How safe are your loved ones-Part 2 (Final)

I want to bring a close on this subject on human trafficking that poses a high threat especially to girl children and women in all parts of the world who are kidnapped and trafficked and forced towards sexual servitude. You may check first part of this article in case you missed it. How safe are your loved ones Part-1 

We may be tempted to blame all those who are in power, sometimes the government, particular ethnic group, race, the law enforcement, judiciary system so on and so forth. And to some extent it may give some sense of relief to believe it is the responsibility of someone who holds the power to curb such crime, which is not completely true in its sense.  You have the power to create an awareness by sensitizing your children, loved ones and people in your influence to be careful and watchful for any suspicious behavior if they encounter and educate whom to report in such situation if they face. Educating them to be aware of some important functions like “Child line” Women’s helpline” is one basic step towards ensuring security.

It can be a small step but profound enough to create a ripple effect by each of our actions to restore the dignity of human lives. One of my friend recently pointed to me what Charles Darwin ages ago remarked this statement which says, ‘The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts’ and then he remarked, ‘when we do not have objective morality, what mandates and measures these moralities that Darwin was talking about’. So true, we cannot refer to right and wrong without posing God in the dimension. One may justify his action however disastrous it may be on the basis and support of his culture, creed and religion and that can make life unlivable.

Ross Kemp, an award winning British investigative journalist, was able to get a hold of the child trafficker for an interview. He is known for his raw documentary making that exposes situations many others would fear. In the interview the child trafficker admits to losing count of just how many young girls he has killed if they fail to sell in the market. He estimates that to be “somewhere between 400 and 500.” In the interview, it seems clear Kemp displays immense discomfort and uncontrollable emotional unease as he sits face-to-face with the man, who admits to essentially dehumanizing so many innocent children, even killing hundreds of them. Do we have an answer?

The Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and it is extremely sick” and only when everyone is freed from the evils that flows out from their heart, there is no solution to such serious issues. And God promises to transform and deliver from all evil that affects one and all. A simple expression by faith can invite God to help change such cruel hearts and make him/her human displaying the divine love of God.

Reference:  https://www.collective-evolution.com/2017/04/20/human-trafficker-admits-to-killing-over-400-children-in-video-confession/

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How safe are your loved ones? Part 1

I like to give a perspective on the multi-billion dollar (anywhere between $150-300 billion) enterprise that is haunting the innocent poor girls and women around the world. I am referring to the sex trade. Over the years, human trafficking has unfortunately become a menace that affects nearly every single country, according to the United Nations. Sex trafficking alone is among the world's fastest growing criminal industries.

Few statistics. (You may refer to the links for more information)

>At least 20.9 million adults and children are bought and sold worldwide into commercial sexual servitude, forced labor and bonded labor.

>About 2 million children are exploited every year in the global commercial sex trade.
>54% of trafficking victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation.

>Women and girls make up 96% of victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation.

It is unfortunate but let me share the dominating perspective present amongst large group of people that is overshadowing in today's generation. As long as one’s spouses, siblings and their daughters are safe all other women trapped in sexual trade looks charming and attractive for a big group of people, It's sad indeed. Do you know that there are heart wrenching stories behind every single girl and woman trapped and taken as a slave? In most cases it is an adventure for people who have money and power to visit them for personal pleasure and gratification.

National Geographic made a documentary on 21^st Century sex slaves Human trafficking, I recommend you watch the program. It features Sex trade in Bangkok.  For sure, it will tear your emotions apart to know what these poor girls (especially minors) go through. 

Most of them don’t know how their next moment will be. They can be beaten, gang raped and even killed. The report says one CSW (Commercial sexual worker) can earn $1000 or more for her boss. At the cost of someone’s plight these perpetrators are thriving. However, there is a beacon in the dark. 

Let me introduce “NightLight International”   https://www.nightlightinternational.com/ an NGO that works among these poor trapped victims by providing a shelter home and helping them to reunite with their families. Thank God for such good hearts who try to bust the racket and give justice and life to these abandoned victims. 

The Bible says we are made in God’s image but because of human selfishness and greed, people are exploiting the innocent and making it a grandeur business.  I had an opportunity to work for an organization who worked towards the rescue and rehabilitation of girls and women and who also secure conviction to the perpetrators. Let me tell you it is definitely not easy unless every individual understands the value of a child and human being as dignified and precious. May God help such who are in the bondage and  desperately waiting to break free. Can we spread the right awareness among our circles to save every precious life? As much as our loved ones and families are safe let's conciously hope and desire that the ordeal for these precious lives come to an end soon.

