Sometimes I feel so far removed from the injustices of our world, the inhumane things that happen to people on a daily basis. Don’t get me wrong I have dealt with my share of hard times, but they don’t even come close to the things that some people face on a daily basis. Mine were merely bumps in the road, something that changed me, but I was still able to find hope and love.  Everybody deals with their rough spots, some greater than others. But I have recently been reminded that for many in our world calling them “rough spots” is diluting the severity of their situation. They do not see “spots” but rather struggle with a lifetime of oppression and hopelessness.

I couldn’t imagine living in a world where there is no hope, that you know that tomorrow will not be better, and your only goal is survival.  And some can only imagine, can only dream of living in the world I, as well as the people I know, see everyday.

This week I have been reminded that human trafficking is the second most profitable good that is smuggled around the world, right behind drugs and guns. Humans, people, children, brothers, sisters, mothers, daughters, a commodity? The brutality and unbelievable heartlessness in these crimes sickens me to my core.

I have also been reminded of what has and is happening to people in my own country. Hate crimes, discrimination, poverty. What really is freedom? Will we ever know? Are we free if we don’t actually know whats happening, what our leaders are doing? 

I recently attended a lecture and one thing that really hit was that we all have a “soul wound.” Everyone have there own and together as a nation, as a people we have a collective “soul wound.”

In the end, although learning, or re-learning, about the injustices in our world makes me angry, sad, and confused, it also inspires and motivates me to help.  I feel a great passion to help bring about change, but I find myself wondering where to begin, which cause to choose, and what to actually do. But I know I must start somewhere, must do something.

Lyrics to Better Way :
Written by: Ben Harper

I’m a living sunset
Lightning in my bones
Push me to the edge
But my will is stone

I believe in a better way

Fools will be fools
And wise will be wise
But i will look this world
Straight in the eyes

I believe in a better way

What good is a man
Who won’t take a stand
What good is a cynic
With no better plan

I believe in a better way

Reality is sharp
It cuts at me like a knife
Everyone i know
Is in the fight of their life

I believe in a better way

Take your face out of your hands
And clear your eyes
You have a right to your dreams
And don’t be denied

I believe in a better way