My bags aren't packed yet, but my anticipation is building. One week from today I plan to be in New Orleans doing something I've never done before: attending The National Conference on Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse and Child Sex Trafficking. Think Forest Gump goes to Washington and you've got the idea of how I'm feeling about this venture.
So I'm asking you to pray for me as I battle all the lies that creep up in my head. The lies whisper, "What can one mom do to make a difference in the horrific world of sexual abuse and sex trafficking?", "This is just a waste of time.", and "What if your heart acts up on the plane (I have a heart that beats to its own rhythm at random times.)?" The lies can go on and on. And honestly, the lies can get my attention sometimes and if I'm not diligent in replacing them with truth, they will begin to consume my thinking. That's when I act like a crazy woman, hair standing on end, who's got one foot nailed to the floor and keeps running in circles. (Not a pretty picture. Just ask my husband. He's seen me this way.)
But pushing the fears and lies aside, I'm committed to boarding that plane next Tuesday. Why? Because the doors have opened for me to go and because in my heart I know I'm supposed to be there.
The truth is, childhood sexual abuse isn't going to go away. Yet, if I can learn one thing I can share with one parent or survivor that can make a difference in one child's or survivor's life, it will all be worth it.
