Watch this video and then visit this site. I wish I could see the full documentary.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, (Psalm 146:7)
Pray for those who are being held captive around the world. That the Lord would be at work.
I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. (Isaiah 42:6-7)
Pray that we would be willing to take action to help free those who sit in darkness.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:1-4)
Pray for restoration of the broken.
Perhaps these verses only relate to the captivity of Israel by the Babylonians and I have taken them out of context. But perhaps God is still calling us to bind up the brokenhearted and release prisoners from darkness.
Everyone stands for something. Like me, they may not go out and preach to the masses, they may not talk about it constantly, but there is something that everyone is passionate about. Aside from my relationship with Christ, I am passionate about many things (yeah, you would've never guessed, huh?). Unless someone brings up the issue or I have recently read something about it, I am pretty silent about the things that I stand for. This year, I've been trying to become an activist. Don't expect me to be all political about it, but I've decided that I can no longer just say that I support these things, and rant about how they should be different, but that my actions should reflect what I believe in. So, these are just some things that I get fired up about, and I hope you'll get fired up too! Oh, please note that grammar, lip gloss, Starbucks, and British accents did not make this list. I love those things, but I don't base my life on them.
Abolishing Child Slavery/Sex Slavery I wasn't really aware that this was such a big issue until I saw a Dateline 20/20 episode about women and children who are sold into sexual slavery around the world. Slavery did not just happen in the 19th century, but it is very much alive and active today. According to Love146.org, two children are sold into slavery about every minute, and about 1.2 million children are sold annually. Children are being sold! 27 million people are currently enslaved. Human Trafficking is a problem that needs to be stopped. Check out Love146.org or their blog (in my links to the right) to find out what you can do to help!
Real Beauty vs. Society's Twisted View of Beauty For a long time I bought into the lies that because I wasn't small and skinny, I wasn't beautiful. It took Christ's love to remind me that I was "fearfully and wonderfully made." I hate how society continues to deceive women, and I want it to stop. Check out the Dove Evolution video in my links.
Suicide Awareness Depression is commonplace. People believe that their lives aren't worth anything. Although I've never committed suicide (obviously..) or known anyone who has, it had been a fleeting thought in some dark moments. Life is so much more than what people know. I want people to see purpose and meaning in their lives, ultimately through Christ. You are worth it. I think a big way to prevent suicide is to just be aware of those around who may be hurting. Really listen to people and don't concentrate on yourself so much. Check out the Alive Campaign website in my links.
I think being active is mostly about not thinking only about yourself, but loving others, and that's what Christ calls us to do.
"But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (James 2:18)
