The Gift of Freedom

Last night I watched the movie Human Trafficking. I've known that slavery exists today. I've met a few survivors and people who are helping them. Yet, the enormity of it blows me away. More than 2000 are sold daily into modern day slavery, according to one quote. And the bulk of them are trafficked into the United States. I can't help but feeling that, in spite of all our freedom and glory, we have become a source of horror for so many innocent lives. We have created the demand for this atrocity and by doing so, have become one of the greatest terrorist nations of the world. We can no longer sit safely in our sheltered communities, closing our eyes to the reality around us or pointing our fingers of judgement to other nations. The country I live in has thousands of women and children trafficked out of it. The country you live in has many trafficked into it. Perhaps you feel I'm coming on a bit strong, getting too worked up about it. Watch the movie. Do some research. And ask yourself, "Who is my neighbor?"

For a while now, I've been wanting to do a blog on fair trade Christmas gift ideas. The movie last night was the final push for me to get this done! I would like to share some of my favorite websites with you. Some of them are directly helping survivors of slavery, others are simply helping to reduce poverty around the world, which, I might add, is a huge reason that many are pulled into trafficking in the first place. To those of us who follow Christ, Christmas represents the gift of freedom. I would like to invite you to give the gifts that represent freedom to those around you this Christmas and anytime, for that matter. Having said that, I know this is a time of financial hardship for many. You may not feel you can afford "fair trade" prices. Before you dismiss the idea, check it out. I think you will find many beautiful items that are actually affordable. I'll admit that you may spend more than if you shop at Walmart but you will be giving three gifts in one - a gift to the one you are buying for, a gift to the one who made it and a gift to the Creator of all.

Of course Ten Thousand Villages is pretty high up there on my list! Visit www.tenthousandvillages.com to find out more about them and see amazing products - some of which are produced by people I've been privileged to meet here.

Another favorite is The Emancipation Network, an international organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking. They help survivors rebuild their lives and work at preventing slavery in high risk areas. They import and sell beautiful handicrafts made by survivors and persons at risk. They sell products online at www.madebysurvivors.com. You can also host a party in your home. Go to their website for more information.

A friend of mine works with survivors in Kolkata, where they quilt beautiful blankets out of saris. The website is currently under construction but I'll give it to you anyway so that you can hopefully check it out in the near future. www.handandcloth.org

The Enterprising Kitchen is a nonprofit social enterprise that provides jobs and support for low income women in Chicago. They specialize in natural soaps and spa products. www.theenterprisingkitchen.org

For many of us, life is not complete without coffee! Hemisphere Coffee Roasters not only sells amazing coffee, they also have a mission to assist the church in coffee growing countries by purchasing coffee directly from farmers who will be a blessing to entire communities. For more information visit www.hemispherecoffeeroasters.com.

This is but a small list. I know there are so many other great websites and stores out there. If you have a favorite you'd like to share with me, drop me a comment.

Tiny steps, faithfully taken, will someday equal a giant leap.