Protect your GrandchildrenChildren From Child Trafficking

Earlier this week CNN showed a special on Child Trafficking in the USA; yes, in the USA. If you are like me, you picture this horrific crime taking place in other places around the world; not here in the USA. But, this evil does take place here; in our own "backyards".

The special was shocking and heartbreaking, but it taught me something important. The majority of children here in the USA who end up being trafficked start as children who begin relationships with evil traffickers because they listen to them. These people know if they build a relationship with children who are feeling alone, neglected and like they have no one in their lives who will even listen to them, they will be able to get these children to a place where they will do what they are told; even allow their bodies to be used by evil people.

This tells me how essential it is for us as grandparents, parents and those who serve in children's ministry to be absolutely committed to be people who set aside our electronic devices - computers, smart phones, tablets, etc. - and who listen to the sweet children God has placed in our lives. We must be the people who make eye contact, who listen to, who talk with and who are generous in the way we show God's love to children. If we are able to be sure every child in our lives know they are greatly loved by God and by us, they are not likely to be deceived by evil people who pretend to love and care for them, but who really just want to harm them.

If we are able to stop child trafficking by being sure the children in our lives do not feel isolated or unimportant, then do all you can to be certain they feel connected and valued. Be watchful. Do not allow your grandchildren/children to feel isolated and alone. Talk with them. Make eye-contact with them. And put away your phones, close your computers and snuggle with your grandchildren and children. Listen to them. Be sure they know how thankful you are for them and how very deeply God loves them as well. Seriously, what could possibly be more important? Yes, children - especially young children - do not necessarily have earth-shattering things to talk about, but they are your grandchildren/children. If something is important to them and they want to tell us about it, it is important enough for us to listen to them. We all know as adults we talk about things which are not "earth-shattering", too. And seriously; surfing the net to read articles, take surveys or play games is nowhere close in importance to listening to our grandchildren/children.

Be the one your grandchildren/children can turn to, so they do not turn to others who will harm them.