Day 25

Respect

READ

Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

REFLECT

When we meet people with our preconceived ideas, we can block meaningful exchanges. This story of two sisters is so familiar to us that we often adopt that stereotype thinking: ‘both women should have been in the kitchen preparing the meal for Jesus!’ Martha complained, but Jesus protected Mary’s choice of making time to be a disciple, sitting at His feet, listening to His teaching. Martha was concerned about what others might think about her sister: a woman, behaving like a male disciple! One thing was needed. Mary stayed still and listened, showed respect.

Jesus’ comment honored Mary: she was considered, welcomed, on the same level as His other male disciples. Jesus took time for her. The respect was reciprocal, which is what happens when we deliberately make time to listen. Jesus went against cultural norms and created new possibilities. Today, in our efforts to meet with victims and survivors of Human Trafficking, we can show respect, welcome them, and demonstrate love. In giving them respect and developing transformative relationships as experts of their lived experiences, we can open doors for new possibilities. And in these relationships, the grace of Jesus is poured out. We too can challenge cultural norms. We too can include those who perhaps beforehand were excluded, we must start by showing respect.

REMEMBER

Anna*, a survivor of Human Trafficking originally from Hungary, who now works as a social worker for The Salvation Army in another country returned to Budapest for a week’s visit. She found herself in the company of The Salvation Army colleagues, the State Secretary for European Affairs, a police representative and a colleague from IOM to share her story. It was in complete contrast to what Anna had experienced a decade before in the same city, where women are often not highly considered. Please pray for Edina Toth (AHT Contact Person, Hungary) and for all those who work in Hungary to raise awareness of human trafficking, for The Salvation Army’s ‘House of New Beginning’, and for training courses.

RESPOND

Take time to listen to someone today—act counter-culturally.

Loving Lord, be with all who are in personal contact with survivors of Human Trafficking. Help them to listen, change stereotype thinking, and welcome each person into a grace-filled environment. Amen.