An Invitation :: Love146

Do you have a daughter? Even if you don't, just pretend for a moment.

See her laughing and playing with a favorite toy. See the sparkle in her eyes as she dances and parades in front of you, showing off her best tricks and clapping with delight.

Now, for just a moment, imagine a different scene.

For just one moment, imagine no sparkle in her eyes--instead a hardened, blank stare.

Instead of playing with toys, see her chained to a bed.

Imagine "customers" of every sort lining up to do the unthinkable--with your baby.

Imagine what it would be like if you couldn't get to her, had no idea where she was.

Now take a deep breath.

This unthinkable is happening to many children, girls and boys, around the world.

Each of those children is someone's daughter or son.

I'm convinced that as mothers we can make a difference in the lives of these children--if we're willing to engage and confront an unpleasant, horrific issue that cuts to the very core of our hearts as moms.

Many of us think slavery was abolished after the civil war.

But did you know there are more slaves alive today than ever before in history?

And many of them are as young as the little ones we care for each day.

This issue, and these children, motivated our family to move cross-country and join in the fight for abolition and the rights of children.

Love146 is an amazing organization, which combats child sex slavery & exploitation with the unexpected and restores survivors with excellence. My husband works as their Director of Operations.

This month I'm inviting all Steady Mom readers to join me in giving to Love146. Let's join together and show that the blogosphere has real power to create change. Let's show that children are worth investing in.

As of today, Steady Mom has 1,662 subscribers (Hello to all of you, old and new!).

So let's see if we can raise $1,662 for Love146 in the month of February.

Just $1 per person.

Some of you can give more, and I hope you will. $5, $10, whatever you can. I hope we'll surpass this goal by far. To help kick it off today, Steve and I are donating $100.

You can visit throughout the month to continue giving and I'll provide reminders of our progress along the way.

I've also made a new page in the left sidebar called "Invitation to Give" where you can check in at any point to get a running total and donate.

Thank you for giving and helping children who want to run, laugh, and play in freedom--just like yours.

We can help them do that, and find their way back to a safe home.

Click here to donate now, then I invite you to watch this uplifting video, which proves that change is possible.

Thank you!