freedom

noun | free·dom

the absence of coercion

liberation from slavery, restraint, or the power of another

the quality or state of being free

 

 

There is an epidemic of slavery. It’s in third world countries, and it’s in pristine D.C. suburbs. It is a tragic reality. 

 

 

Human trafficking is modern day slavery & involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to work with a ministry that helps rescue victims of human trafficking. They provide immediate needs and long term recovery, and I had the privilege of serving in the recovery program for victims in our area. It absolutely broke me to hear the horrors that these girls survived – years of manipulation, abuse, and heartbreaking pain. It was an honor to walk beside them as they took baby steps towards recovery. We celebrated the little victories and introduced them to grace when they spiraled back down.

 

 

IT WAS MESSY, BUT so beautiful TO WATCH THEM SLOWLY STEP BACK INTO FREEDOM.

 

 

One moment I’ll never forget happened right around the holidays. Winter was in full swing, and the organization was requesting donations for warm clothes. In the depths of my closet, I found an old ski coat that I hadn’t worn in years. It was one of those items that you know you’ll never wear again, but you also can’t quite part with… it held so many memories! (Real life – the memories were not of flying effortlessly down ski hills. They were of crashing into snow banks and falling my way down the slopes. But still, the scenery, hot chocolate, and friendships are deeply missed.) As sentimental as I felt, I knew it this was a far better cause, so I donated the coat and thought nothing more of it. 

 

Right before Christmas, we threw a party for the survivors we were serving. As I walked in, I was greeted by a girl I hadn’t met before, yet something seemed so familiar. She was frail, you could tell her story had taken its toll on her, but her smile was confident and trusting. As she welcomed me with a hug, I realized what was so familiar – she was wearing the coat. The ski coat, which had kept me warm and dry for years, was now protecting her. The same coat that had ensured my childhood of safety, was now enveloping a girl only recently safe. It was just a coat, but in that moment I was nearly moved to tears, seeing this sweet girl finally safe and warm in this coat – and to see it now fully hers and a part of her recovery story.

 

I knew that I had to keep fighting. For my new friend, bravely walking the long road of recovery. For those who have not yet tasted freedom. For those still living a horrific reality. Spending time with these girls, hearing their stories and watching them overcome what had tried to destroy them, lit a fire in my heart to continue fighting on their behalf!

 

They are so, so worth fighting for. 

 

So this is my heart, to dedicate my business to fighting for the freedom of many more. 10% of every booking goes to Shared Hope International, an organization that provides recovery for victims of human trafficking, fights for justice on their behalf, and raises awareness so that future targets remain safe. It is my joy to contribute to their freedom! 

 

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

 

 

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the facts

Shared Hope International estimates that the average age that a minor enters sex trafficking is

14-16 years old

 

The International Labor Organization estimates that

1 in every 4 victims are children

 

The International Justice Mission estimates that

children as young as 4 years old are being violently exploited as slaves

 

Shared Hope’s list of facts further explains the reality of sex trafficking.

 

But one of the best ways to understand human trafficking is to listen to survivors themselves. Click below to read real stories of victory and hope restored.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Follow the adventure @taylor.rose.photography

 

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