America’s hard-fought-for independence in 1776 will soon be celebrated again with parades, fireworks, speeches, etc. I wonder sometimes: Am I truly grateful for all the freedoms we have in America? How often do I take them for granted?
When freedoms are taken from us, we learn to appreciate them so much more. I’m not trying to cast a shadow of gloom on the celebration of our nation’s independence. We truly have reason to celebrate. But I can’t help grieving that for many, there is no freedom in sight. Those who have lost control of their own wills and cannot even hope anymore. Yes, even in America.
“There are more slaves in the world today
than at any other point in human history,
with an estimated 27 million in bondage across the globe.
Men, women, and children are being exploited
for manual and sexual labor against their will.THE AVERAGE AGE OF TRAFFICKING
VICTIMS IS 12 YEARS OLD
Women and children are often kidnapped into the industry or
sold into it by family under desperate circumstances.
The average age of victims continues to grow younger
as clients seek “fresh” product.”
Doesn’t this just turn your stomach and break your heart? And this number doesn’t even include all the children, women, and even men whose bodies, minds, and souls are imprisoned in the shackles of abuse, either past or present. Emotional, verbal, mental, sexual. The unseen terrors of domestic violence and abuse hiding behind masks. The bondage of the will in cults and legalistic churches. Even in some Christian churches who refuse to believe their leaders may be guilty of violating the trust of and abusing vulnerable women and children. Who support perpetrators instead of victims.
Our Declaration of Independence states:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
All men, women, and children have the God-given right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sadly, human traffickers and perpetrators continue to ignore these rights.
Yes, Americans, slavery is not only present in other parts of the world, but it is here in our “free” country. Much closer than we realize. And the slave drivers and traders include men with double lives – respected in their communities but carrying out unspeakable atrocities behind the scenes.
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;
rather, serve one another humbly in love.
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galations 5:13-14
Again, I’m not trying to cast a shadow of gloom over the celebration of our nation’s independence. May God truly bless America! I just ask that as we thank God for these freedoms, we also put in a plea for deliverance and healing for all those held captive by abuse and human-trafficking.
Above all, that we remember where our ultimate freedom lies – not in any human being or a country, but through Jesus who gave up His freedom so we could be set free. Free from all sin, our own sin and the sin others have committed against us.
It can sometimes be so hard to let this truth get past our heads and sink into our hearts. But no matter how distrusting we are of God’s intentions, He accepts us just as we are, brokenness and all. He remains faithful to His promises, no matter how we feel.
“So now there is no condemnation
for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
And because you belong to Him,
the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you
from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Praying for your soul’s freedom in Christ,
Trudy
Freed to Fly 
Such truth spoken! I commend you for speaking up Trudy. We’ve become so desensitized to what goes on in this world. 😦
I will definitely celebrate our freedom this holiday weekend. However, I will also be praying for those trapped in this horrible life of being bought/sold and abused.
Thank you for sharing these eye opening facts.
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Thank you, Krista. They certainly do need our prayers. And we need to speak up for those who have no voice. (Proverbs 31:8) Have a happy 4th remembering all the blessings we may yet have! 🌹
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Reblogged this on FOR THE LOVE OF GOD and commented:
I found this site of Hope, Mercy and Love through Secret Angel’s site that I follow. This is an awesome site for ANYONE going through turmoil, upsets or whatever the trials of life brings. After reading this post, don’t forget to bookmark her site and check the site out. And pass it along to friends who need comfort and healing in the Lord!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and for recommending this site, Pastor Roland. You have encouraged me today. It’s my heart’s desire to reach as many hurting souls as we possibly can.
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Hey Trudy – I am visiting you from Holly today. I enjoyed your post and I say you preach it girl! I work with human trafficking here in South Africa – its a huge reality and we need to remember it, even in the midst of our celebrations. I did a post on our Africa reality of trafficking! I will share it here – may you be super blessed and thank you for bringing this to the light!!
http://setapartwarrior.blogspot.com/2014/06/africa-and-human-trafficking.html
Aliyah
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I admire your courage to work right in the midst of it, Aliyah. God bless you and use you to free many and bring more awareness to us all. ❤️
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Wow.. Awesome post! You are so right! Too many have lost their freedom with this horrible crime that has infiltrated every country. Too many have turned a blind eye to this problem because it does not “personally” effect them. But we have to speak out and join together in prayer for these trapped in this lifestyle. I join you in prayer today and everyday for all victims, that God will move mightily on their behave and a massive rescue will occur in Jesus’ Name. Thanks Trudy for all that you do to help others!!
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Thank you for joining me in prayer, Angel, and for your kind words. Sometimes when I think of all the suffering ones in this world, I get so overwhelmed. But I have to learn to unload these burdens at the foot of the cross. The powerful love of Jesus can reach anyone anywhere. Thank you, too, Angel, for standing up for those who have no voice in the midst of abuse. God bless your ministry! ❤️
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I totally understand how you feel. For months after I started my blog, I would read about others struggles and just cry for them. I had to lay it all at the foot of the cross too. We can pray for all.. but we can’t carry their pain and suffering with us. Only God is Big enough to handle that. Thanks for your prayers and many blessings to you too, my sister!!
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Reblogged this on The Abuse Expose' with Secret Angel.
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Thank you so much, Angel. Hugs! 🌹
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Blessings to you! 🙂
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Today is july 4 and it is raining. Im aa and while im truly thankful for the liberty to be free to worship God is this country how ironic my family some of them would not be free on this day. I read an article of someone mourning a loss..and all i could think was how blessedu are to have been allowed to have what yyouhave. I never even imagined myself living as long as i have, how much some take for granted. The mourning of a loss of a marriage and family versus the mourning of a marriage and family that can never be bc of war suffering and sin. The freedoms we enjoy versus someone who has no freedom or even the ability todream. Jesus didnt heal everyone. It makes me wonder what myfreedom is for and if its even about ne atall. Since some of my dreams may never come to pass
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I’m so sorry for all the pain you have in your life, J. You have family that are not free to worship God? You say you never imagined yourself living this long and some of your dreams may never come to pass? Do you have a terminal illness or condition? Whatever it is, however short or long your life is, God definitely has a purpose for you. He cherishes you and is with you no matter what. Praying for you, J, that Jesus will hold you closely to Himself and show you how very special you are to Him! Hugs!💗
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Trudy, Thank you so much for sharing this hard truth. I am praying that God would bring freedom to these victims, that they would experience complete healing, and that all involved would respond to His call. I’m so glad I stopped by!
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Amen. Joining you in this prayer. Thank you for stopping by! Blessings to you! ❤️
I like the meaning in “stoopingformanna.” Do you have a blog/website? I haven’t been able to find it…
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