What makes you mad? I don’t mean just a little upset, but what stirs you up to the point you can’t sit by and do nothing? Mark Fritchman says that may be the very thing God is calling you to without you realizing it.
This has been referred to by many as the Popeye Principle. Popeye the Sailor Man is a famous cartoon character known for having his frustration level peaked to the point it propelled him into action. He frequently said,
That’s all I can stand, and I can’t stands no more.”
In Exodus 2, we read about Moses who couldn’t stand to witness the maltreatment of the Israelites held in bondage. His outrage propelled him to action, resulting in him murdering an Egyptian and fleeing the country [Exodus 2:11-15]. It was while he was in Midian the Lord visited him and told him that He too was outraged by the maltreatment of the Israelites. God sent Moses back to Egypt to be the deliverer for his people [Exodus 3:1-22].
For me, learning about the atrocity of sex trafficking in America rocked my world. I couldn’t just sit by and do nothing while children were being pillaged for one man’s pleasure and another’s financial gain. I had to do something. I’ve spent the last three years of my life focused on raising awareness about the issue of human sex trafficking through my book, Rescuing Hope, as well as speaking anywhere I find a platform or open door. I’ve been privileged to speak at businesses, churches, book clubs, civic organizations and the Center for Disease Control. I’ve walked life out with survivors of this heinous crime, speaking life, hope and destiny into their lives at every opportunity. I’ve become a voice for hope in any and every way I know how, because God didn’t give me an option. He put this evil in front of me and I couldn’t walk away from it if I wanted to.
What makes you proclaim Popeye’s mantra? What ruffles your feathers? What keeps you awake at night? What causes you to act first and think second? Ask the Lord if this thing you hate is the very thing He’s calling you to and if so, ask Him to guide your steps and direct your path as you take up the cause. Whatever He calls you to, He’ll equip you to accomplish [Hebrews 13:20-21]. He’s simply looking for someone who is willing to go.
I went to the Not For Sale Backyard Academy at Northstar Church last spring and heard stories from victims and those working to help the victims of sex trafficking, the statistics about the number of women who were abused as children, how the average age of entry into prostitution is about 13/14 years old, how the pimps force or coerce these young girls …. Yes, I was very very angry. At least 5 other women were just as angry and we new we had to do something about it. That is how God brought us all together and formed The Mercy Project. We are supporting other local organizations, spreading awareness in our communities, area churches, and places of employment, and helping girls in Miraj, India, to escape the Red Light District by leading them to the Lord, providing for their basic needs, and teaching them job skills so they are able to provide for themselves and their families.
Some people think that anger is a sin. I think that anger without action to correct the issue is the sin.
Thank you for always sharing from your heart.
Tonia,
I love the women of the Mercy Project and all that you do. I consider it an honor to work along beside organizations like yours. Keep pressing on, girl. You ARE making a difference!