A Nobler Cause
It is not uncommon for this pastor to take his time and reflect before speaking about what enrages the masses. It is now time to speak into what is happening in our nation.
Most of you know that people are protesting monuments and flags that remind them of 19th century slavery. I understand the pain that some would feel when they see monuments that stand in tribute to those who advocated for slavery.
I am the direct descendent of Ernest Weyman who fought for a year, escaped capture once and to reenlist, marched from Tennessee to Western Pennsylvania to sign his name to the 100th PA regiment for a second year. My heritage advocates for freedom.
Every day I wake up and must make choices about what will occupy my waking moments. Each minute that ticks by is lost forever so the decisions I make about the use of my time are critical.
I could choose to take up the cause regarding the monuments. However, what happens if the marble statues come down? Is a life saved? Is a life transformed? Is a hungry person fed? Is a prisoner loved? Is a needy person clothed? Do the unemployed find that they now have a job? I am sorry but the answer is, "No."
(Please only continue to read if you are over 18 as the information gets graphic.)
Now if I am passionate about the issue of slavery and I have been called by God or some inner drive to stop the advance of slavery, I must come face to face with some disturbing realities.
At the start of the Civil War (or "The War Between the States" as it is known in the south), there were, according to the US Census, 3,950,528 slaves in the United States.
According to the International Labor Organization, there are currently almost 21 million slaves in the world. 14.2 million are labor slaves. 4.5 million are sex slaves. 2.2 million are state slave labor.
In the United States there are an estimated 17,500 victims enslaves right now in sex trafficking and their captors are engaged in a $32 billion dollar industry. These numbers do not include other forms of human trafficking. This is disgusting!
Consider the following quote from the internet that teaches people how to begin in human trafficking. "I'm walking through the mall and I go up to a girl, who is probably with her friends, and maybe walking a little behind them and say, 'Honey, you are beautiful.' If she agrees or meets my eyes, I move on, but sometimes they look down and say, "You think so?" I already have her.”
The author goes on to say, “You’ll start to dress her, think for her, own her. If you and your victim are sexually active, slow it down. After sex, take her shopping for one item. Hair and / or nails are fine. She’ll develop a feeling of accomplishment. The shopping after a month will be replaced with cash…After you have broken her spirit, she has no sense of self value. Now put a price tag on the item you’ve manufactured.” (This information was shared with me at a seminar on human trafficking at Nazarene General Assembly 2017.)
My friends, I know this is repulsive but it is happening. Today there are people who are enslaved while we are talking about marble statues. Their arguments are not pointless but I believe there is a nobler cause.
Instead of fighting about statues, fight to set people free. Instead of looking down on passionate protesters, look around to find a way to help someone who is enslaved today. Instead of arguing about history, fight against slavery that currently exists.
I just made a donation to those who are on the front lines fighting human trafficking. You can join me by going to ncm.org/trafficking to donate as well. Instead of arguing, let's make a difference in a life today.
When I put my head on the pillow tonight I want the minutes of the day to have mattered. Make sure this day counts for something. Give this day to Christ and see what happens. Give yourself to a nobler cause.