When Carmen announced that she was getting married at the age of 89, the family burst out laughing. Or assumed the worst. “You’re getting married?” her eldest daughter asked, half nervous, half incredulous. “Mom, you’ve been a widow for thirty years.” “Exactly,” Carmen replied with calm serenity. “It’s time I started making myself beautiful for… Read more: Clear-Minded Wedding

When I turned 65 , I sat in my favorite chair, looked back at my life, and whispered to myself,“So… this is the beginning of the final stretch.” And slowly, the truths I had avoided all my life began to surface. Kids? They’re busy writing their own story.Health? Slips away faster than sand through open… Read more: The Final Stretch

💰 Dollar Differences: The 1950s Cost of Living Shock! 🤯 Time Machine Prices 🕰️ The image of a family in the 1950s loading $10 worth of groceries into their $1,000 car before heading to their $12,000 home paints a fascinating, if slightly skewed, picture of post-war American affordability. While the figures are close, the real… Read more: A Look Back:1950s Cost of Living

My name is Rusty Miller. Forty-nine years old. Twenty-six years on the road. I’ve hauled everything from frozen meat to carnival rides, but the heaviest thing I ever carried wasn’t in my trailer… it was a memory. It happened one winter night in Wyoming— the kind of cold that bites straight through your jacket and… Read more: Rusty Truck Driver Delivers Hope

Saint Nicholas’ life is one of history and mystery. Santa’s Predecessor Saint Nicholas lived in Myra, a city in the province of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) during the fourth century. His parents died when he was a teenager and left him with quite a bit of money. Nicholas then went to live with his uncle, who was… Read more: Saint Nicholas: The Original Santa Claus

By Lori Walburg (Summary:  In a dreary November, a stranger arrived in town and transformed a rundown storefront into Sonneman’s Candy Store. Lucy, a curious girl, helped him unpack, revealing jars of candies. Among them, the candy cane held a special meaning: its ‘J’ shape symbolized Jesus, the shepherd’s staff, and the stripes represented his… Read more: Legend Of The Candy Cane

Dear Mom and Dad, Words can’t describe how sorry I am. I put you in a position no parent should ever face. I left – before you. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The natural order of things was skewed by my addiction. I can only imagine the agony you must be in. I… Read more: Love Always, Your Child

“The Tree” For 30+ years, we have decorated the tree on Thanksgiving night as a family. While “Miracle on 34th Street” plays on the TV, the tree comes to life! It takes longer than is probably necessary because I linger over each ornament and dwell in the history of each one for a bit. This… Read more: The Tree

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” a popular and enduring Christmas song’s plea for peace, is as relevant today as when it was written, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Many people mistakenly assume this Christmas classic has been around for years and that it is of European origin. But it was written in 1962 during… Read more: ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’ The Story Behind the Song

After George Washington authorized the first Thanksgiving Day in 1789, 74 years passed without another such day of thanks. Then, Abraham Lincoln established the holiday as an annual event in America. His Thanksgiving Proclamation is worth reading again today: It is the duty of nations as well as of men to owe their dependence upon… Read more: Thanksgiving Proclamation 1853

My name is Jack Miller, and on Saturday at ten o’clock I’ll be standing in my own driveway watching my life get sold by the piece. They call it an estate sale, but it feels more like a yard sale for a dead man who just hasn’t had the decency to lie down yet. I’m… Read more: Sold By The Piece

I woke up at 4am to my son standing in my bedroom doorway holding paint and brushes. He’s eighteen, hasn’t lived here in two years, and we barely speak anymore after everything that happened with his dad. But there he was in the dark saying “I need to borrow your stencils.” My father in law… Read more: Bunny Prints

Otto the octopus didn’t like lights, so he figured out how to turn them off. At just six months old, Otto the octopus managed to do something few animals—let alone invertebrates—have ever done: intentionally short out an aquarium’s electrical system. Night after night, staff at the Sea Star Aquarium in Coburg, Germany, were puzzled by… Read more: Otto Octopus

