What this IS NOT: a diatribe against all men, a platform for a political argument, or even an article asking for equal pay
What this IS: an earnest plea to pray for and stand up for the women around this globe who are silenced
I have been born in America to a middle class family who has given me an education, love, and unconditional support and care. I have so much privilege.
How, though, is that fair? Because of my area code, I have a voice. But what if I were born in another country or even another part of the United States? Would I have a voice? Or would I be silenced?
I have watched friends refuse to speak out after being assaulted, afraid to see their school system fail them. I have heard the story of the mother in India, beaten and kept inside, speaking to the American international student living with her for a short semester. Telling her with tears in her eyes and bruises on her arms, “Please, remember me. Remember the way we suffer. Earn your degree and fight for us.” I have hung out in dance bars in Nepal, making friends with the women in order to give them a break from being sold for sex every night.
The women of S Squad are here to stand in the gap for the silenced women.
We are here to plead with you. Please, pray that these women may be free from their chains and find freedom in Jesus. May she find her voice as she speaks to a Heavenly Father who longs to hear her prayers. May she know that in a life of oppression, eternal freedom is quickly approaching.
“She is someone’s mom. She is someone’s daughter. She is someone’s sister. She is someone’s best friend.”
No.
She is someone.
Her value is not defined by her relationship to others. A woman could be hated and despised by all 7 billion people on this planet and she would still be someone.
For God looks at her and He calls her beloved daughter.
The God who breathed the stars into existence crafted her intricacies and therefore she is worthy.
Several nights ago, the women of S Squad had what we called a “vulnerability night.” We were able to lay everything out on the tables: past mistakes, shameful habits, and secrets that have held us down. Simply bringing to light these hidden parts has allowed us to view each other with more compassion and trust, breaking down the stereotype that women break each other down more than they build each other up. The next day, our friend Nick made a comment. He said, “I don’t know what happened last night, but you’re all so free. You’ve been empowered.” And jokingly he added, “I don’t have anything to offer you all anymore.”
I’ve already seen how women who are free from shame and guilt influence a culture for the better. God gave Eve the power of influence, and He has passed that down to all of His daughters.
I see these women stuck in trafficking and cultures that tell them “no,” and I know that, soon, those women are going to be the change-makers.
Please, dream and pray alongside me to see these strong women break their chains of oppression and rapidly influence their environment with their newfound freedom.
