January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
According to UNICEF, human trafficking is the 2nd largest criminal industry in the world, with profits of about $32 billion. It's the second most profitable criminal activity in the United States as well.
50% of victims are children, which is horrifying. This is my first time discussing this unfathomable, evil crime. To be honest, it's overwhelming for me to comprehend that these beautiful souls are experiencing such extreme horror. We can all agree that more needs to be done to end human trafficking. Over the past year, I've been making blankets for a wonderful organization, Saving Innocence, that places rescued children into loving homes. It brings me so much comfort that more and more children are being saved. Michael Jackson's song, "Heal the World" has been on my mind for weeks now, as I think about these innocent children as victims who deserve to thrive as free, happy, and joyful. I do believe the song was addressing this horrible crime ("Then why do we keep strangling life, wound this earth, crucify its soul"), along with the other devastating things children suffer from around the world, including poverty and hunger. And more than ever, this song is the anthem for the world-wide healing we all need now, as we've all struggled over the past few years through isolation, sorrow, loss, fear, and anxiety. I've been thinking a lot about what healing means in my own life. What I've realized is despite all that is happening around me, I still get to choose how I react to my struggles and begin to heal. I can choose light in the darkness. And I can be a light in the darkness to shine the joy and goodness inside of me to others. I can inspire others to do the same, which will start the ripple effect to change the world for the better. How are you all feeling these days? Have you been seeking more healing as well? By sharing my cover of this incredibly compelling song, I'm advocating for innocence and for world healing. And I pray that we all continue to choose joy, light, love, peace, and hope.
We could fly so high Let our spirits never die In my heart I feel you are all my brothers Create a world with no fear Together we cry happy tears See the nations turn their swords into plowshares
My favorite lyrics from "Heal the World," written and performed by Michael Jackson, 1991
There is a place in all of our hearts for love. We can be God's glow and create a world with no fear. It is possible, but it starts with each of us choosing to embrace healing thoughts and behaviors for our own lives and radiating those good vibes to others to help with their healing. That is how we change the world for the better and make it a more joyful place. Will you join me? Please contact me if you'd like to collaborate with me on this important mission.
Keep healing and keep shining, friends!
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