Flying Free

We all think of January as a time to begin again, plan for the year, set goals, and get a fresh start on everything. It’s a time to take a deep breath and try out our wings at new beginnings. That’s why I chose the picture of the seagull in flight on a beautiful, sunshiny day over the ocean. What a feeling! I wish for you such a free flight into new beginnings and new transitions through doors of hope and freedom. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord speaks deeply into our hearts: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Start this month with this verse in your heart and see what the Lord can do!

Though we have started our focus on flying free, we can’t forget that there are those who cannot “fly free.” January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The Blue Campaign is a public awareness campaign that educates the public, law enforcement, and other community partners on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking. For more information, visit Homeland Security at https://www.dhs.gov. January 11 is #WearBlueDay—Homeland Security’s day to raise awareness as part of the Blue Campaign.

If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE at 1-888-373-7888. Some discreet questions you can ask if you feel you have encountered a victim of human trafficking include:

• What type of work do you do?
• Are you being paid?
• Can you leave your job if you want to?
• Can you come and go as you please?
• Have you or your family been threatened?
• What are your working and living conditions like?
• Where do you sleep and eat?
• Do you have to ask permission to eat, sleep, or go to the bathroom?
• Are there locks on your doors or windows so you can’t get out?
• Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?

Resources:

Blanketforthope: 1-334-430-3875

The Well House: 1-800-991-0948

Safe Harbor Youth: 1-256-489-1003

Please consider donating to Hope’s Door to help another victim of abuse or human trafficking to “fly free.