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National Geography documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrEt5JmQ5Co&t=32s

Reference:
https://www.bustle.com/p/13-sex-trafficking-statistics-that-put-the-worldwide-problem-into-perspective-9930150

http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html

https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/resource/human-trafficking-numbers

Attitude or Aptitude?

Allow me to quote the research study results from the book ‘See you on the top’ by Zig Ziglar.  A study by Harvard University revealed that 85% of the reasons for success, accomplishments, promotions, etc. were because of our attitudes and only 15% because of our technical expertise [facts]. Simply stated this means we are spending 90% of our educational time and money developing that part of us which is responsible for 15% of our success.

We spend 10% of our time and finances developing that part of us which accounts for 85% of our success. And this doesn't take into account the happiness and enjoyment factors. As a matter of fact, William James, the father of American psychology, stated that the most important discovery of our time is that we can alter our lives by altering our attitudes.

Schools, colleges and universities aren’t bothered much on the behavior aspect, tantrums and vile personal habits as long it doesn’t exhibit conspicuously and affects someone drastically. I do acknowledge today there are counselors and psychologist in every educational institution and are addressing the emergencies alone, but the larger chunk of effort goes toward the completion of the course successfully and that means success for you and to the institution.  

Most of the time the attitudes are unaddressed and becomes well-developed to an extent that we start living with it. When we go to our work places we suppress our attitudes and vile behaviors because it may cost our livelihood therefore we force our self to be nice.

Success is defined only in terms of money and status most of the time and all other ill-behavior is tolerated.  D L Moody comments on the personality and he puts it this way “If a man is stealing nuts and bolts from a railway track, and, in order to change him, you send him to college, at the end of his education, he will steal the whole railway track.”.  So true. The rich, educated and powerful are the ones who are plundering our society and country.

It takes guts to be a good human being. It is so easy to show your evil side and brag about it. Today your friends and society may applaud your unacceptable behaviors, but have you ever thought if it is worth exhibiting a habit that can be detrimental to your families, children and hurt God our creator. 

The people with genuineness and a great attitude are the ones who become distinguishable and lead a peaceful life and influence people who come into their circle. Bible talks about the temple of God which is within (in our heart) and promises to transform us completely. You need help from God to be a person with great attitude. 

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Is good and bad relative?

Richard Dawkins is one of the brilliant scientist yet an atheist commented on the reality of good and evil in his book River out of Eden: “Humans have always wondered about the meaning of life. . . Life has no purpose than to perpetuate the survival of DNA . . . Life has no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing, but blind pitiless indifference.”. How does a person ultimately resolve what is good or bad, what is moral or immoral? Some, like Dawkins, believe there is no true concept of good and bad and it is relative.

Who is defining what is good and bad by the way?

In some cases, individuals who hold the highest status like Dawkins or for that matter the celebrities define what is good or bad today based on their convenience, personal views and choices they make and influence others with the same. 

Then comes the Culture existing in a particular community or people group define good and bad. Each culture has their own practices, it may look perfect for them but can be extremely cruel and harmful to another people group or to a nation. Examples of harmful practices: crime against women, male dominant society, child marriage, Honor killing etc.

Finally, the Religion whose demands and requirements varies. Most of the people dare to kill and obliterate people in the name of religion. Some of the practices that people want to connect with religion. One example, In India in some of the mountain belt polyandry (where woman can have 2 or more husbands) is practiced and they use religion as a basis and support it with culture. How do we take it?

God demands you to be good.

God has designed a moral framework and secured it to human hearts, but unfortunately people use it based on their convenience and what makes them happy.  Honest atheists like Nietzsche who admits that, without God, there can be nothing called “good,” nor can there be anything called “evil.” 

C. S. Lewis essayist, apologist, comments this way: “My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” The Bible declares, “No one is good but God alone”. Good is grounded in the very nature of God, and what He wills is good because He is good. Many things may have some good in them, but there can only be one thing that is good. And this good God invites everyone to “taste and see that He is good”.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyandry_in_India

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You are not alone when you are suffering!

Man, in search of answers to life questions, has interpreted things based on his personal background, belief system and religious platform that is more suitable to him. Globally people are fighting against each other to prove one’s creed to be true and right based on how popular it is and how large it is in their community or country. More people are suffering and are killed each day on account of religion today. Global headlines include the rising crimes and war in all parts of the world in regard to breaking and making of religious places. Sadly, people are fighting on behalf of God and for his existence.

The people who are in crisis and suffering wish the true loving God, if he exists, would reach them at their point of need. Most of the time people are not able to make the connection with the divine supreme God in a personal level. it is seen they are only conscious to ensure they meet the religious requirements, fulfilling all the rituals and possibly visiting all the famous shrines, hoping the suffering to disappear.

