The other night my wife, my daughter and I watched the movie “The Help.” As the movie ended the tears continued. My heart was breaking for men, women and children entrenched in overt and covert human trafficking.

I remembered why I pray: Because I am desperate for a power greater than my own to do that which I cannot.

Josh Groban’s song The Prayer is one such prayer. He begins: 1

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

When I was a child I was heartbroken watching the Roots mini-series on TV.

I thought, “I sure am glad that the slave days are over.”

As an adult I found out just how wrong I was.

You can find more information about “end it movement” here and the International Justice Mission.

This Christmas week was very different. For the first time since we got married we did not travel.  We had a great time the 23rd — our Christmas — but the 24th & 25th felt a little empty and lonely.

Don’t get me wrong, we had a peaceful and blessed Christmas week, it was just different than in the past.

Perilous Presents

If our family and friends depended on me knowing their interests and needs they would never get anything.  Whether I’m being frugal or I’m ignorant, I simply don’t know what people like.

Looking back on you Memorial Day Weekend family gatherings, what comes to mind?  Fun?  Laughter?  Joy?  Kids playing?  Grandparents telling stories?

Or, not.  Many people look back and only see a past they fear.

Many of us would prefer to trade our family for another.  Sadly, many of you may believe that your past, and your family’s past will determine your future.

Your past does not have to determine your future; it doesn’t have to.

Don’t fear your past, embrace it.