ashes to beauty

 

Tan Man, this is how I'll remember you. As the life of the party. Willing to dress or act as silly as possible to make others laugh. Always smiling, joking or sharing some random bit of knowledge about your latest interest. There's so much I don't understand. I have to remind myself that this is real. 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor.

unbound.

(Ohio is ranked in the top 5 of Human Trafficking states. Scary.)

It's so awesome to see the amazing things that are taking place in our city, especially by empowered youth. Right on. Faith does not simply mean sit back and just pray for God to fix the world's problems. If you feel called to fight against the injustice of this world, then do it. I'm am constantly surprised and in awe of the every day, average person creating change. I firmly believe we are the answer to problems of this world.

This weekend I hope to be volunteering with the Fair Trade Market at the Freedom Center. Between 11 a.m. and 4p.m. you can get into the Freedom Center for free. There will be donation boxes set up throughout the Freedom Center for you to help the cause of raising up abolitionist to fight modern day slavery. Along with participating in the Fair Trade Market, you will also be allowed to experience the other exhibits at the Freedom Center. Here are a list of vendors that will be selling items such as clothing, jewelry, toys, handbags, etc.. There is also a Freedom March after the market has closed, which will end up at Sawyer Point where a concert and celebration will ensue. You can park at the Central Riverfront Parking Garage for $4.50

There will also be speakers at the Freedom Center. Srey Neth, who was victim of sex-trafficking, will be sharing her story.  I highly encourage you to check out the event this weekend if you live anywhere near Cincinnati.  Read more about the Unbound Movement here.

This video breaks my heart and gives me hope all at once. To see her smile and laugh after all she has been through is amazing. What strength; what courage. Many blessings to this girl. May she live a long and healthy life so she can continue to help other victims become survivors.