Monday, November 9, 2009

Half the Sky

I just finished the book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. It was filled with gut wrenching stories of the suffering women endure, particularly in developing worlds. From rape victims to those sold into brothels to fistula patients, I often had to put down the book and just take a deep breath before moving on. At the same time, the authors highlighted amazing stories of women who have risen above their plight and, given the right aid and help, changed their own lives and the lives of countless other women. The hope is the book would inspire a movement to change the realities these women endure. They liken the oppression of women to slavery, and how we look back now and are appalled at the inaction of those who saw slavery simply as the way things were, in the same way, years from now people will look back and be appalled at our inaction on behalf of these women. The plight of women, the authors claim, is the biggest humanitarian challenge of our time.

Now that I've read this book, I am without excuse. I have been educated and been made aware. If I put the book down and move on with life, I will be counted among those future generations are appalled at. And I will be made accountable at the day I meet the Lord, the One who says, "whatever you did to the least of these, you did for me." I believe there IS such a thing as the sin of omission.

But what can I do? What can one measly little Cindy Brandt do to change lives? Not much, I know. But I am so beyond saying "I'm too overwhelmed" and throwing in the towel. I want to do something that will utilize the limited amount of gifts and resources at my disposal and produce the maximum amount of change. Still praying over that one...

Read the book so you can be without excuse too! :)

1 comment:

  1. Cindy, excuse me for intruding. I got your Blog from a friend of yours who thought you two might help with my situation.
    I have been living in Japan for the last six years and my children, ages 8,12 and 14, have asked me to take them to China to learn the language. I have sent off for an L visa but want to stay for two years.
    My question is how do I get the kids in public school and how does one stay for more than a month or two?
    I am 62 and it seems the Chinese have an aversion for foreigners over 60.

    Cindy, excuse me for intruding. I got your Blog from a friend of yours who thought you two might help with my situation.
    I have been living in Japan for the last six years and my children, ages 8,12 and 14, have asked me to take them to China to learn the language. I have sent off for an L visa but want to stay for two years.
    My question is how do I get the kids in public school and how does one stay for more than a month or two?
    I am 62 and it seems the Chinese have an aversion for foreigners over 60.
    My apologies again for intruding but I am fairly desperate to get the kids to China. Any advise would be appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Bill
    cramptonwl@hotmail.com
    +81 98 929 1330

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