It’s not fun to talk about violence.
We would much rather give clean water, sponsor a child, donate books and invest in microloans. We would rather not talk about slavery.
But according to International Justice Mission founder Gary Haugen, we have to talk about violence. We have to understand its hegemony over the lives of the impoverished in the developing world.
You see, if we do not end violence, we cannot end poverty. All of our funds and gifts can go to the needy, but we also have to guarantee that those gifts stay in their hands.
In fact, any conversation about global poverty that doesn’t include the problem of violence must be deemed not serious.
Why am I sharing this?
Justice is an issue that is close to my heart. Furthermore, I am inspired everyday by people who have made it their life’s purpose to change lives.
As a history major, I also understand that hindsight is 20/20.
We wish we could go back to the time of the Holocaust and join the brave Europeans who opposed Hitler. We wish we could do a better job as a nation protecting black women and men throughout the twentieth century.
So I hope we won’t be the generation that neglects the 30 million children, women and men who are under the thumb of slavery today.
Let’s be a brave generation.
This is a blog about millennial courage, as much as it is about minimalism and adventure.
We pare down and live simply so that we can give our lives to greater things. We go places so that we can break out of our bubbles of complacency and experience life as most of the world lives it.
And I believe that we don’t have to follow in the footsteps of our 20th century forebears who failed to address the issues of their world. We can do better.
[Tweet “Let’s be a brave generation. Let’s end violence. #bebrave #locusteffect via @daisylinshih”]
What’s next?
If you’re interested in issues of global poverty, I strongly encourage you to check out International Justice Mission. Perhaps you can start by reading one of Gary Haugen’s books, The Locust Effect. Or, you can watch his TED talk, embedded in this post. (If you’re like me you might want to grab a box of tissues while you’re at it.)
My plea to you, friend, is that you would consider joining a movement that speaks to your heart. Maybe it’s not this one, but I hope it’s one to which you can see yourself giving all that you have.
That way, when our grandchildren ask us, “Where were you?”, we will have an answer. We’ll have a damn good answer.
Very worthwhile post. So many people seem to think that if something is not on the homepage of CNN or MSNBC, there must not be anything bad going on. And yet at any moment of the day, there are tragically heartbreaking events taking place. Tuning out is one of the worst things we can do as a society.
You are so right, Daisy.These statistics are alarming and we all need to not stop at being alarmed. I hope more and more people bring this issue out, as you have here, compelling more of us to get involved. Compelling more of us to not stand by idle and naive, and not let others either. Thanks for the eye-opener.
Thanks Jess!
That so awesome that you’ve heard Gary speak!! I’m jealous! We’ve been trying to get him to come to Harvard (or we did when I was there) since it’s his alma mater, but he’s really selective.
And you’re right– the US does have a trafficking problem, not to mention injustices to our poor.
Thank you so much Jeannette, I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you’ve had a blessed weekend as well!
Thank you so much Ashley! That means so much to me!
Ah thanks lady!! IJM is just an amazing organization– I don’t think anyone else is doing what they do.
Absolutely! IJM does amazing work and they’re the only ones I know of who seek to change justice systems around the world.
Thanks Emily!
Absolutely! I think it’s easiest to ignore the plight of the poor and weak, as they can’t constantly raise awareness about it.
I hope you do, Kristen! IJM does really amazing work.
Thank you Christina, that means so much to me! Hope you’ve had a great weekend.
Love this, Daisy. What a strong reminder that we can, and should do something, even if it’s something small- to help so many!
Amen to that! Slavery is no doubt a huge issue, and one I spent a year trying to dive deep and learn more about. I’ve heard Gary speak in person (he partners with my church, so I know a lot of people who know him personally) and he is positively inspiring. IJM does great work. What people don’t realize is it happens in our own backyards as well.
Jen
http://www.lifeunrefined.com
Amazing Daisy! You moved my heart and got me thinking about what is it that I could do to support so such wonderful cause. The statistics you shared are very heartbreaking but a reality we must all face. Your post are always very insightful and so full of wisdom and always show up at the right time. Thanks for sharing Daisy! Have a blessed weekend my friend! XOXO, Jeannette
I love this Daisy. I love your YES. Instead of shrinking back, you courageously stepped out – shared truth and wisdom. And challenged us all to stop living comfortably and to get out there to make a difference. Thank you for this post.
“That way, when our grandchildren ask us, “Where were you?”, we will have an answer. We’ll have a damn good answer.” Amen, amen, and amen. Thank you for consistently and courageously taking on the really tough subjects — we all benefit when you do! I’m sharing this everywhere.
This is incredibly saddening. We often live our own comfortable lives and it’s easy to forget about all the heartbreak out there. Thank you for bringing this issue to everyone’s attention and reminding us that we can do something about it.
What heartbreaking statistics. Checking out the organizations you’ve shared now!
Oh Kelly! I think you’d really enjoy this talk. It’s so worth the 20 minutes. And yes I’ll add my handle right now. 🙂
I love this: “Let’s be a brave generation.” Will definitely check out that Ted Talk and the book!
And hey, not sure if it’s an option, but maybe you can add your Twitter handle to the Click to Tweet thing?
This is really interesting. I’ve found myself coming back to the same conclusion lately- that pain is something to walk through and struggle with, not to be avoided. The same seems to be true of the “ugly” side of justice- we have to see the pain, the suffering, and walk head on to meet it rather than pretending it doesn’t exist or that we can skirt around it.
Thanks for posting! I will have to check out the Locust Effect. It isn’t one that I have heard of.
You are so awesome to be using your online platform to selflessly share and talk about important issues. What a lovely person you are, both inside and out Daisy! 🙂