Tag. You're It!

God has a way of taking our selfish desires and transforming them into a radical passion, giving Him glory. Our desires, selfishly focused, will only benefit ourselves. But when we surrender to God our plans and ambitions, He is able to multiply our lives in a way that not only blesses us, but those around us.

When I was younger, I used to have a two-month countdown leading up to my birthday. I would notify my family on a continual basis about my birthday and remind them of the list of presents I was expecting. My list consisted of things like clothes, toys, spy gear, a monkey and a baby sister (sadly, the monkey and baby sister never appeared). I was such a birthday fanatic that my family called me the ‘birthday girl’ during the entire month of June. I always wanted to extend the celebration as long as possible. Little did I know that God was about to crash my parties for good!

Last year, my spirit shifted. It started when I took a step of faith: I responded to the cries of the enslaved. I can remember the day so well when I viewed Pearl Alliance’s thirty-second video about child trafficking. My heart was moved and compelled to respond. That day, I laid down my selfish desires and offered them to God, allowing Him to re-create my desire into radical passion for justice all for His glory.

On my 19th birthday, I decided to do something beyond myself. Instead of my usual birthday extravaganza, I created a human trafficking awareness night and rallied my friends and family to take action. In place of gifts, I asked everyone to donate to Pearl Alliance. During the celebration, we wrote letters to the children who live in a rescue home in Thailand. By the end of the night, we all were filled with such a joy, knowing our simple acts were changing the world. (See video)



Almost a year later, God has taken my selfish pursuits and transformed them into a force of hope, life, and rescue. My heart for justice has only grown bigger and as my 20th birthday approaches. I am ready to allow God to increase once again.
A challenge is before me. The Lord has laid it upon my heart to surrender the entire month of June for the purpose of bringing home His children. Across Florida, I am setting out on a mission to awaken the local church in taking strategic action against human trafficking.

I will be touring with the Traveling Art Gallery (a.k.a. the TAG Team) of Studio 31:8, a Gainesville based coalition of artists who are raising funds and awareness through art depicting hope, rescue, and restoration. The TAG Team’s mission is to instill a vision for local outreach while providing an opportunity for global rescue. The proceeds of the tour will benefit the building of a rescue home in the Saang province of Cambodia. (For more info about the tour, visit the Studio 31:8 Facebook page)

In addition to this adventure, I am on a quest to inspire individuals everywhere to join in on the movement. I will be playing a game of tag, so to speak. The game begins on June 1st and ends on the 26th, my birthday, with a finale fundraiser to end the tour.

You have just been tagged. Now it is your turn to jump in the game! Run with me by giving God your desires for Him to multiply into a simple action that will change the world.

Your it!

Esther