An ex-husband and ex-wife ran into each other on a train. She was already seated when he stepped in. Neither tried to avoid the other — they weren’t kids anymore, and their breakup had been quiet, without drama or scandal. They gave each other a quick, assessing look. Even smiled. The past was long gone;… Read more: Lonely Soul Train

“If we wanted five toys, we had to read five books. Nothing came for free — everything had to be earned.” 📚 That’s how Paris Jackson recalls the lessons her father — the legendary Michael Jackson — taught her and her brothers. In one heartfelt interview, Paris revealed that her father gave them more than… Read more: Sense Of Purpose

DEPRESSION TIPS: Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor if you gotta. Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like. Unscented? Poundland lotion?… Read more: DEPRESSION TIPS

In the 1950s, every kindergartener knew the ritual: crayons down, lights low, and the soft hum of a record spinning through the air.Naptime wasn’t a break — it was part of learning. Teachers dimmed the lights, tiptoed between mats, and whispered, “Close your eyes.”Kids rested, dreamed, or just stared at sunbeams dancing on the ceiling… Read more: Nap Time

The Mouse Trap — a lesson in empathy A little mouse, hiding in her hole, saw the farmer and his wife opening a package on the kitchen table. Curious, she peeked out — and her tiny heart sank.It was a mousetrap. Terrified, she ran to warn the other animals on the farm. First, she went… Read more: Mouse Trap Empathy

Key points from Billy Graham on the Gospel:

To the man who commented,“this is what’s wrong with women these days”,when I wrote of raising a daughterwho’ll be aware of her worth and unashamed of her fire,I didn’t mean to frighten you.I understand that strong women can be quite threateningto weak men. To the man who commented,“no man will want her”,when I wrote of… Read more: Daughter Love

The law said she had to marry her rapist or be dishonored forever. She was 17 years old. She said no—and changed Italy forever.This is the story of Franca Viola, and it happened not in ancient times, but in 1965—the year the Beatles released “Yesterday,” the year America sent troops to Vietnam. In modern Italy,… Read more: The Law: Marry Your Rapist

“My mom blocked me.Not because she hated me…but because she loved me more than I could understand.”“Mom, can I borrow some money?”“No.”“Mom, can you help me with rent?”“No.”“Mom, can I move back home?”…Silence.That night, she blocked me.Calls. Texts. Everything.I was furious.“How could she do this to me? I’m her son!”I crashed on a friend’s floor.Then… Read more: My Mom Blocked Me

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%?What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%.How about achieving 101%?What equals 100% in life? Here’s a little mathematical formula that might… Read more: Mathematically Speaking

I was lead to share this Satan is not opposed to good morals. He’s opposed to Jesus Christ. Read that again because most Christians miss this completely. Satan doesn’t care if you’re a “good person.” He doesn’t care if you volunteer at the food bank, recycle your trash, and help old ladies cross the street.… Read more: Satan Doesn’t Care

May 25, 1986 — One of the most heartwarming and ambitious events in American history unfolded: Hands Across America. Millions of people from coast to coast joined hands in a massive human chain stretching over 6,600 miles from New York City to Long Beach, California. The goal? To raise awareness and funds to fight hunger… Read more: Hands Across America

When someone is drowning, that’s not the time to teach them how to swim. Sometimes people don’t need advice.They don’t need a lesson.They don’t need you to explain how they ended up in the water. They need you to reach out your hand.They need to know someone sees them, that someone cares enough to pull… Read more: Compassion For The Win

Ex-Satanist John Ramirez warns Christian parents of the dangers of celebrating Halloween. “It’s like having a one night stand with the devil. There’s a quote by Anton Lavey, founder of the Church of Satan, where he says in his own words, ‘I want to thank every Christian parent for allowing their children to celebrate the… Read more: Ex-Satanist: Dangers Of Celebrating Halloween

“Satan disguises submission to himself under the ruse of personal autonomy. He never asks us to become his servants. Never once did the serpent say to Eve, ‘I want to be your master.’ The shift in commitment is never from Christ to evil; it is always from Christ to self. And instead of his will,… Read more: A Quiet Drift

