Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd



Meet Rachel Lloyd

There are very few well-written books about Human Trafficking -- This is one of them -- Enjoy!

RACHEL LLOYD earned her BA in psychology from Marymount Manhattan College and her MA in applied urban anthropology from the City College of New York. She is the founder and executive director of GEMS, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, and has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Reebok Human Rights Award.
Lloyd is an Ashoka Fellow and a Prime Mover Fellow, and she was a leading advocate for the Safe Harbor for Exploited Youth Act, which made New York the first state to protect, not prosecute, sexually exploited children. She lives in New York City.

 

GIRLS LIKE US

          By Rachel Lloyd

Girls Like Us is an absolute masterpiece of tragic self-discovery.

Lloyd is a superstar mentor who smashes the ridiculous prostitute nametag of shame to bits, as the shame belongs to the exploiters, not the exploited.

 She ignites the truth buried deep within girls like us and burns up the lies that keep us trapped in the life far too long. 

Not only has she escaped her own trauma-drama, she’s teaching young ladies caught in our massively-crippled justice system self-sufficiency, honor, and self-worth.

Imagine being sent on a missions trip from the UK to America, straight into Spanish Harlem, poorly-paid, alone, and sans a High School Diploma.  No big deal, right? Not for saucy, spirited Lloyd. She takes night classes, obtains her GED and is awarded a full scholarship to college. By age twenty-three the young Lloyd stands at the helm of the wildly-successful GEMS, the only non-profit in New York State designed to serve commercially- exploited girls.

For those of you who still think the fairy-tale ending Julia Roberts experienced in Pretty Woman is the best we could ever hope for, think again!

True success? Real Freedom? Check out Rachel Lloyd,

at the White House shaking things up,

demanding respect and making a real difference

for Girls, Like Us.

Go, girl, Go!

STOP Human Trafficking In California

THE PROBLEM
In California, many vulnerable women and children are held against their will and forced to sell their bodies. The victims are often girls as young as 12 who are sexually exploited for the financial gain of human traffickers. They are afraid for their lives and abused - sexually, physically, and mentally.
Human trafficking is said to be one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world, and it's happening right here on California's streets and online where young girls are bought and sold.
Three cities in California - San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego ¬are recognized by the FBI as high intensity child sex trafficking areas. A recent national study by a victims' rights group gave California an "F" grade for its weak laws dealing with child sex trafficking.


THE SOLUTION
Slated for the November 2012 ballot, Proposition 35 is an initiative that will fight back against human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and children by:

Increasing prison terms for human traffickers. Requiring convicted sex traffickers to register as sex offenders.

Requiring all registered sex offenders to disclose their internet accounts.

Requiring criminal fines from convicted human traffickers to pay for victims' services.
By supporting Proposition 35, Californians can take a stand and say that we won't tolerate the sexual exploitation of women and children by human traffickers.



JOIN THE FIGHT
Proposition 35 has also been endorsed by organizations repre¬senting over 90,000 rank and file California Peace Officers, advocates for the protection of children, includ¬ing Marc Klaas and the KlaasKids Foundation, and human trafficking survivors.



Add your voice against human trafficking today by supporting Proposition 35. For more information and to join our efforts, please visit www.VoteYesOn35.com.

Review of SPECIAL DELIVERY




Golden Scrolls Nominee



Featured Review







Have you ever dived in to consume a delectable literary effort so enjoyable, you were dismayed when you realized it was coming to an end? That's how I felt about Deliver Me From Evil the first book in the Freedom Series by Kathi Macias. Luckily for me, there were two more equally fabulous books to follow!

The death-skirting excitement continues as Macias unravels her fast-spinning yarn in Special Delivery, Book #2 in the Freedom Series. The detailed journey of Macias' large cast of hypnotic characters unwinds deliciously furthering the opportunity for exposure on such a hot topic. So far, her work has sparked  tremendous interest in the realities of human trafficking.

I applaud Macias' bold approach in exposing the ugly blood-red lining that hems the once-unknown outer edges of our society. Human trafficking is an issue most choose to tip-toe around. I can assure you Kathi Macias isn't like most people, she has her spiritual sleeves rolled up committed to the fight!

