I have an insane number of dreams and goals. There are so many experiences I want before I die. I want to travel to North and South America, romp around Europe, and experience the different cultures across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. I dream of climbing mountains and exploring the sea.
However, I don't think that adventure and travel will truly satisfy me. Even if I accomplish all of it, I think I would be left unsatisfied. I desire to live a meaningful life, as most people do. I want to influence the lives of others in a major way. I could live out a life of travel and exploration, and I would probably be very happy.
But, I would be taking advantage of my privileged lifestyle, while others are left suffering. I cannot enjoy a simple, quiet life while people are being raped, tortured and killed. I need to do something about it.
I could focus on what I want and what would make me happy, but this would be selfish. I want to love people well. Not just my neighbors, not just my friends, but all people.
I want to defend those whose rights have been taken from them. I want to make a difference. I want to put an end to injustices all over the world.
I have been blessed to be raised in a safe community with a loving family. Not all people have been so blessed. For those of us who were raised in safety, we don't understand what it must be like to fear for our lives every day or to experience persecution or torture.
People across the world live in those fears. They are very real. These are things people are experiencing right now. That's a hard pill to swallow.
It's easy to live a simple life, ignorant to the terrible things that happen in other parts of the world. We'd rather not read the news because it's depressing. It's easy to say it's not our problem, or that it doesn't affect our lives. But these are not good excuses.
It is humanity's problem. The lack of human rights in some parts of the world astounds me. Why do I experience freedom, while there are so many being deprived of it? Why me and not someone else?
In World War II, most Americans didn't do much to save the Jews who were being mercilessly killed across Europe. They wanted to stay uninvolved. But if we were the ones suffering, we would hope and pray that someone would choose to help us.
People are being denied basic human rights across the world. People are starving, being persecuted for their religion, and treated less human because of their race. So, what are we gonna do about it?
It's hard to make a change in our lives, especially when nothing seems to change around us. But there are organizations fighting against the world's injustices. We can find ways to either go and make a difference or contribute financially.
We could go without a few trips to Target, and instead, use that money to fight against human trafficking. We could get down on our knees and pray that God would protect the innocent victims across the world, and put an end to these terrible injustices. Whether through action, prayer, or helping fund these organizations, you can do your part right now. These people who are suffering need action, not pity.
An organization called Urban Light empowers at risk young males in Thailand from a life of exploitation and trafficking.
A different organization, One Free World International, fights for religious freedom for all people.
The Norwegian Refugee Council is an organization which promotes and protects the rights of people affected by displacement. This includes refugees and internally displaced persons who are forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict, human rights violations, and acute violence, as well as climate change and natural disasters.
There are so many other organizations to choose from. Please don't accept the lie that you can't make a difference in this world because you most definitely can. Everyone has the power to change the world, but only if you step out and do something.