Have you ever stopped to realize that today’s grandmothers were once the fearless rebels—the ones who dared to dream out loud and live even louder?To the twenty-somethings of today, let us remind you who we were—and who we still are, deep down. We wore mini skirts that turned heads and high boots that made us… Read more: We Are Today’s Grandmas

She was sold in a card game on a rain-soaked night in Deadwood, 1876. Lucy Caldwell, born in Missouri in 1851, had married Charles “Silk Jack” Caldwell — a gambler smooth with words and quicker with lies. He’d promised her a mansion and fine dresses, but what she got was a whiskey tent, a deck… Read more: Black Lace Lucy

My name’s Tom. I’m 79.My sister, Evelyn, is 74.We live in the same small town — two streets apart — and for nearly fifteen years, we didn’t say a single word to each other. Fifteen years.That’s a long time to stay quiet.Long enough for kids to grow up, for seasons to come and go, for… Read more: Forgiveness Takes Courage

“Pooh,” said Piglet softly, “how do you know when it’s time to step away from things that make you sad?” Pooh thought about this very carefully, because it was a question that touched both the heart and the tummy, and those were the most important sorts of questions. “Well, Piglet,” he said, “sometimes you notice… Read more: Path of Self Care

After midnight on April 24, 2018, Michigan State Police received a call: a woman was standing on a bridge above Interstate 696 in Detroit.The freeway below was dark and still when Lt. Mike Shaw made a decision that would turn strangers into saviors. He radioed nearby truckers for help.Minutes later, beams of headlights cut through… Read more: Highway Sanctuary

The Voice of Truth Truth once took the form of a parrot —bright, fearless, and full of song.It spoke of freedom, of love, of what lay beyond comfort.People adored its beauty but feared its honesty. They built it a golden cage,saying, “Stay where we can hear you, but only sing what pleases us.”So Truth sang… Read more: Voice Of Truth

The biker sitting across from me on the subway was crying. Not just tearing up—full-on sobbing into a tiny orange and white kitten pressed against his chest. His leather vest was covered in patches, his hands were scarred and rough, and his beard was streaked with gray. He had to be at least sixty-five, maybe… Read more: A Biker’s Love

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they got were broader, deeper, and more profound than anyone could have ever imagined! ‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore… So my grandfather does it… Read more: Help Them Cry

“This morning on my way to work, I followed a car with a sign in the back window that said:“Learning stick. Sorry for any delay.” “Choose kindness today—because everyone is fighting a battle you can’t see.” Knowing that, I stayed patient through the slow shifts and jerky starts — and honestly, they were doing pretty… Read more: Notice Hidden “Signs”

The Spirit of God is moving once again in the hearts of thousands of college students, this time at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Nearly 7,000 young people filled the Yuengling Center to worship Jesus on Thursday night, while hundreds publicly declared their faith at the UniteUS campus event, according to the ministry.… Read more: Ex-satanist Gets Baptized

I was the tender age of 5, when my 14 year old brother thought it would be fine to take advantage of me.Usually he would be in the bath with his loud music blaring from the bedroom, and call me in. He would get me to wash him and he’d do the same to me.… Read more: (no title)

“My name’s Grace. I’m 72. I used to be a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital for 42 years. Delivered 173 babies. Held the hand of every patient who died alone. Retired five years ago. But I still go back. Not as staff. Not as a visitor. I go as the lady who sits by the… Read more: The Sitting Nurses

The python suffocated the King Cobra while the king cobra bit it. Both snakes died, one from asphyxiation and the other from the venom. And that is how people destroy each other.Friendships end, relationships end and families end up decimating themselves because one always wants to be better than the other. Some “smothering” people with… Read more: Lessons From Snakes

After living what I felt was a “decent” life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by… Read more: My Divine Attorney

Can I Eat with you the Homeless girl asked the millionaire his response leave everyone in tears! On a crisp October evening, downtown Chicago glittered in the twilight. At Marlowe’s—the city’s riverside Michelin-starred gem—Richard Evans dined alone. A man of stature and silence, he was known in real estate circles for his ruthless deals and… Read more: Can I Eat With You