We are experts in creating and making God based on our own imagination and understanding and customize him to our specification and finally, become saviors for Him. And when we are in crisis and suffering, we want the same God to help us. The good news is God exists and understands your pain and suffering. It just matters how we understand the claims of God.

Most of the time we even make a business transaction with the almighty, example, if our needs get met, then we promise our money or a visit to the religious place in return. A true God cannot demand your wealth or mandate you to be a martyr by blowing yourself and killing others, but demands your heart and expects you to be an embodiment of love and kindness. Find a God who is not dead or fictional but resurrected and live to reign in your hearts and help you in your suffering.

Friends we do not exist like any other creatures with no purpose and meaning to life. There is so much to our life and it can only make meaning when the claims of a true God enlighten our hearts and fills with peace and at the same time, we have the ability to love others and be loved. He understands your pain. In Holy scripture it says like this, “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. Suffering is real and not fictional, so you need a God who is not fictional but real. 

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Living with double standards!

I want to quote a story by Zig Ziglar (leadership giant & Motivational speaker) in his book “See you on the top”; ‘A baker suspected that the farmer who was supplying his butter was giving him short weight. He carefully checked the weight and his suspicions were confirmed. Highly indignant, he had the farmer arrested. At the trial, the judge was satisfied and the baker annoyed at the farmer's explanation. He [the farmer] had no scales, so he used balances and for a weight he used a one-pound loaf of bread bought daily from the baker. The major difference between a lot of men and women who have served time, as opposed to those who have not, lies in the matter of getting caught.’.

People expect to be differently treated in fact with all honesty and sincerity when they fail to offer the same. Jesus emphasized on this by saying “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.”. We constantly live in double standard with our family, community, workplace and every other place without even realizing it most of the time. Most of us have the audacity to demonstrate their double standard by giving advises and instructions to their children, to loved ones and exactly do the opposite. We may name it smart life skill, but for certain our children get mixed messages and ready to replicate the same double standard confidently.

Don’t you think we are all setting ourselves to operate from a complete selfish zone, ‘only I should live and me alone’. One great tragedy of selfishness is that, the more we yield to it the less capacity we have to enjoy anything else. Stephen Covey who is known for his bestselling book “The seven habits of a highly effective person” puts it this way, “The more people rationalize cheating, the more it becomes a culture of dishonesty. And that can become a vicious, downward cycle. Because suddenly, if everyone is cheating, you feel the need to cheat too”. Life is sacred and has a purpose and meaning unlike animal kingdom and that unfolds, when you find a savior who can sanctify our hearts and make us a sane human being.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zig_Ziglar

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Taking things for granted!

Do you realize, too often we tend to take things for granted in our day to day life? That can include work areas, relationships, honoring parents, dealing with friends, in the way we communicate, in financial transaction, the list can go on. As long as it doesn’t affect us or our family, we think it is fine.

Let me take your attention way back to a serious incident that was in the news and the documentary televised by National Geographic team too. I am referring to “Texas City Refinery explosion” occurred on March 23, 2005.  It killed 15 workers, injuring more than 180 others and severely damaging the refinery. The Texas City Refinery was the second-largest oil refinery in the state and the third-largest in the United States with an input capacity of 437000 barrels (69,500 m3) per day as January 1, 2000.   

Soon after, several research agencies took up the study to find the cause of this heinous disaster and found it was due to human and organizational error. There is something called the “Root cause analysis” which determines the cause of any breakdown are, due to one or more of the three areas and they are 1. Physical causes, 2. Human cause, 3, Organizational cause. In this case it was purely Human and Organization who are to be blamed. Let me put the finding:

>Safety procedure was not completed.

>In addition, there were a number of serious issues with items of safety critical equipment which had not been resolved prior to the start-up

>The Day Supervisor arrived late for work and did not have a hand-over with the night shift.

>The second Day Supervisor was told that the start-up procedure should not continue, but this information was not passed on.

>Organizational failings included corporate cost-cutting (25% cut in the operational cost).

>Poor communications between individuals and departments

Have you noticed most of the findings are related to lack of responsibility, communication and also due to some who took things for granted? It is possible to have all indicators to signal danger - a siren, an alarm system and yet make no sense if somebody chooses to evade from their responsibility because of their selfishness.

In real world too, we either take things for granted or just don’t care if it is going to affect someone as long as we are safe and happy. In the Bible it is written “Love others as you love yourself”, the golden commandment of Jesus. Bring God into every paradigm and you will be entirely a different person. Taking people for granted is something that need immediate attention, if unaddressed soon will have a serious effect on everything especially on your family too.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_City_Refinery_explosion

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