When my daughter learned of the injustice done to people around the world—including many children—by companies who support the use of sweatshops to provide us with inexpensive clothing and other products, the flames of social justice burned strong within her. She joined a letter-writing campaign and encouraged others to boycott the company that had been brought to her attention.
I was filled with respect and admiration for her willingness to act on behalf of others. I was also concerned that she would be overwhelmed and disappointed when she learned that this one company was only the tip of the iceberg. “There’s more,” I said. “Are you going to take on all of them?”
“No, Mom,” she answered. “I’m just doing what I can.”
1. What will you do today to encourage social justice?
2. How will you reflect care for others through your purchase decisions?
This message was adapted from “Do Advocacy” by Jan Erickson-Pearson that appeared in the April 1999 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.