Scars and Stars are actually friends!

Strange isn't it?  That a hardship in life; one that moves you to tears and deep grief is actually the reason you are as tender as you are.  How is it that a soul wrenching scar can cause you/ us to shine as bright as a star? 

I heard  a story recently of a sixteen year old girl who gave $2000  out of her own savings account to a group of children in Haiti.  Her support allowed 18 children in Haiti to attend school which included: uniform, all school supplies and hot lunch for a full year.  When asked why she chose to give- after all, that money could be used for college, a new car, etc.  Her comment was sincere, tender and touching.  She said "I am bound to a wheel chair.  My mother has to do everything for me.  Kids at school are cruel to me because I am different.  I realized today that my life is not so bad after learning about children suffering in Haiti. I feel God has spoken to my heart to help these struggling children. Please accept my gift.  I really want to help."

Shortly after her testimony a song came on the radio sung by a sweet sounding female artist.  The song simply said  in a nutshell that perhaps the hardships in our lives are really God's mercy in disguise.  Perhaps our pain is what keeps us close to God and causes us to reach out with love in our hearts to those who are suffering.

As I wiped the tears from my eyes reflecting on that sweet 16 year old's story and allowing the thought provoking song to penetrate my mind and soul I realized how true this statement is in my life.

Through my personal tragedy I have been moved with great compassion for women/children suffering at the hand of brothel owners, pimps, and abusive authority figures.  My pain has propelled me to seek out women/children who are suffering and has of late lead me to a wonderful organization called Trades of Hope. 

Trades of Hope is an organization that supports ministries that empower women to establish a sustainable business.  Various ministries worldwide teach women in dire poverty and sex trafficking dangers how to make handcrafted items such as jewelry, body products, home decor, scarves and more. Trades of Hope purchases large quantities of these fair trade, handcrafted items paying the artisans 3-6 times more than the average wage per country.  Once items are within the U.S. my job as a Compassion Entrepreneur is to host home parties, online parties, visit craft fairs, expos etc. encouraging people to purchase our artisans beautiful items  All purchases help break cycles of poverty and sex trafficking worldwide!

My heart can't help but feel great joy every time I am invited to host a party. The opportunity to share the hardships these "artisan" women endure and the strength they possess to rise above it empowers me to want to empower them!  Several women at home shows I have done have said to me  we can tell this is your passion and that you have love for these women and what you are doing.

There you have it. My pain, my scar is what allows me to shine as bright as a star.  The love of God flows through me because my wounds have taken me to a place called compassion.  My heart will always hurt  regarding my "personal tragedy."    However, my heart will forever be moved to help women/children who are suffering because of my tragedy.

I wonder if you have a similar story?  I wonder if you need an outlet similar to mine?  I invite you to come and view my website mytradesofhope.com/stephanieerickson70.  Come see what this great organization is all about.  I invite you to view my Trades of Hope Facebook page too https://www.facebook.com/stephanieericksonfortradesofhope. I  would love to chat with you, send you information about Trades of Hope.  The opportunity to encourage you to find your outlet and trust God to help you shine as a star despite your scar And because of it brings joy to my heart.