Macias isn't shy about proclaiming Christ, her time spent with Him shines through beautifully in everything she touches. She humbly pursues justice for real-life victims in her tireless efforts to abolish sexual slavery. Not a day goes by that she isn't actively fighting for freedom through radio talk shows, television appearances, speaking engagements, or generously sending free copies of her books to women's recovery homes, safe-houses and shelters.

The first book, Deliver Me From Evil, is a finalist for the Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year, the winner to be announced at the Golden Scrolls Award Banquet in Orlando, Florida.

The Deliverer is the third and final episode in the Freedom Series: it releases in August and is already available for pre-order on Amazon, ChristianBooks.com, and Barnes & Noble.

Kathi Macias

Don't miss the other great works from this author at http://www.kathimacias.com/         

Stacey Rudge is a courageous woman with a healing message to share, and I’m honored to partner with her in ministry.

Film Review INDOCTRINATED

On April 29, 2012, the Human Rights Film Festival in Oceanside, California, included the premiere of the documentary film INDOCTRINATED in their three-movie venue.

What could have been a fantastic opportunity to visually showcase the complex grooming process of our youth into the trickery of prostitution fell short, plain and simple.

The word glamorize was mentioned a time or two in the beginning of the film, but the visual shown was of an older homeless girl in scruffy clothes and unkempt hair. Nowhere was the magnetic pull our kids feel to dress in name-brand clothes, wear the trendiest sneakers, and sport designer accessories. Where were the bling-ladden hot, older guys driving slick cars tempting young girls to be a part of the "lux life"?

There's a reason El Cajon Boulevard is peppered with nail salons; sometimes all it takes for pimps to lure their next victim into their stable is a set of fancy fingernails and a few sweet words: "I love you, I'll never leave you, I bought you a cute outfit, a cheap pair of earrings, and oh, by the way, the other homies in my crew are going to lay down with you, but only because we love you and want you to prove your loyalty." Deceiving a child through insincere displays of affection is a cake-walk and these losers know it. Our youth are the most vulnerable members of society, and the gangs are capitalizing on it big time!

Too often, our children are so attention/love-starved, they are ill-equipped to discern the issues of affection, friendship and security. Even if hiding a relationship from their parents feels wrong, the lure of money or freedom entices them to keep lying and soon these creeps convince them to run away. More often than not, they disappear or suffer irreparable damage that may last a lifetime.

I did enjoy the clips of law enforcement, youth advocates and a few of their brave parents boldly sharing their experiences. I was most pleased to see my favorite activist, Rachel Lloyd, featured as well as Susan Munsey of Generate Hope, and other local rescue resources. I love that the issue of psychological bondage was brought up. If society could begin to grasp the masterful manipulation seducing our youth down the lie-ridden path of destruction, then perhaps dialogue with our youngsters would be possible. Unfortunately, as it stands, the sad truth is human trafficking and sexual exploitation are grossly misunderstood.

Nonetheless, I applaud the efforts of those who made this film possible. I will continue to scream and shout about this issue because I'm one of the lucky ones who have not only survived, but have recaptured my voice and refuse to let anyone silence me again.

Do You Think The Angels Giggle When God Slams The Door?

Do You Think the Angels Giggle When God Slams the Door?

I love everything about God, really I do!

I'll admit, at times I think I might prefer Him to shoot me an e-mail, text or tweet me in the right direction; so far He hasn't felt the need to upgrade His guidance preference's.

I'd like to think I'm way easier to deal with from heaven. Here on Earth, even my dog walks around on eggshells.

When God wants my attention he subtly begins to open windows here and there coaxing me to choose a different path.

Opportunities spring up and I rarely see new things for what they are . .  way better.

 God has to slam the door before I comprehend

His merciful message; I bet the angels giggle

when He's forced to slam the door behind me.

Authors Kathi Macias & Stacey Rudge Join Forces In Their All-out War Against Human Trafficking

Kathi Macias

Stacey Rudge

                                                                      

Authors Kathi Macias & Stacey Rudge join forces in their all-out war against human trafficking.

