrote last. Those posts were hard to write and took a lot out of me. And in the aftermath I thought about what I could do to fight against human trafficking and sexual abuse and kidnapping and all those awful things. If I felt it’s what I was supposed to do, I’d move to the red light district in Amsterdam and knock down brothel doors and rescue the helpless girls there. I do not feel that that is what I’m meant to do, at least for now.

But I don’t want to do NOTHING. And I got frustrated because I don’t know what I CAN do.

Then I was watching my daughter explore and delight in the world around her and I thought “that’s what I can do”. What I get to do.

I can nurture this curious, naive mind and soul. I can cultivate in her a joy in the world she lives in and a heart that is full of hope and joy and beauty.

And, yes, teach her to be cautious and make sure she’s aware of the dangers in this world. I don’t want her to be oblivious to the ugliness that surrounds us but I also don’t want to lock her up in hopes of keeping her safe. That won’t do anyone any good.

Parenting a child is a big responsibility, and at times seems overwhelming. But it is also a great and exciting challenge and the best thing I’ve ever done with my life. So, right now, that is what I can do to make a difference in the world…