With all the focus on love and romance at this time, I thought it would be a good time to address some concerns in this arena.
First, and I can’t stress this enough, you don’t need a romantic partner to be a whole and healthy person. Our societal stress on relationships and sex builds up false expectations, anxiety about missing out, and can create dangerous situations. According to Polaris, the organization which runs the National Human Trafficking Hotline, “many survivors have been trafficked by romantic partners, including spouses, and by family members, including parents.” This is the overwhelming majority of cases in the U.S. So, it’s important to watch for red flags, guard your heart, and listen to concerns of people you trust.
Second, if you’re into giving Valentine’s Day gifts, or really any gifts for loved ones, you can use your buying power for GOOD! Purchase Fair Trade or Direct Trade chocolates, consider handmade cards by moms in Haiti who are supporting their families, gift flowers from fair trade farms, and look for jewelry from companies who are part of the Fair Trade Federation. Our gestures of love and affection shouldn’t come at the expense of another’s life. When you make these conscious choices, you make a real difference in the fight against human trafficking.
And, finally, let me leave you with this thought. (And, please forgive me for wearing my heart on my sleeve for a moment.) No matter what you’re going through, or how you’re feeling about your love life, “No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)