Dear Friends,
Sometimes, when your heart gets hooked by human horrors, it really is as simple as just showing up and seeing how you might make a modicum of difference somehow. Yes, it requires a willingness to look the truth right in the eyes and not flinch by what you see but we're capable of that if we want to be and let Love lead.
Today, I'm putting my heart out here in a very personal way and unabashedly asking you to join me however you might be stirred and able. Together, I believe we can move seemingly unmovable mountains for Good!
As a sexual violence survivor, I've spent the majority of my adult life looking for ways to turn my deepest wounds into courageous offerings of hope to those trapped in cycles of abuse. I've operated the emergency hotline at a domestic violence shelter, helped rescue abandoned children from the bush of Uganda, counseled in a residential treatment center for teen survivors, worked to educate young girls and boys about healthy sexual boundaries and expression, and sat all too often as a privileged witness holding the tears, trembling, and stories of those traumatized.
I've consistently invited individuals with the power to intervene to do so and called perpetrators to account even when it cost me everything. I will do so until I take my last breath because every Soul is precious and worth the unflinching fight to shine the Light of Love into the darkest corners of lived experience.
Today, I'm excited to be partnering with my amazing fitness and nutrition coaches, Erin & Sarit alongside JOY International by putting my bare feet, my money, and more than anything my Heart of Love into the hope of rescuing as many innocent children, teens, and women imprisoned in sex-trafficking around the world as we possibly can and I'm trusting you'll be moved to join me!
Please, take a moment and consider this.....what if the child, teen, or woman I am talking about was YOUR beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, or best friend who had been kidnapped into sex trafficking? Let yourself imagine it. That's not a guilt trip, friends, it's a plausible reality; with over 20 million souls as young as 5 years old imprisoned as sex slaves, someone who loves someone just as much as you and I do is waiting for them to come home today and WE have an opportunity to be the reason they do. Imagine that!
For EVERY friend or family member who pledges at least $20, I commit to walking 1 barefoot mile in solidarity with those desperately waiting for our rescue over the course of 2022. This is your chance to not only make a radical difference in someone's precious life but to see me put my feet where your money goes!! For anyone who pledges over $100, I will walk 10 miles with my shoes on.
Honestly, I'm hoping you will all care about this insidious issue so deeply, have hearts so profoundly expanded by compassion and the truth that WE can be the change we wish to see in the world you'll be so generous I find myself walking the equivalent 1,000 miles from Washington to Florida!
Whatever you give, I commit to doing the miles so don't hold back, challenge me with your Big Love!!
Of course, ANYTHING you are able to gift, including simply your prayers and support is greatly appreciated! Finally, if you'd like to link up locally for a barefoot walk in solidarity, I'll be sending out invites after the holidays and would love to include you. Make sure I know your desire.
In Profound Gratitude,
Tammy