Breaking News: Senate Approves SUPPORT For Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act Today, by unanimous consent, the Senate approved the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. This important legislation reauthorizes several programs focused on substance use treatment and prevention, including: The bill also creates a federal interagency working group on fentanyl contamination of illicit drugs… Read more: Senate Approves SUPPORT For Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act

Here’s an interesting factAfter the Japanese decimated our fleet in Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941, they could have sent their troop ships and carriers directly to California to finish what they started. The prediction from our Chief of Staff was we would not be able to stop a massive invasion until they reached the Mississippi… Read more: Do NOT Disarm

My daughter came home from school and said,“Mom, you’re not going to believe what happened in history class today.” Her teacher told the class they were going to play a game.He walked around the room and whispered to each kid whether they were a witch or just a regular person. Then he gave the instructions:… Read more: Witches

The state of Missouri is a significant corridor for human trafficking due to its central location and major interstate highways, particularly I-70 and I-44. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and law enforcement agencies recognize the state’s highways as major conduits for traffickers to transport victims.  Key corridors and trafficking locations include: Factors contributing to… Read more: Missouri:Corridor For Trafficking

✨ A brilliant response from a young mom to the question: “So what did you do all day?” Most stay-at-home moms and homemakers have heard it:“You’ve been home all day, and the house isn’t spotless?”“What do you even do all day?” It’s the kind of question that stings. Many women feel like snapping back. But… Read more: Women Are Salt

The Cross Still OffendsBy Pastor Rich Bitterman The bullet tore the air in half. A folding chair rattled. A Bible dropped. A young man slumped sideways beneath a white event tent, eyes wide with the weight of eternity. It was supposed to be a conversation. A “prove me wrong” segment. But this time, rebuttal came… Read more: The Cross Offends

Jillian was only seven years old. A little girl who couldn’t sit still in class — always fidgeting, distracted, her mind drifting somewhere far away. Her teachers worried. They tried everything: scolding, punishing, persuading, even rewarding her if she could focus for just a few minutes. Nothing worked. Jillian simply wasn’t made to sit still.… Read more: Embrace “Different”

Tonight, 24 years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in… Read more: Never Forget

The Real Story Behind “Rock-a-Bye Baby” Many years ago, Effie Crockett, the older sister of Davy Crockett, visited the Muskogee Tribe to help some mothers. When she arrived at their camp, she was surprised and even laughed a little. She saw something unusual — the tribe’s babies were not lying in cradles on the ground.… Read more: Rock-a-Bye Baby: Story

This little girl walked into a biker bar at midnight and asked the scariest-looking man there if he could help her find her mommy. Every leather-clad rider in that smoke-filled room went silent. A tiny child in Disney princess pajamas stood in the doorway, tears running down her face, staring at thirty rough bikers like… Read more: Bikers To The Rescue

The little boy came to our table of leather-clad bikers and slammed down a paper that said “DADDY’S FUNERAL – NEED SCARY MEN.”His tiny fingers were still stained with marker ink, and his Superman cape was on backwards. The diner went dead silent as fifteen members of the Iron Wolves MC stared at this kid… Read more: Giant Meets Sparrow

She Couldn’t Hear the Roar of the Crowd—Until Peyton Manning Gave Her the Loudest Moment of All Sophie was 9 years old. Born deaf. But she never let silence stop her. She loved football—not for the noise, but for the feeling. The stomp of the crowd through the stadium floor. The pulse of excitement, even… Read more: Thank You Peyton Manning

There is a little coffee shop, where two people arrive and approached the counter. “Five coffees please. Two for us and three hanging.” They paid, they took their two coffees and left. I asked the waiter. “What’s this about hanging coffees?” “Wait and you’ll see.” Some more people came in. Two girls asked for a… Read more: Hanging Coffees

This city’s unique approach to paying its homeless community to clean the streets offers a profound lesson in how we view and treat those who are struggling. By giving individuals a sense of purpose, dignity, and an opportunity to rebuild, we not only restore their self-worth but also take tangible steps to address systemic inequality.… Read more: Restoring Hope

At a High School Reunion, a group of successful alumni—now doctors, lawyers, business owners—decided to visit their favorite teacher. They chatted about their careers and families, but soon the conversation shifted to life’s pressures, stress, and constant chasing after more. After listening for a while, their teacher smiled and said, “Hold on a minute. I’ll… Read more: Class Reunion in Retrospect

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of… Read more: Freedom Is Not Free

The individuals and entities involved in human trafficking include: The motives behind supporting trafficking can include: It is important to emphasize that human trafficking is a severe human rights violation and those involved in its support or perpetration are engaging in harmful and illegal activities.

