I was drawn to the human trafficking cause because I could hear God telling me that I CAN make a difference. To hear news stories and flashes of statistics regarding Human trafficking is one thing. To become involved in that story and to help in the prevention and restoration is another. I cannot help but defend my City, my State, my Country and my World from the evil one. God has so graciously provided me this one life and I intend to make an impact.

As my second season with the Ridge Runners came to a close I received an invitation to come hear what was in store for the next year of this running ministry and even take a leadership role. It was Human Trafficking. What was even more disturbing is that this wasn't just happening in the slums of India or other third world countries (as if that was even okay...) but it is right here in our neighborhoods. As big, terrifying, disgusting and enormous as this epidemic is I know that my God is bigger. I know that He will use me in the capacity that best suits His kingdom and I will lean in and remember Isaiah 6:8. Here I am, Send me!

Michigan IS ranked number 2 in our country for Human Trafficking. This statistic is hard for me to wrap my head around. It hurts my heart to think of all the victims of human sex trafficking, especially young adults. Human sex trafficking not only affects the victims but also their families and friends. As I reflected and prayed, I knew God was directing me to be a light to this dark world of human trafficking. So, I signed up for the race that scared me the most and prayed God would help me be radical about it!!

I heard about Human Trafficking when our pastor returned from India and shared about the red light district and I sat in my seat shaking the whole time.  My one desire while he was talking was to be able to tell those kids that what was happening to them was not okay.  That they were wanted and they were loved, by me and others, but most importantly, by Jesus.  To offer them hope in the middle of what they were going through.

What drew me to the cause? There are for me, many reasons. My kids of course, their school friends and all of the students. Learning just how big slavery is today since it was abolished. I wanted to part of the solution. To bring the awareness to those who may not know about this. Many I encounter have no knowledge of it and I have the ability to share it with them. Most of all. Its bringing the awareness, being part of their restoration when saved. But again. Why not? I think this is the best response when God puts something on our hearts. I get to be like Moses in a way. To help FREE His people.

When I first heard about Love Runs and what it was proposing to do last year I knew I had to be a part of this cause. My job has me seeing the worst of humanity on a regular basis and instead of being there for them for just a few minutes I wanted to be a part of something that would follow through and bring them to a healthy life. I wanted to not just be a voice on the other end of the line when they call for help when they've been beaten or worse, I wanted to make a lasting difference. I'm also proud to say I mentor girls rescued from trafficking because of the friendships I have gained in Love Runs.

I signed up for the half marathon in 2015, but when I learned about the possible impact I could have on stopping the Human Trafficking operations in Detroit, my backyard, I signed up for the full. The victims don't have a choice, so I committed to something that would push me far outside of my comfort zone.