I am so pleased to have met Stacey Rudge and to be able to partner with her in ministry to survivors of human trafficking, as well as to work side by side to see this horrific crime stopped, once and for all. Her courageous spirit is an inspiration to many, including myself, and I look forward to seeing her powerfully written stories in print.

              

Deliver Me From Evil          

by Kathi Macias

A Survivor’s Review

of Book #1 the Freedom Series...

I’ll admit, at first I was skeptical;

I mean how could she possibly know. . .

Imagine my delightful surprise when midnight struck that first night

and I, a grace-card-carrying survivor, was unable to put the book down.

Kathi Macias has the unique ability to weave a hometown issue into the

once-impermeable universal tapestry of human trafficking.

Deliver Me From Evil follows the stories of several different characters in the U.S. and abroad. The author’s riveting separation of characters is mind-boggling. Through each one God’s plan is revealed; raw courage emerges and hope springs up so powerful, it can surpass physical borders and rip apart the ignorant lie that until recently kept us all silent.

Although fiction, Macias’ superb introduction to the tragedy of modern-day slavery is surprisingly accurate. She’s a true pioneer in the abolition of sexual slavery.

After reading Deliver Me From Evil, you will no longer be able to close your eyes and say, “This kind of thing doesn’t happen in America.”

She features a realistic approach to everyone’s biggest question regarding human trafficking.

What can I do?

The Freedom Series can be used as an appropriate ministry tool to inspire teens, parents and individuals who simply want to understand the issues or feel led to become part of the solution.

                                                              

Now that book two in the series, Special Delivery, has also released, I have one question: When can readers get their hands on book three?

The final book of the Freedom Series, The Deliverer, releases in Fall 2012. Don’t miss it!

  http://www.amazon.com/Deliver-Evil-Freedom-Kathi-Macias/dp/1596693061/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331742133&sr=1-1

                                    

http://www.amazon.com/Special-Delivery-Freedom-Kathi-Macias/dp/159669307X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331742133&sr=1-4

www.kathimacias.com

Human Trafficking

If you or someone you care about is involved in trafficking and sexual exploitation and wants out of the life, there is a safe place to go for help. Just don’t give up! Hope is real. Recovery and freedom are still options.

http://www.generatehope.org/                                    http://www.gems-girls.org/

Affirm-Mission Statement

Once you've survived the unthinkable;
life no longer just happens by default or circumstance.                    
Never again. Not to us. We pick. We decide.
By combining an Affirmation with a Mission Statement,
this is what we are practicing to believe about ourselves:

WE ARE the daughters of the King
Standing on the promises of God
Rooted and grounded in love
For Jesus Christ our Lord

WE ARE a new creation
Walking In His Steps
Abiding by His law
Therefore;
Loving others as
Christ loves us

             The Tuesday Sisters
             San Diego, CA

Destruction Guaranteed

Sadened to see beautiful women continue to sabaatoge their sucess, chosing spiritual ruin over and over again. Wake up girls!
Death is a planned event that we strive for each time we choose to entertain demons. Suicide is on the menu; we are all too willing to pay an exorbitant cover charge to slink past the red velvet ropes into the R.I.P. section of Hell. Our names are already on the guest list.

Welcome to Lucifer’s Lair.

                                               Saving Savannah

The Loyal Reader

As a writer and insatiable reader I surround myself with awe-inspiring, delicious fiction. I favor female authors and every once in awhile I'll read a book, so impressive it becomes a textbook. When such a gem beckons me to re-read a book, once finished, something wonderful happens; I become a loyal reader. I'm not so daft to think  repetitive consumption of someones talent will rub off by osmosis, I become a loyal reader to get my hands on MORE.

I love when the author has a page of "other books by..." so I can immediately run to the computer and order every other book they've written. Just recently, following a pleasurable first-time read, I ordered the remaining twenty-four books by the author off the library website. Now into the sixth book, my loyalty is starting to fade. Not only is the author re-telling the same story poorly and just changing the geography, dare I say...she stopped caring all together!