Read 1Corinthians 1:26-29. You may be a gifted leader; however, don’t forget that even the most gifted leader has flaws and limits. One key thing to … At His Disposal

“Twice this week, I have watched an elderly individual, fade into the busy life in which we all live. One man just needed Panadol for his wife but the shop assistant simply said it’s in aisle ‘6’. But he struggled to navigate the supermarket and as I watched him go in the wrong direction, I… Read more: One Day

An Adventure With Jesus A call is a profound impression from God, one that often comes with life-altering ramifications. Did you know…. YOU’LL HAVE NO IDEA WHERE GOD IS GOING TO TAKE YOU. YOU’LL FEEL ILL-EQUIPPED FOR YOUR CALLING. YOU’LL EXPERIENCE A FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. I never thought at age 66 I would… Read more: An Adventure With Jesus

I FOUND DIAPERS IN MY 15-YEAR-OLD SON’S BACKPACK—SO I FOLLOWED HIM, AND WHAT I DISCOVERED CHANGED EVERYTHING For the past few weeks, my 15-year-old son, Noah, had been acting… different. He wasn’t rude or rebellious, just distant. He’d come home from school tired, retreat to his room without saying much, and shut the door. His… Read more: Split Shifts for Lila

… My Name is Madison Taylor BrooksI’m 14 years old , and on October 17thI died for 12 minutes when our carflipped three times on Highway 29. I was in the backseat scrolling through TikTok , barely paying attention to mom driving me to volleyball practice.My little brother Tyler was playing his Nintendo Switch next… Read more: Media Addiction

MEN AND WOMEN CARRY PAIN DIFFERENTLY. For women, it often settles in the heart and nervous system.It comes with alertness.Hyper-awareness. The sense that something could go wrong at any moment, and probably has, before.It’s being told to smile.Then told she’s leading someone on.It’s shrinking in spaces that were never built for her voice.It’s being touched… Read more: Gender Differences in Pain

“My Boys Think We’re Camping—But They Don’t Know We’re HomelessThey’re still asleep right now. All three of them, piled together under that thin blue blanket like it’s the coziest thing in the world. I watch their chests rise and fall and pretend—for just a second—that this is a vacation.We pitched the tent behind a rest… Read more: From Low to Grow

The sound of her stepfather’s footsteps in the hallway would freeze young Sally Field in place. Even as a child, she could sense the air shifting when he was near. There was no shouting, no slamming of doors, but a quiet, insidious discomfort that wrapped itself around her childhood like a fog. In the silence… Read more: “In Pieces” by Sally Field

Steve Jobs died a billionaire at 56yrs, of Pancreatic Cancer…his thoughts on Life: “I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes my life is an epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed… Read more: Jobs’ Last Thoughts

My sweet son went to be with Jesus Friday night. He wrote me a letter Thursday when he admitted that he had relapsed and I’ve decided to share that letter in the hopes that it can help other people. There is such a stigma surrounding addiction. Let me assure you that addiction does not discriminate.… Read more: Addiction Destroys

They call it a drug, but that word is far too soft. This isn’t weed or whiskey. No, meth is something else entirely. Meth is sorcery. When I was in its grip, I didn’t feel high. I felt haunted. It starts like any ritual. A pipe. A flame. A crystal shard. A moment of silence.… Read more: Meth Is Sorcery

When I read the news concerning Christianity today, I am so grieved in my Spirit. I can only imagine what the world thinks regarding such news. The two biggest stories center not on an outbreak of revival, miraculous healings or acts of Christian love. They center on man. Sadly, the church is also centering on… Read more: Your Choice: God or World

