Grace, Mercy & Miracles

A Review I Wrote in 2012 for an Organization in Arizona Helping Bring Awareness and Support to the Issue of Sex Trafficking

November 2012

“I was introduced to one of the incredibly dedicated founders of this organization about four months ago. When a friend invited me to lunch, I had no idea that it would become one of the most eye-opening and deeply disturbing afternoons of my life.

When I arrived at the restaurant, my friend met me outside to explain who we were meeting and the conversation I was about to walk into. I regret that I can’t remember the name of the other woman we met that day she was also a nonprofit founder and seemed very kind but my attention was immediately drawn to Lori from Starbright. As she spoke, she shared one heartbreaking and gruesome story after another about victims of sex trafficking right here in the Valley.

I can honestly say that, until that moment, I had been largely unaware that this crime was occurring so close to home. Learning that sex trafficking is among the top one or two crimes in Phoenix was more than alarming, it was staggering. That lunch lasted more than three hours, yet I don’t even remember eating. When I left the restaurant, the first thing I did was call my family to make sure my children were safe.

When I arrived home, I walked inside without my laptop or phone, something I never do. I was so overwhelmed by what I had just heard that I needed to sit quietly with my family and simply be grateful that they were still unaware of the horrific realities unfolding just a few miles away.

At first, I didn’t believe I would be able to help the organization. I wasn’t sure I could emotionally handle the situations they confront every single day. But after meeting Lori, I knew I couldn’t simply walk away. I understand what it feels like to fight for a cause that many people either don’t know exists or don’t want to acknowledge.

Lori is fiercely passionate about saving young girls, often placing her own life at risk in the process. She works around the clock and takes no compensation from the organization. Every donated dollar goes directly toward the mission. She has created a safe house where victims of child abuse and sex trafficking can begin to heal and receive treatment for the unimaginable trauma they have endured.

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to get to know Lori better. I was honored to help her save a significant amount of money during the process of opening the safe house, simply by connecting her with people who could help resolve issues that had been slowing progress.

I plan to support Starbright in any way I can, because the work they are doing is not only necessary, it is urgent. The leaders of this organization are devoted beyond words to protecting children and helping them feel safe, seen, and loved. They are leaders of deep faith, compelled to carry out the work they were called to do.”

Starbright Foundation is located in the suburbs of Phoenix, AZ. They have been working tirelessly all these years to help raise awareness about this issue and to provide training and support to first responders as well as a safe place for recovered victims to stay.

To learn more about Lori and this organization please visit

https://starbrightfoundation.org/

I am sharing this today as a series of stories that will follow to help the people understand what is needed today and why they should care and pray.