A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… or in present time, right here in our own world… injustice seemed to have the upper hand in the lives of women all over the world- held in captivity, worked in sweatshops, and abused in just about every way imaginable. And all they wanted was a chance to live in health and to provide for their loved ones. Trades of Hope is a company that seeks to give these women just this chance at dignity, and I’m excited that I will now be part of their efforts as a Compassion Entrepreneur!
I consider myself to be an abolitionist and an activist for justice, and I have found that empowering women is a passion of mine (especially in the area of redemption from human trafficking). Women are by nature the nurturers in any society; therefore, it is said in many parts of Africa, “If you educate a man, you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”
Please understand that I am not bashing men. I’m just sharing the shocking knowledge I have learned…the knowledge that made me realize one of my heart’s deepest passions. Two interesting facts I found while reading The Hole in Our Gospel, written by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision:
*Women own less than 1% of the world’s property
*Women work 2/3 of all the world’s labor hours, but earn only 10% of the world’s wages
Stearns believes, “the single most significant thing that can be done to cure extreme poverty is this: protect, educate, and nurture girls and women and provide them with equal rights and opportunities- educationally, economically, and socially.” I agree.
What I really love about Trades of Hope is that it is not a provider of charity, but it gives women the ability to work in fair conditions and for fair wages in order to support themselves, their children, and their communities.
I once sold Mary Kay, but not successfully. I lacked a passion for it. Sure, I enjoyed the products, but cosmetics are cosmetics. There was no deeper cause. Now I have a deeper sense of purpose because I am not just raising money for myself, but I’m helping women around the world live a better quality of life… and for the first few months I will be using whatever I earn towards my Guatemala mission trip this summer!
I am so excited to see where this leads and I hope it opens more doors where I am able to minister towards and in defense of women needing justice.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.”Proverbs 31:8-9
If you are interested in ensuring justice for those being crushed, please support me in my endeavors with this blessing of a company, Trades of Hope.