I'm always on the hunt for a new author that can keep me craving more. Always hopeful, I pick up each new book and hope...hope I'll want to stay loyal.

Deep down I think there's a part of all of us that want to be a loyal reader, I just hope there's a surplus of authors out there willing to do the same.

Special Guest Author Cyber-Bistro

Dear blog readers, I have the GREAT Honor today to be featured on the Cyber-Bistro.
Please enjoy the story by clicking this link. I promise it is safe!

http://cavemanreflections.blogspot.com/2012/02/saving-savannah-series-author-stacey.html

Stacey Rudge

There Must Be Some Mistake OFFICER...

I left a couple of minutes early for work this morning to return some library books that were due today.
If you know me at all, I tend to be an EXTREME DO-GOODER. The LAST thing I want is a soiled reputation at our beautiful NEW Library.
The brand spankin new parking lot has cute little spaces designated for "Carpool" or "Fuel Efficient"
vehicles. Being that I didn't see any "HUGE 1987 Bronco" spaces available, I stopped right up front and left the engine running while I ran up to the fancy book return. Not your every-day book drop, the new one scans items on a conveyor belt similar to a bank depository. Nuthin' country about that!
Afterwards, I ran back to my truck and as soon as I'm about to put it in DRIVE...
A REAL POLICEMAN (not a library cop) smacks my windshield and tells me to STOP!! He begins to question me:
"What are you doing? Who are you with? Did you just come out of the library? Where did you return the books? Did you see anyone else? Is this vehicle registered to you? Would you mind turning off the car and waiting right here ma'am?"
I'm like.... great, here we go; coincidentally I AM on probation, so I'm a wee bit nervous, gulp. (nothing related to books)
While I'm DETAINED the building is searched and secured and I slowly slide my hand over to retrieve my phone and text my husband. HEY! I watch Investigate Discovery, people go missing every day!
I am so scared that I text something like
"Cips have mu librate" which I hope will be a clue when I disappear! Yikes!
The cop comes back and somehow the BURGLAR ALARM was set off and guess who happens to be
running away from the library??? He asked my name and my answer sounded like a Porky Pig Cartoon...
"bede bedee beddee" because who knows which name the library has! (ok long story)
So I was "free to go" and I went to work and sat at my desk for two hours shaking like a leaf.
ME??? Jack the Library? I wouldn't even consider bending a page.
I really hope this little "incident" doesn't appear on my permanent Extreme Do-Gooder Record.

How I Remember Grandma

My grandma is so amazing; I love to just look at her. I can practically memorize her features; each time I close my eyes I take in a little bit more of her. The color of her skin is as creamy and pale as the coconut sherbet at Baskin Robbins. Her dark, graying full head of hair is happiest fresh from the salon, rolled and teased to perfection. Her pick and a tall can of Aqua-Net hairspray is always close by. She smells of Este Lauder perfume and often has a fresh dusting of powder a little too visible on her chin. Most evenings she sports a dress covering similar to an apron, but this one goes over her head, ties on both sides and has a deep pocket in the front. At some point in time it was bright turquoise. Her shoes are typically chosen for comfort and resemble matronly, hospital-issue Easy Spirit loafers.

The quality I love most about my grandma is her busy spirit. Convincing that woman to sit down would quite possibly be the Eighth Wonder of the World. She jets and darts from chore to task never missing a beat.

Although my Granny (praying angel in the Saving Savannah Series) remains in hospice out of state, she continues to be my light and my inspiration. Her deep devotion to the Lord continues to shine through each memory as I continue to put pen to paper . . . in her honor.

