th (2)Did you see the breaking news yesterday about the largest sex trafficking bust in American history?

If you missed it, you can watch it here or read about it here. It was like Rescuing Hope on steroids. From the moment the story broke, I couldn’t stop thinking about those rescued:

105 girls between the ages of 13 and 17

rescued from 76 different cities

150 different pimps arrested, who held children in bondage either physically or mentally

105 families, learning their children had been rescued and were alive

I welled up with emotion for the girls, for their families and for the first responders who rescued them.

Rescued. What comes to mind when you hear the word? For me, I think of one being taken from something which is harmful, devastating, or evil and taken to a place of safety, security, and good. 

Many of us walk around daily without chains tethering us to a physical place, yet we’re in a bondage of our own.

The heart of the Father is rescue and restoration for all of us, both those held in physical bondage and those tormented emotionally or mentally. It is why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to live and die in our place [John 3:16].  There is nothing we can do or that can be done to us that He didn’t take upon that cross and pay for in full [Isaiah 53:5].  However, we must be willing to give it to Him and allow Him to do what only He can do- bring restoration.

For those 105 young ladies who were rescued, the road to restoration is just beginning.  It will take time, love, compassion, and acceptance from those who work with them to put the pieces of their lives back together. It will take grit and determination from the girls themselves to fight their way through the wounds: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  But if they will allow the Healer to carry them through the restorative process, if they will hang in there, they will find the life He intended for them.  Life to the full [John 10:10].  The same is true for us.  As my mother used to always say,

Nothing worth having comes easily.”

Today, I’ll be praying for the 105 and their families, as they begin their journey towards restoration. Do you need prayer for the journey towards restoration? It would be my honor and privilege to pray for you also. You may either comment here or if your situation is too private, email me at susan@susannorris.org. Restoration is a continuous process and it can begin for you today.

 

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