Grace and Brothels

We all need the same grace. I said in my last post that I lack humility. I have sins and make mistakes that I have deemed "acceptable". I live in the U.S. and do what I'm supposed to do so I must be a good Christian. God must be really relieved that he doesn't have to give me as much grace. The nails probably didn't hurt as hard for me as they did for other people. NO. We all need the same grace and redemption. Jesus didn't have to die more for someone else than my sin. Every sin and mistake I make or have to make is a crushing blow, another lash of the whip, another nail in the hand. But it gets better. I've been learning so much about grace this past year, how much I need it, how much we all need it and how much I need to give it to others. To live a life marked by the grace, forgiveness and redemption of an extraordinary God.

I was reminded of this in a conversation I had a little over a month ago.

A few friends and I were discussing India and Hinduism came up. As we talked about how devout the followers were and how they would give everything for their religion. In passing someone commented "Yeah, they're so devout then they sell their own little girls."
The conversation continued but that single sentence stuck with me. What desperation must these people be in that the only option they see is to traffick another person, their own children?
Yes, I realize this example is pretty extreme.
But it's so easy to judge and compare.
But I don't know their situation.
I don't know that desperation. I have lived in such comfort my entire life.
That you can only get something to eat by selling your son into bonded labor or a daughter into a brothel.
Yes. It makes me so incredibly angry. But I know God sees their plights and their pain. He has compassion. He's a good dad. He's a God of justice that I can't comprehend. This doesn't mean that people will be punished, but rather responds with the same love, grace and redemption that he showed on the cross.
 I don't understand why or how human trafficking happens, but that's why God is God and I am not. That's why we all need the same grace.
If I ever think that I can't relate to someone, or just need a slice of humble pie, please remind me of God's grace and this post.
I need His grace. Daily. Just as much as the next person, even if that person in half-way across the world.

                                                    With Love,
                                                      Kaitlyn

Legally Blonde and random places of inspiration

If you don't like the movie Legally Blonde, we probably can't be friends.

Ok, that's probably an exaggeration, but you'll probably be annoyed by the fact that I quote that movie like nobody's business, randomly burst out in songs from the musical, and watch a specific scene from that movie for study motivation for all midterms and finals every semester.

Why is it so great you ask?
 1. It's really entertaining. There are some quality quotes in that movie. (Don't stomp your little last season Prada shoes at me, you know you love this movie too.)
2. It's inspirational. Think this is a stretch? Think again. It's defying stereotypes and gives you a character you want to root for.
3. The good girl wins in the end by going after what she wants, working hard, and doing it the right way. In the end, yes, she gets the right guy, but that wasn't the point of the movie.
4. Reese Witherspoon is wonderful. Enough said.

One scene in particular, besides the scene that helps me study for exams, is my favorite. It's from Legally Blonde 2, but it is the 21st century, blonde version of this verse:

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute^. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:8-9

See for yourself:

 

 Ok, so it's not necessarily the most biblical, but you have to admit the Elle makes a pretty good point.

If you read my last post, you know my experiences and how the lord really put the poor and oppressed on my hear.  I left for college with this burden in my heart, but I didn't know what to do about it. How could I reconcile this verse with my everyday life?

God answers prayers so much though when you start seeking Him, rather than his blessings or plans.

Within a month into school, I learned about an internship with an incredible local non-profit called FIGHT. It was an anti-human trafficking non-profit, and like I said, the two burdens God laid on my heart were human trafficking and clean water and water access.

Coincidence? I think not.

So I applied, I prayed, and I waited, patiently. Not something I'm good at. However, I knew that God fulfilled his promises when I committed my plans to him and would deliver.

In November, I heard back and learned I got the internship for the following spring semester.

It was one of the biggest blessings I have received to date. I learned so much. I was mentored and my heart was completely broken for victims of trafficking and their traffickers.

27 million. That is an overwhelming number. That's how many people are in slavery throughout the world right now. This number is really discouraging. I would lie awake at night crying for these people and thinking how impossible it would be to ever end human trafficking.

Then, He gently reminded me that I am not God. He sees what's happening and it breaks his heart. The incredible thing is that he invites us to do something about it. To speak up! (Again, my life could only be so perfectly woven together by the creator of the universe, because this is where my education and major come in again.)
Through all the statistics and information I learned what a biblical response to injustice looks like. It was life changing. It's not based on emotions and hype, but it's doing something.

With all that's happened in the past year, I know that the Lord is calling me to India during this time to speak up against injustice and indifference. 

Day by day I'm learning what that looks like and it makes me so unbelievably happy. (And if I'm being honest, pretty relieved.)

I just realized it took me like four really long blog posts to explain all of this. But it also really helped me process everything. So if you're still reading, thanks.

                                                       With Love,

                                                         Kaitlyn

P. S. If you were inspired by this I so encourage you to do something about something you're passionate about. Don't be indifferent.