I love you always~

Skinny Thursday

What I know is . . .Thursday tends to be an extremely significant day when it comes to DIETING.
It's the day when all the salad I made for "the week" begins to wilt, fast-food coupons come in the mail. Suddenly, it becomes a crap shoot whether I'll allow the boys to order pizza or make a puny batch of boiled chicken.
I'm sure none of you can relate to hugely important topic of weight loss. (No pun intended)
Me? It''s been a life-long battle I'm currently losing. Someone I love suggested instead of staying miserable,
 I Do Something About It-
Instead of running to the pantry and inhaling a six-pack of Pop-Tarts in retaliation, I put my sneakers on, went for a walk,read my daily devotion and sat down at the computer to work on my book series.
These are the three simple things I know hold the key to balance in my life.
Guess what? I FEEL BETTER. So, if I KNOW this....then????
Someone else invited me and a girlfriend to attend a new Overeaters Anonymous group.
While I'm sure we'll never go, I love what she said, and I quote...
"SUGAR IS MY HEROIN."
 Well, if that's true lady, then watch out Little Debbie, my longtime Dealer -
I'm calling the Police!

The Journey to Peace is a Tricky One

It's 1997. My Tibetan Buddhist name is Sama Sarika. Sama means Peace; how appropriate that my Monk, Sarika, chose the name for me - a young woman desperate for peace at any cost. In the past year, I've taken a very important step in my journey, I've completed the first Seven Precepts of Engaged Buddhism. Afterwards, I was awarded a beautiful Lotus Leaf from Sri-Lanka, blessed when chosen special for me.
Tonight, I'm going to see The Dalai Lama (fourteenth) who is visiting Los Angeles! I spent weeks choosing the right outfit, my nails are perfect, my hair recently high-lighted (shocker, yes I color my hair).
I'm bringing my hardback copy of The Art of Happiness just in case there's time for a book signing.

I look in the mirror before I leave my Hollywood Bungalow and wonder....if this is it? Will this be night I find Peace and Happiness? Surely all the sacrifice and meditation will pay off this evening - Won't it?

Fast forward to 2012, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is visiting San Diego for the first time.
This time, I have no need to attend.
I no longer have to prepare physically to "go see" my GOD for He is right here with me in my heart.
He meets me every morning in my fuzzy pink socks and Angry Bird nightgown and accepts me just the way I am. He is omnipotent and doesn't need to fly in to visit me or anyone else. His name is Jesus Christ and he has been THE ONE who finally delivered Peace and Happiness to my life.

The Island of Squandered Blessings

I'm ashamed to admit how many times I've been given an opportunity, only to lose interest and wander off onto something else entirely. It's not that I'm ungrateful mind you, I just get distracted by something newer, shinier, sparkly even. "Ohhhh... glitter...aahhh and just like that, I've squandered another blessing.
Yesterday in the face of all things lovely, I chose instead to solidify my God-given purpose and recommit to finishing my first book Saving Savannah. I was so tempted to dive headfirst into another spectacular venture while worthwhile, untimely.
I imagined an Island of Squandered Blessings that I literally needed thigh-high wader-boots to trudge through and just-like-that I GOT IT!
My desire to please God starts with a continued alignment to today's blessing, only then will I be available for his next purpose in my life.
All that shiny stuff out there glistening I see for what it is today; a mirage on the Island of Squandered Blessings.

Butterball Hot-line

Today daughters everywhere are picking up the phone and calling their Mothers. Not just to say "Hello," mind you, but to ask questions about their Turkey Dinner. No matter how many times we have made a green bean casserole, there is a certain level of assurance that you just can't find on the back of a can of Campbell's Soup. I must have called my Mom five or six times to ask questions I most likely already knew the answer to. It just sounded better coming from her. Why, my husband even called his mom to find out how to make her delicious deviled eggs. Even though I was waving a bottle of Paprika in his face, he still wanted his Mama to tell him "what that red stuff is" you sprinkle on the top.
The precious moms that decorate the heavens are called upon via butter-soaked recipe cards and worn-thin cookbooks passed down for such a time as this. Sisters and Aunts step in to fill the gap when part of a recipe-puzzle goes missing. No matter how grown we are we still need that special voice to walk us through Turkey Dinner.
So thank you to all of the Operators on the Butterball Hot-line . . . . we couldn't have pulled off dinner without you.

STEALING SAVANNAH

The semi-permanent nature of my life is a press-on tattoo that stays with my body temporarily, just when I think it’s a welcome part of me it cracks and fades, peeling away layer by layer. The truth inside of me is written on a flimsy piece of onion skin paper that disintegrates under pressure of pen.

