Voices that demand funding. Voices that tell of healing efforts for victims of sex trafficking. Voices that demand equal rights. Voices that shout programs. Voices that demand gender equality. Voices that request help for refugees. Voices that speak of ridding women of the burden of motherhood. Voices that speak of the critical role of motherhood. Voices that speak of the oppression by men. Voices that speak of the empowerment fathers can give.
Underlying some voices is the stark reality of unmet needs, pain, and suffering. Hidden in some voices is the siren song of selfishness and hidden agendas. Intrinsic in some voices were hearts that are helping bring relief and rescue to a suffering world.
I appreciated the voices of thoughtful questions and meaningful discussions. After demands for funding and declarations of oppression in reference to refugee camps, an attendee asked; "What is being done to involve the men in the solution?" After the session, she shared with me, "Did we think we are going to solve this without them?" When I shared these comments with a beautiful Nigerian woman, she responded with: "And that is the point!" This beautiful Nigerian woman also shared with me her family's challenge to overcome poverty and education. She praised her mother and father in the struggle saying, "It was really difficult, but we emerged victorious!"
What voices do I listen to? What is my voice declaring? Everyone person on this earth is of infinite value. The compassion of both women and men, and the gifts of healing that each bring to the table in different ways are part of moving towards answers. People everywhere who give of their time and talent to create places of healing, health and wholeness subtract pain and loneliness from the world sum of suffering. There are wonderful people everywhere who want to help and be a part of the solution. I believe it is individuals, local communities, private and religious charitable groups that seem to be making the most meaningful progress internationally. Government solutions tend to be convoluted and agenda laden. I believe in the traditional family as the healthiest growing place on every measurable indicator for children. I add my voice to the many, loving, nurturing women on every continent who see their role as mother as critical to the moral and economic survival of their families, communities, cities and nations. It is a choice. It is my choice. And adding to the wisdom of my new Nigerian friend; though the tragic difficulties on every side seem insurmountable, the pain and suffering mountainous, we will build on what's working, work together for each other's well being and we shall emerge victorious!
