The Lord has promised good to me;
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
My favorite verse of "Amazing Grace"
January 31, 2012
January 23, 2012
Chomp, Chomp---Chocolate!
Today I was greatly encouraged to stumble across CNN International's Freedom Project. One of the stories they covered this year was child slavery in the Ivory Coast cocoa fields. Synopsis: The bad news is that child slavery remains largely entrenched ten years after most major chocolate companies signed an initiative pledging to end "chocolate slavery" by 2005. The good news is that over the past ten years thousands more consumers, including you and me, have learned the truth about our chocolate supply and can make an educated decision with our purchases.
In perusing the blog posts and videos posted by CNN, I was especially struck by this particular story, which briefly describes how easy it was for the reporters to find trafficked children in the cocoa fields. Although all of the research they had read in preparation for their journey described trafficking as being remote, the CNN staff quickly found child slaves on their first day in the country. Moreover, the farms did not try to hide the children, as forced labor is "normal" in the region.
Most of us understand that people around the world will never enjoy equal standards of living and that some will always be fated to suffer more than others. Still, there is a fundamental difference between being impoverished and being enslaved, and I do not want a discount on my luxury cuisine at the expense of a ten-year-old boy. Thankfully, several reputable organizations continue to perform the legwork of investigating and certifing ethical producers so that I can be sure my ambrosia moments are slave free. Look for the labels below when purchasing or for any advertising telling you the source of their cocoa beans. When stuck, choose "organic" as the stricter requirements for growth and production tend to curtail slave labor practices.
Thank you for supporting fair trade!
In perusing the blog posts and videos posted by CNN, I was especially struck by this particular story, which briefly describes how easy it was for the reporters to find trafficked children in the cocoa fields. Although all of the research they had read in preparation for their journey described trafficking as being remote, the CNN staff quickly found child slaves on their first day in the country. Moreover, the farms did not try to hide the children, as forced labor is "normal" in the region.
Most of us understand that people around the world will never enjoy equal standards of living and that some will always be fated to suffer more than others. Still, there is a fundamental difference between being impoverished and being enslaved, and I do not want a discount on my luxury cuisine at the expense of a ten-year-old boy. Thankfully, several reputable organizations continue to perform the legwork of investigating and certifing ethical producers so that I can be sure my ambrosia moments are slave free. Look for the labels below when purchasing or for any advertising telling you the source of their cocoa beans. When stuck, choose "organic" as the stricter requirements for growth and production tend to curtail slave labor practices.
Thank you for supporting fair trade!
January 22, 2012
The Work of Justice in Your Hands
One of my absolute favorite organizations is the International Justice Mission. Employees and volunteers faithfully persist on the front lines of the fight for justice, rescuing and restoring victims of violent oppression. Now smart phone users can receive updates and such from IJM with their new app! Click here to download. The video below briefly explains the app.
January 21, 2012
To Do
Last Sunday I heard a list of "Signs of Busyness." Here are the ones that still smart a week later:
- Clutter-physical and mental
- Need for speed and multitasking
- Relationship fatigue
Can I get a witness?
This post, ironically read by yours truly as an excuse to stay in bed and rest just a bit longer, is excellent reminder that those of us who have been gifted freedom should refuse to submit to slavery. This means we dictate our to-do list, not the other way around.
In response, I shifted my laundry, wrote this blog post, and went back to bed to watch an episode of "Monk" before rolling off to a birthday party.
Savor your Saturday!
January 19, 2012
Cure for the Homeschool Blues
This guy is genius. Bonus points for the Awana vest!
I have been told: "You were homeschooled? I never would have guessed." I'm never sure whether to be disgusted or amused. (When in doubt, snicker internally.)
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