Bring Back Our Girls

Today I wanted to say something about the horrible, horrible kidnapping that has happened in Nigeria. I know that it has been nearly a month, but I haven't known what to say because what else can I say that hasn't already been said. These girls were taken...no, ripped away from the lives that they were leading and they are being forced into a life of unspeakable horrors. They were taken from their school and are being forced into a life of hell and are at the mercy of people who see them as property and nothing more.

This terrible incident is truly heartbreaking. I don't have a daughter or any children of my own, but these are my daughters too. You don't have to be a parent to care. We all should care, no matter who we are. Their safety and well-being matter to me as a human being. I think about if it were one of my nieces who were kidnapped. It would devastate me. I can't even imagine what their families are going through.

I keep thinking about myself as a girl of their age and how I was doing my best to grow into the woman that I wanted to be someday. My mind was filled with school and dreams and everyday life. I wasn't thinking about being kidnapped and sold into a life of horror. I keep thinking about the fact that the girls were taken from their school. This speaks volumes to me. Some in this world are so afraid of the power of an educated girl that they will do anything to try to take away that power. It just makes me feel even stronger about the power of education. It is indeed a powerful tool if some in this world feel threatened by how it will expand the mind of a girl.

I pray for the girls' safe return. It seems so dire, but I pray that they are saved from this hell on Earth. And I pray that when they are hopefully returned to their lives, that the world...all of us collectively, will be there for them  as they heal somehow and for others who are suffering.

Bring Back Our Girls!!!!