I am aware.

Almost a year ago, my eyes were opened to the horror of human trafficking.

I virtually stepped into a world with pain, suffering, loss, tragedy, sorrow, and anguish.

I will never be able to pretend that I don't know.

Little by little God ensures that I will never, ever forget.

I am aware.

I am aware of how short human time is on earth.

I am aware of how important it is to seek the Way, the Truth, the Life with every breath I take.

I am aware of the danger that young girls and boys are facing every single second.

I am aware that many will be taken advantage of today, tomorrow, and the next day.

I am aware that many will remain living on the streets and never feel the safety I do every single day within a home.

I am aware that millions of children in America are watching/reading/seeing things that are teaching them that it's cool and acceptable to focus on "self", to desire things they are not prepared to handle.

I am aware that the commercialized representation of love is skewed.

I am aware.

I am aware that many claim the name of Christ, yet are not truly walking in the ways of the Master.

I am aware that many are so broken they believe the lie that Jesus couldn't possibly love them.

I am aware that many are deceived by the falsehoods this world whispers into ears.

I am aware that I need to be the voice for the voiceless.
I am aware that I need to be a voice of truth in this lost and dying world.

I am aware.

I am aware that there is absolutely nothing I can do that is worthy of praise. All glory belongs to God.

I am aware that God is LOVE, and He desires to rescue and redeem.

I am aware that my days are numbered. Tomorrow is not promised. Yesterday is gone.

So what will I do with today?

Because I am aware, my eyes and my voice are daily lifted up to the God of the Universe on behalf of those living in slavery. I am reliant on the Word of God to bring peace to my soul. God is God, even when I don't understand the chaos and pain of this world. His control is perfect and without fault. I have seen His power move and shake in my life and in the lives of those I love. I've seen His love soften the hardest of hearts. I have seen His mercy and grace. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is love. I know He desires to see His children come home. I know the gate is narrow, and few will enter it.

I am aware.

That all fall short of the glory of God. That without faith it is impossible to please Him. That through our trials and suffering, we are to pray without ceasing, and rejoice in Him and all that He has done for us.

I am aware.

That there is an ever-present magnificent HOPE for those living in bondage.

That with God anything is possible.

That my joy, peace, and hope of a future for these girls will remain full and steadfast because of Him.

That I will continue to seek after the heart of God on their behalf.

That I will place complete trust in Him no matter what.

That I will obey Him. Even when His calling seems to go against the grain and our cultural norms.

That I will do my best to lay down every care and every burden that I attempt to carry on my own.

I am aware.

That my life is a living testimony of the glory of God. That without Him my story would be completely without purpose. That my purpose is to shine His light so bright and fill this life with His love more and more each day. That I am accountable to a Holy and righteous God who is not asking me to change the world on my own- but to watch Him and glorify Him as He changes it through His Word and His children by His grace. I am aware that I am so desperate for Him. My need for Him grows more and more.

I am aware.

Are you?

You are deeply loved,
Alyssa