By Robin Stanley

Standing up for something you believe in is never easy. It requires more than you might believe of yourself. But, as we see through the testimony of the apostles and others, a single voice willing to amplify God’s voice, no matter the cost, empowers the weak and strengthens the community.

Open Your Eyes

My friend Susan Norris from outside Atlanta spent years teaching and leading Fellowship of Christian Athletes groups in her children’s schools. She aspired to speak for Christian women’s events and admits to enjoying life in the suburban bubble. One afternoon she was invited to an event that forever changed the trajectory of her life. The theme? Sex trafficking of minors in Atlanta suburbs. 

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Susan recalls. The average age of the girls—14. The same age as her daughter. And it was happening in her neighborhood. Now that she knew, she couldn’t look the other way. She had to do something. But what? She began seeking the Lord, looking for every opportunity to learn more about the girls and those involved in this heinous crime. 

Open Your Mouth

Day after day, new doors opened. Susan sat down with rescued girls, police officers, ministry leaders, even a former pimp. Months later she took the Lord’s challenge to “open her mouth” for those he loves by writing the book Rescuing Hope: A Story of Sex Trafficking in America. 

Susan now mentors rescued girls she calls her “hopes,” loving and empowering them into new life. She also serves as a catalyst across the country to raise awareness and put an end to sex trafficking. 

Her willingness to open her eyes to matters of the Lord’s heart and to use her voice for him should challenge us to do the same. We don’t have to be superstars or have super powers. We just need willing hearts and awareness of God’s given opportunities to minister hope and healing in our generation. 

William Wilberforce once said, “You may choose to look the other way but you can never again say that you did not know.” To whom is the Lord opening your eyes today? On whose behalf is he inviting you to speak? 

Robin Stanley is a voice for the exploited and a life coach who invites people into the presence of God. She is also a writer, speaker, publishing consultant, and aunt based in Lexington, South Carolina.