Today is International Women's Day! I am so thankful for so many wonderful women in my life, and I am especially thankful for the work that these women do to help other women. My hear beat is for freedom for women. Freedom from slavey, freedom from oppression, freedom from violence, freedom from feeling like you are not enough, freedom from feeling like you "too much", freedom from the hustle, freedom from feelings of inadequacy, freedom from worry and anxiety. As women (and men, but today is not international mens day) we all need freedom from something. As a Christian I know that the only one who truly frees is a man, Jesus Christ. I want to take a little time today to thank some women in my life who offer me freedom through their friendship, and offer women in my city, my state, and around the world freedom through their ministry and work.
Let' start on the other side of the world. I am so thankful for my dear friend Poe who offers freedom from the scars of human trafficking to women in Myanmar. Her sweet spirit, and her dedication to these women is a constant encouragement to me in my own work. I am so proud of her for the work she does with survivors, and I am also so proud of her for always pursuing her own dreams and taking care of herself.
Next, let's come back to Indiana. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Tracy and go from colleagues to friends (to actual co-workers). I am so thankful that she took a chance on this random girl from southern Indiana that would not stop e-mailing her. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am in my career without her acceptance, guidance, and support. Tracy has always followed God's call no matter how crazy it may seem. She works everyday to seek freedom and justice for victims of human trafficking right here in our own state. You can check out more about her non-profit at: www.restoredinc.org .
Last but certainly not least let's head back (to my) home.
I am so blessed, first and foremost, by the friendship of Amanda. I still remember the day a few years ago that I basically stalked her at church and made her be my friend. That moment turned from coffee dates to real friendship over a matter of a couple years. Our mutual passion to help hurting women is what brought us together. God planted in Amanda's heart the dream to share His love with women working in the sex industry. I cannot explain how proud I am of her for holding onto that dream and casting that vision to me, other women in her circle, and then the faith community in our city at large. It has been my extreme pleasure to serve by her side in the clubs for the last year. Most importantly, at the end of the day though she gets me and my crazy heart and is my friend.
Very honorable mentions go to the rest of the women who serve in the clubs with me: Rachel, Libby, and Carla. I am so thankful for their dedication and their love for the women we serve.
Finally (stay with me here we are still at home), Corri! Corri reached out to me a couple years ago because she also has a hear for victims of human trafficking. She came along just at the right time to get sucked into Amanda's great vision and she has been such a great mentor and friend to us and the ministry. Her help with the ministry has been invaluable. She is basically the reason that the gifts get from the people who care, to us, so that we can take them to the women in the clubs. I cannot express how much we appreciate her help. I also cannot express enough how much her mentorship and friendship has meant to me in my daily life. She listens to my rants and my crazy ideas. And sometimes you just need that when you are me.
You can learn more about our ministry here: www.thehadassahgroup.com
This is by no means an extensive list of the important women in my life. I have so many wonderful friends who I would be nowhere without. But today on International Women's Day I wanted to highlight the women in my life who are daily changing the lives of many women and girls around them. I encourage you today to pray for women around the world who need freedom. I also encourage you to thank the women in your life who extend to you the freedom found in Christ in your daily life.
Let' start on the other side of the world. I am so thankful for my dear friend Poe who offers freedom from the scars of human trafficking to women in Myanmar. Her sweet spirit, and her dedication to these women is a constant encouragement to me in my own work. I am so proud of her for the work she does with survivors, and I am also so proud of her for always pursuing her own dreams and taking care of herself.
Next, let's come back to Indiana. Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Tracy and go from colleagues to friends (to actual co-workers). I am so thankful that she took a chance on this random girl from southern Indiana that would not stop e-mailing her. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am in my career without her acceptance, guidance, and support. Tracy has always followed God's call no matter how crazy it may seem. She works everyday to seek freedom and justice for victims of human trafficking right here in our own state. You can check out more about her non-profit at: www.restoredinc.org .
Last but certainly not least let's head back (to my) home.
I am so blessed, first and foremost, by the friendship of Amanda. I still remember the day a few years ago that I basically stalked her at church and made her be my friend. That moment turned from coffee dates to real friendship over a matter of a couple years. Our mutual passion to help hurting women is what brought us together. God planted in Amanda's heart the dream to share His love with women working in the sex industry. I cannot explain how proud I am of her for holding onto that dream and casting that vision to me, other women in her circle, and then the faith community in our city at large. It has been my extreme pleasure to serve by her side in the clubs for the last year. Most importantly, at the end of the day though she gets me and my crazy heart and is my friend.
Very honorable mentions go to the rest of the women who serve in the clubs with me: Rachel, Libby, and Carla. I am so thankful for their dedication and their love for the women we serve.
Finally (stay with me here we are still at home), Corri! Corri reached out to me a couple years ago because she also has a hear for victims of human trafficking. She came along just at the right time to get sucked into Amanda's great vision and she has been such a great mentor and friend to us and the ministry. Her help with the ministry has been invaluable. She is basically the reason that the gifts get from the people who care, to us, so that we can take them to the women in the clubs. I cannot express how much we appreciate her help. I also cannot express enough how much her mentorship and friendship has meant to me in my daily life. She listens to my rants and my crazy ideas. And sometimes you just need that when you are me.
You can learn more about our ministry here: www.thehadassahgroup.com
This is by no means an extensive list of the important women in my life. I have so many wonderful friends who I would be nowhere without. But today on International Women's Day I wanted to highlight the women in my life who are daily changing the lives of many women and girls around them. I encourage you today to pray for women around the world who need freedom. I also encourage you to thank the women in your life who extend to you the freedom found in Christ in your daily life.