The US election - I'm sure you've all heard so much about this topic. You can't go anywhere without seeing articles, and opinions. Facebook, the news, Instagram... It has been the buzz, and honestly, it's an important thing. Before you start to groan, and click away, I want to make something clear. This article isn't going to be about the election. I'm not going to tell you my opinion on who won, or the issues brought up. This article is going to be about using your voice on what matters.
      There has been such outrage and noise lately. People saying that their lives are ruined, that the world is ending, people refusing to move on, etc. I'm sure you've heard it all. Laws are being broken, stores are being broken into, cars are being burned. People are angry, and unfortunately using violence.
      Just the other day I had a thought. (I mean obviously, I have lots of thoughts, but this one was blog worthy.) What if people were loud about more important things? What if they were angry about the important things? What if they put their effort - instead of burning cars and vandalizing things - to make a difference in the things that matter more?

     Every 29 seconds a child is sold into slavery. 

Every 15 seconds a child dies of starvation.

Every second 86 babies are killed. 

Every second someone commits suicide.  

       Where is the outrage about this? Where are the people protesting? Why isn't your social media filled with people trying to raise awareness to this? Why aren't people giving speeches about this? Why aren't people worried about this? 

        There are 45.6 million slaves worldwide today, and that number is rising by the minute. The average age of a child sold into the American sex trade is 12-14. 800,000 people are being trafficked across international borders every year, 80% of these are women, and 50% are under the age of 18.
        In the 1850s a slave cost 40,000 dollars in today's money. Today it costs 90 dollars to buy a slave. Slaves are involved in making your electronic devices, chocolate, coffee, clothing. Starbucks, Victoria's secret, Nestle, Hersheys, Kraft, Apple, Walmart, H&M, Forever 21, etc. They use slaves to make their products.
       How can you help? Here are a couple websites to get you started: walkfree.org freetheslaves.net slaveryfootprint.org enditmovement.com productsofslavery.org
        
       There are 17.8 million orphans worldwide. Many of these cannot get an education. Many more are starving. 
       How can you help? Sponsor a child, or learn more: worldvision.ca we.org
      
        Did you know that many, many, abortions are done after screenings? Parents decide their children do not have a right to live, because they are girls, or because they have down syndrome. Less than 1% of all babies aborted were conceived in rape. Only 13% of Americans are African american, but they account for 37% of abortions. 80% of abortion clinics are situated in minority neighbourhoods.  Planned Parenthood was also caught selling baby-parts. More than 400 women have died from legal abortions since 1973.
     How can you help? Here's one way: https://savethestorks.com
      
      Many people don't realize how many people are hurting. 804,000 people commit suicide a year, this doesn't count the failed attempts. Did you know that men are more likely to commit suicide than women? Soldiers also have a very high suicide rate. Kind words, showing you care, getting these people mental help, can truly safe them. 
      Find more information here: save.org 

     My question is, why aren't people doing something about this? Why aren't they outraged at this? Why aren't they protesting? Things could actually change if we started speaking out. Imagine how much we could accomplish if we began to talk about more important things.  

Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9

     I challenge you to speak words of life. Speak out for those who cannot for themselves. Make a change - where it is most needed. Don't waste your words. Focus your efforts on doing good. Instead of sharing articles that are mocking and ridiculing others, share articles that can change the world.

      
      Sincerely,
        Rachel