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Poverty? Refugees? Sex trade? The needs around us . . .
There are those who talk about it, and there are those who do something about it. There are those who complain about it, and there are those who try to find a solution. There are those who watch, and there are those who help. There are those who pass by, and there are those who stop. There are those who want to do something, and there are those who do it!
Not sure about you, but I want to be in the second category.
I want to be among those who are doing something about it, those who are trying to find a solution, those who are helping, those who are stopping, and those who are doing it!
We have worked among the refugee and immigrant community in Europe for 10 years. During this time, we have had the privilege of linking arms and joining hands with many who are “doing something about it.”
There are many out there who can “See Beyond Our Differences.”
The world is filled with good-intentioned, kind, beautiful people who want to make a difference. During our years in France, it was amazing to partner with non-profit organizations (NGOs), government agencies, churches, and individuals who want to go beyond talking about it, complaining about it, watching it, passing by, and just wanting to do something about it.
Jumping In—Poverty, Refugees, Sex Trade
Together, we jumped in—with both feet—and got our hands and our knees dirty on the ground. We didn’t just stand on the sidelines—watching and observing.
We went into the rough places in the city, we visited refugees in their run-down apartment buildings, we distributed Christmas food baskets to the families on the streets, we accompanied immigrants to doctor’s appointments, we translated between multiple languages, we fed snacks to youth at neighborhood kids’ clubs, we fought hard for their human rights, we listened with compassion to their life stories, we welcomed them when no one else would, we cared for them, we loved them.
There are a lot of people and organizations out there who are “doing something about it.”
A few years ago, we passed through Gainesville, Georgia in the U.S. I stumbled across a store called “Rahab’s Rope.” I was intrigued by the name, so I wandered through the doors.
My Heart and My Arms Full
I walked into the boutique empty-handed, but left with my heart and my arms full.
Inside this place, there were people, photos, and objects—all evidence of those who are “doing something about it.”
Here’s what they told me:
“The mission of Rahab’s Rope is to give hope and opportunity to women and girls that are at risk or have been forced into the commercial sex trade of India.”
Curious, I asked about the name, “Rahab’s Rope.” The shopkeeper told me the story, coming from the story of Rahab, a prostitute in the Bible, who made a rope. The rope ultimately led to her rescue and became historically symbolic. It can be found in the Book of Joshua, chapter 2. It’s a beautiful story, and I wonder if that’s where we get the expression, “holding the rope” for someone.
“Holding the Rope”
Rahab’s Rope is “holding the rope” for the women and girls in India. They are “doing something about it” and making a difference. They are providing protection, shelter, education, and training. They are changing lives—on the other side of the globe.
In addition to hearing their story and their “raison d’être,” I had the honor of shopping at Rahab’s Rope. As I left, my arms were full—of bags! They had everything from furniture, to decor, to jewelry, to journals . . . all handmade by women and girls in India. Their products were all so beautiful—with a creative, ethnic flare—making it especially challenging for me to decide.
“By purchasing products from Rahab’s Rope, you are embracing, equipping, and empowering the women and children we serve. Purchasing our products gives job training and jobs. It provides education for children and women, medical care, and more. It gives hope and sustainability! 65% of Rahab’s Rope funding comes from product sales.”
That day, I think I bought their entire stock of rice bag wallets and coin purses on their clearance table—a fun assortment of sizes and colors. They made the perfect gifts, and my purchase was going to a good cause. Who wouldn’t want to partner with them?
Wherever I Am
Maybe I can’t go to India to help these women on the ground, but I can make a difference—wherever I am—in the U.S., in Spain, in China, in Australia, in Kenya . . .
I have been on the mailing list of Rahab’s Rope since that day, and I love to read their stories and follow their journey. I also get news about the amazing sales in their online store.
Yesterday, I received an email about their $5 earring sale, and today, I saw that they are having a BOGO journal sale.
I love to write, and I love journals. Why should I resist? I can make a difference in the lives of women and girls on the other side of the world. You can make a difference too—right where you are—even in your own living room.
Let’s all stop talking, complaining, watching, and wanting. Will you join me in “doing something about it”?
Together, we can make a difference today. Do you want to join me?! Let’s dive in, get our hands dirty, and start “weaving cultures”!
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
Let’s Weave Cultures!
In addition to Rahab’s Rope, check out other organizations, like Lovishly, who are helping refugees and immigrants around the world. Their motto is “Find Your Passion, Wear Your Story, Change the World.” (They have beautiful jewelry in Arabic.)
What can you do today to “do something about it”? Is there a non-profit organization, a government agency, a church, or a group of friends who is already helping the needy in your community? How can you support them or join them in what they are already doing? Perhaps you can start something new in your neighborhood or city.
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