“He didn’t knock. He stood on the porch, just breathing.” For three years, Ella set a plate at the dinner table for her son, even though he was halfway across the world. “Still deployed,” she’d whisper if anyone asked. But that wasn’t the full truth. He stopped calling after his second tour. His letters stopped… Read more: Ella’s Son

It’s truly mind-blowing! 🤯 In 1973, a special forestry experiment started near Nichinan City in Japan. Scientists wanted to see how the spacing between trees affects how they grow. It was a simple idea, but the result turned out to be amazing to look at. Now, after 50 years, the forest has taken on a… Read more: The Spiral Forest

A father said to his son , “You graduated with honors. Here is a Volkswagen beetle that i bought many years ago … It is over 50years old , but before I give it to you, take it to a dealership downtown and ask how much there are offering you.” The son went to the… Read more: Priceless

Don’t force your place in someone’s life. If someone wants you there, you’ll know.You won’t have to keep trying to matter.You won’t feel like you’re bothering them just by being yourself. You won’t be the only one holding it all together.You won’t sit there wondering what changedor why it suddenly feels so distant. People make… Read more: Not A Burden

For me, so true… From a friend: “Today I was in a shoe store that sells only shoes, nothing else. A young girl with a tattoo and green hair walked over to me and asked, “What brings you in today, I looked at her and said, “I’m interested in buying a refrigerator.” She didn’t quite… Read more: I Can Relate

Written by a teenage victim of sexual grooming. ⬇️💜 “The end was coming. I could feel it. Something had to change, I couldn’t keep living like this. I knew something was about to break, but I hadn’t figured out what yet. Was it my family? My friends? Or was it me? It was time for… Read more: Teenage Victim Shares Her Story

They called you the black sheep,not because you were wrong, but because you were different.While the herd followed the path without questions, you paused, looked up, listened to the wind and whispered; there must be another way. The black sheep doesn’t blend in.Not because they can’tbuy because they won’t.They’ve seen too many cliffs disguised as… Read more: Black Sheep Revolution

They say only 2% of people who ever touch meth recover. I don’t know if that number is true, but if it’s close, if you try it once, you’re stepping onto a road where very few will ever come back. I’ve seen the “2%” tattooed on people in recovery but also on people still deep… Read more: 2%

That chocolate bar you gave me, (repost)that was broken up in three.The one that made me cry,because they weren’t broken equally. Those stairs you walked down first,as I walked behind.The ones that made me cry,because I like going first you’ll find. The breakfast that you gave me,with my spoon of chocolate spread.I am sorry that… Read more: Autism Cries

NEIGHBORS CALLED POLICE ON BOY LOOKING FOR GARDENING WORK.COP SHOWED UP WITH A PS5. From the stories we’re told about the police—in fairytales, in movies, in the Superman version of America—this is what we expect all cops to be like. Helpful. Protective. Kind, especially with kids. Thankfully, this time the storybook version came to life.The… Read more: Make Care The Rule

It sounds like you’re going through a really difficult time, and it’s understandable to feel this way. Please know that you are not alone in experiencing these feelings, and it’s important to remember that  you are not a burden.  Here’s why you are not a burden, and some things you can do: Your Existence Matters:… Read more: You Are NOT A Burden

I live in a very red state and have kept my opinions to myself. I can’t do that anymore. The Trump administration must follow the constitution and the other laws of the country. They cannot do whatever they want. If they can identify people who are illegally in the country and who have committed crimes,… Read more: Pray For America

Vienna (Austria), 29 September 2023 – A new report compiled by UNODC’s anti-trafficking experts indicates the existence of corruption in every step of the human trafficking process and in every form of the crime. Whether at border controls, police stations, consulates, labour inspectorates, or recruitment agencies, the bribery of corrupt officials facilities the recruitment, transportation, control… Read more: Corruption May Facilitate, Fuel and Foster Human Trafficking

“I am not just a tree, I am a keeper of time, roots that penetrate the earth, and branches that embrace the sky. In my silence, I hold the story of thousands of years.” -Unknown In many ways all living things go through life the same way. As a sprout, we face the same danger… Read more: Alive and Growing