                                                                                        Stealing Savannah

                   Acknowledging our TRUTH shortens the journey
                                from the Pit to the Palace.

Saving San Diego

One of these days I’m going to have my own money to spend any way I like.

There has got to be a day coming where it doesn’t cost a pound of flesh to have my needs met.  I’m not always going to be like this you know.

Someday . . . my life is going to matter. I just hope someone remembers that it did.
                                                                          Saving Savannah

Last night I had the privilege of attending the volunteer training for GENERATE HOPE, San Diego's
 amazing program for women who have been involved in Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.
So many women joined together, their hearts swollen with compassion and a desire to help our cities most vulnerable. I applaud the ladies in attendance who endured the sad, uncomfortable truth about the underbelly of this fine city.
It takes courage to get involved, to stand up for what's right; most find it easier to simply look away.
Seated at the large table of women, I worried they could see the word "Trafficked!" still stamped on my forehead. I have to be careful in settings like these, not to let shame creep back in and destroy all I have overcome. 
By meetings end I was able to hold my head up high, the faded brands of days-gone-by were forgotten.
I hope someone was able to see my new label "Victorious Survivor" as I walked away.

WAIT.......I HAVE A COUPON FOR THAT!

Yes, it's true. I'm one of THOSE people. I use coupons for EVERYTHING: groceries, dog food, pedicures, fast food, frozen yogurt, shampoo, dentists (not recommended), laundry detergent, even christian apparel.
And points! You gotta love accumulating points for everyday purchases. Bonus! On average I save between 10-30% on everything we buy. (loud applause...hello! That's ALOT!)
My husband,  feckless free-spending hunk that he is... DOES NOT.
Before you go there, I am NOT CHEAP. I just love to get a bargain...plus I have to balance out what Mr. Money is spending!
Because God is so hilarious, my husband and I just began a finance study at our church called the Good Samaritan. Six blissful weeks on budgeting. The funny part is, I let him think it was HIS idea, and so far it's really working!
Putting our finances down on paper, I realized something kinda groovy. The only thing "free" and without rules or an expiration date is our SALVATION. I mean,what if we had to clip a coupon to receive God's Grace? What if you needed 10,000 points to redeem God's mercy? And gasp... what if the coupon expired before you repented? Yikes!
Having a relationship with Christ is a beautiful thing. His goodness is never-ending, his direct prayer line is toll-free and we can worship Him all day long....without a coupon.

Perform a Miracle... In THESE Shoes?

Do you think Jesus ever "called it a day" because his sandals were giving Him blisters? I can't picture Him saying "No more miracles for you!" like the soup Nazi on Seinfeld, just because He had a headache.

What if MOSES never got to part the Red Sea because He had a root canal that day? Can you imagine???

A few nights ago, I find myself in the ER with the worst migraine EVER!
My mind is twirling, visualizing the worst possible outcome. I began to re-think waiting three days to go the hospital. I am very busy wrapped up in ME-LAND. Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me
Suddenly, out of no where, a pitiful, disturbed woman came screeching into the ER lobby. She is carrying a  hot-pink quilted satin bag that probably held everything she owned inside. She was suffering from a serious mental illness coupled with a few pints of vodka and desperately needed attention, medical or otherwise.

My head was throbbing so I had a washcloth over my eyes and ice on my neck. I commanded my husband to MAKE HER BE QUIET! When he refuses, I dramatically sigh and move across the lobby far away from loud girl, totally annoyed. Relief washes over me when I hear my name called into triage. YES!
As if on cue..My hubby suddenly has to "run to Home Depot". (thanks babe)

The loud girl ends up running into traffic and disappeared, she never got the help she came for.

The next day, still suffering by the way, Jesus woke me up first thing in the morning and asked me "WHY? WHY didn't I pray for Samantha? " (the loud girl)
 "Why didn't I reach out to her and tell her about JESUS?"

Embarrassed, I replied... "How could I serve you Lord? I had a migraine".