Finally, and most importantly, pray. Pray that those caught in human trafficking’s web will find a means of escape. Pray that the abusers will see the victims as people rather than commodities to be exploited. Pray for healing for the hurting souls who’ve been so horribly mistreated. Pray for God’s love to penetrate hearts and bring change.
As with any morally repugnant practice, change can’t happen unless good people stand up and say, “No more.” Every person is so precious in God’s sight. Let’s do what we can to save these precious souls from lives of misery and abuse.
In His love,
Kim
Readers Guide
At the beginning of the story, Marty and Anthony lived together physically but apart emotionally. What created the chasm between them? Were their reactions understandable? Why or why not? Why do deep hurts sometimes drive us away from the ones we love? How can we bridge the distance between ourselves and a loved one when hurt has separated us?
Brooke and Marty grew up in very different households and then communicated only by letters for many years, yet their friendship endured for decades. What makes friendship survive despite differences and distance? What are the benefits of lifelong friendship? Why do you think some friendships endure and others fade away over time?
Marty lived in a community where family was honored. When Marty’s desire for motherhood was denied her, she withdrew from others who had been blessed with children. In what ways could Marty have filled the empty spot created by her childlessness? Would these experiences have been as fulfilling as raising a child of her own? Why do you feel that way?
When motherhood was lost to her, Marty turned her back on God, feeling as if He had abandoned her. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Do circumstances change who God is, or do they change our view of who He is? Explain.
Brooke’s high school counselor told Brooke she possessed resilience. What made Brooke resilient? What’s the difference between resilience and independence? Can resilience be taught, or is it something innate?
When Anthony and Marty decided they wanted to stay at the resort-turned-shelter, Brooke warned them, “These kids won’t be babies. They’ll be almost grown, and stinky and obstinate….They’ll come in every color of the rainbow, with all kinds of trust issues and bad habits.” Why didn’t the warning scare them away?
Brooke said she understood why God loved Marty and Anthony—because they were “good.” Why did she feel as if God couldn’t love her? Have you ever met anyone who held that same belief? How would you convince that person otherwise?
Brooke indicated she wanted to know how “joy breathing deeply” felt. How would you describe joy breathing deeply?
Acknowledgments
I am so grateful to my parents, Ralph and Helen Vogel, for raising me in a Christian home where I was loved, nurtured, and taught to serve Jesus. What a priceless gift.
Appreciation to Jennifer White of ICT SOS in Wichita, Kansas, for the information about human trafficking. You helped open my eyes, and my heart, to this issue.
Heartfelt thanks and lots of hugs to John and Connie Stevens, whose cancer journey allowed me to paint Brooke’s and Marty’s experiences as patient and caretaker with the brush of reality. You have my prayers for complete and total healing.
To my college friend Martha (Funk) Archuleta—thank you for the carefree hour at the snow-covered playground and the laughter that accompanied it. Such a pleasure to share one of my favorite memories with Brooke and Marty.
I am thankful for Shannon, Charlene, and Kathy, the wonderful team who worked with me to make this story shine. Bless you!
Finally, and most importantly, to God, who makes wonderful plans for His children, who equips us to perform good works meant for our good and His glory, and who walks beside us every step of our life journeys—thank You for welcoming me into Your family. May any praise and glory be reflected directly back to You.
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