I brought my mother home. For good. There were no big decisions, no drawn-out talks. One day, I simply showed up—with a single bag in hand. Inside, she’d tucked a few essentials: a pair of stockings, cozy slippers stitched with “World’s Best Grandma” (a gift from my kids), her favorite soft robe and nightgown, and—though… Read more: Show Up

I shot meth in a church bathroom. Let that sink in. In the middle of two men of God who loved me deeply trying to tell me about Jesus, I excused myself, walked into a clean, tiled bathroom stall in the church … and I shot up. Not because I wanted to disrespect them or… Read more: But, Jesus

I’m showing my face while holding this Tell Somebody sign because during my childhood, l was silenced and l was shamed for speaking out about what was happening to me. I was molested twice by my mom’s husband, and also by my grandmother’s husband.My mother met a guy through my uncle, so l remember seeing… Read more: Tell Someone!

The Power of Oneby Ashish Ram One song can spark a momentOne flower can wake the dreamOne tree can start a forestOne bird can herald springOne smile begins a friendshipOne handclasp lifts a soulOne star can guide a ship at seaOne word can frame the goalOne vote can change a nationOne sunbeam lights a roomOne… Read more: The Power Of One

Carfentanil: A Synthetic Opioid Unlike Any Other What is Carfentanil? Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid originally developed for veterinary use, more specifically to tranquilize large animals such as elephants. It is extraordinarily potent and not approved for human use. In fact, it is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times… Read more: Carfentanil=Death

I didn’t go to church in jail to find God. I went because it was the only way to interact with guys from other blocks and pass off contraband. On this particular day, I had to get some pills to a guy in B block, and chapel was the safest way to do it. I… Read more: Pouring

We thought the kids were joking.“Can we build a treehouse?” they said one afternoon, barefoot, sticky from popsicles, eyes full of some cartoon-inspired dream.But then they brought out a sketch. Lopsided, crayon-colored, with hearts over the windows.They looked at my husband and said,“Can we do it with you, Daddy?”And something in him cracked, gently. Quietly.I… Read more: Crayon House

After becoming a MOM, I realized that to the world, we’re NOT allowed to: And the truth is…No matter what we do, someone ALWAYS has something to say. Let’s normalize giving moms grace. I’m a mom. I LOVE my kids. But I’ve felt EVERY one of these things at some point.

It occurred to Pooh and Piglet that they hadn’t heard from Eeyore for several days, so they put on their hats and coats and trotted across the Hundred Acre Wood to Eeyore’s house. Inside the house was Eeyore. “Hello Eeyore,” said Pooh. “Hello Pooh. Hello Piglet” said Eeyore, in a glum sounding voice. “We just… Read more: Am I Okay?

“Behind strong people there is a story that gave them no choice!” (Paulo Coelho) Strength is often mistaken for something innate, as if resilience is simply a trait some are born with.But behind every strong person, there is a story—a story that gave them no other choice. Strength is not just built; it is forged… Read more: Story To Strength

Before you jump to conclusions about someone,take a breath.Take a moment to learn what’s really going on. It’s easy to judge from the outside—life looks simple when you’re not living it.But people are complex.They carry stories they never speak of, wounds that don’t show, and reasons behind their actions that you may never guess. What… Read more: Try A Little Kindness

In a quiet pediatric wing of a San Francisco hospital in the late 1990s, a nurse paused outside a room, blinking back tears. Inside, a small boy with terminal cancer was doubled over in laughter. Dressed in scrubs three sizes too big, with a stethoscope around his neck and a ridiculous red nose, Robin Williams… Read more: Love Heals

On Denim Day, which takes place on the last Wednesday in April — April 30 this year — we stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims. Celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of April, Denim Day started as a campaign against sexual assault apologists. In the summer of 1998 in Italy, an… Read more: Denim Day

12 thing that marriage is not: 1) Marriage is not for the weak. It’s hard work. 2) Marriage is not about getting what you want all the time. It’s not a dictatorship. It’s not wanting to win all the time because that would mean the other person would lose all the time. Maybe okay for… Read more: Marriage Is Not For Wimps