Did you grow up watching the super heroes on television? I have two brothers, so I saw nearly every episode of Batman, Superman, The Incredible Hulk, and more. We also watched Wonder Woman.
Even as young children, we all like to believe there are people in the world who will go the extra mile to help others.
We all need a hero.
Unfortunately, they seem harder and harder to find in our world. There are people who will gladly give and do for those they deem worthy, but there are others who never seem to catch a break, never have a hero swoop in for the rescue.
This week, I have a new hero. The ironic thing is, I’ve never met him face to face, but he’s definitely a hero. You see, one of my sweet girls has really gotten her life on track. She’s in college, working at a respectable company, and trying hard to keep herself on the straight and narrow; however, her finances are really, really tight. She has a car to get back and forth to class and work, but it’s “nothing to write home about.”
Lately, it has been giving her some trouble. Knowing she doesn’t have the resources to have it repaired, I contacted a church with a car care ministry. Last week they assessed the vehicle and let’s just say, it needed a lot of work. The women’s Bible study group at the church did an impromptu offering the next day to help cover the cost of her repairs and collected $250 on the spot. That was a great start, but the repairs needed were costly.
The gentleman in charge of the car care ministry did what he could for the car and then drove it over to a mechanic friend of his to take a look. This mechanic evaluated what needed to be done to the car, ordered the parts and made the repairs. The cost of the repairs, parts and labor, was close to $1,400; however, he only billed her $318. When you deduct the church donation to her repairs, her car repair suddenly became something she could afford.
This mechanic would tell you he didn’t do anything special, but he did as far as I’m concerned. He used the gifts and talents he has to help a survivor of sex trafficking keep her life on track and moving forward [John 6:1-13]. He embodied Colossians 3:23-24,
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
What talents and gifts do you have? Is there someone you could bless with them? Maybe it’s someone you know from your sphere of influence? It might be a survivor of sex trafficking, a neighbor, a high school student or a single mom you’ll never meet.
When faced with the chance, will you be a hero?
If you live in the Kennesaw are, would you help me bless our new hero. His name is Clint Turner and his business is called All Pro Auto, Total Car Care. His garage is located at 2517 N. Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30152. When you take your car in, make sure you thank him for the work he did for a young lady who was in need of a hero.
Hi,
I bought an e-copy of your book “Rescuing Hope”. It was a gripping story, and shocking, since it happens right here in the U.S.A. This problem of sex trafficking has been in the news more lately, but I used to think it happened only in Africa and Asia. Thanks for opening my eyes, and making me more aware. Maybe reading your book will prompt me to act when an opportunity presents itself. I will be recommending your book to friends.
Janet,
Thank you so much for your kind words about Rescuing Hope. It was as hard to write as it was to read, but it was necessary to do both. I thank you for spreading the word by spreading the book. The more people learn about this issue, the greater our chances are at bringing about change. I’m sure a quick Google search will let you know of organizations in your area fighting this issue. You can always do the following:
1. Write to your elected officials and let them know you want tougher penalties for perpetrators, more resources for victims and more awareness campaigns in your area.
2. Pray for those being held in bondage, for the law enforcement working hard to rescue them and for the organizations fighting for the victims.
3. Educate yourself and share what you learn.
Those are three easy ways to launch into this fight. Thank you, again, for sharing your kind words with me. You’ve made my weekend. If you know of a church or civic group that would be willing to bring me in to speak, I’d love the opportunity.
Blessings,
Susan