It's funny. I took these pictures yesterday, a day where I didn't have to wear a coat to the grocery store and a week with temperatures in the 50s and 60s was normal. Now as I write out the actual post, our first season's snow is coming down. Indiana is bi-polar central when it comes to weather. But I swear, this outfit did apply for the last few weeks.
A couple weeks ago, my mom brought home some lovely teal blue/green earrings from a church Christmas party. The story behind the earrings comes from Xiao Na with Eden Ministry and is quite powerful and I thought I would share it with you all....
"Xiao Na's cousin sold her into prostitution when she was only 16 years old. When we met her, she was one of the highest paid girls in the area. After we spent some time with her, she realized that she needed emotional healing, and was able to forgive her cousin. Shortly afterward, she came to design jewelry for Eden. She now has a successful career in media."
Eden Ministry works to pull these girls out of a forced world of sex trade and give them opportunities to work and build careers outside of that life. Eden Ministry began in 2003 when a group of women sensed God's burden for prostitutes as they walked the streets of Asia's red light districts.
Such a beautiful story of recovery and freedom. It makes the earrings all the more special! My eyes have been opened to the sex trade more and more over the past few years, thanks to media attention and movies, but something that isn't as noted on is it's presence in our United States.
The FBI has estimated that over 100,000 children and young women are trafficked in America today. Ages range from 9 to 19, with the average age being 11. Girls are being sold by family members, by friends, being sold over Craigslist, etc. The list goes on and on and the worst thing we can do is make ourselves unaware or naive to the fact. I am of the mindset that although we can always make a difference, as a whole our world is falling further and further down. And with that in mind, we have to work extra hard to protect and support those that have been taken and abused. It could have very easily have been me or you.
I would encourage you to take a look at Eden Ministry or to do your research on the subject. It is real and it affects a large portion of our world.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Shirt: Sans Souci
Cardigan: American Eagle THRIFTED
Leggings: Target
Shorts: PacSun THRIFTED
Shoes: Shii
Earrings: Eden Ministry
Eye Makeup: Hard Candy
I hope you all are enjoying our last weekend before Christmas. I must say, these last few days have been just utterly awesome. I am loving spending all this time with my husbie and getting things done. Christmas time always puts me in such a smiley mood. Everyone is so happy and you get to spend time with all the ones you love PLUS friends from college get to come home! Awesome.
I love this outfit! You look so happy and Christmas cheery. :)
That's such an awesome story behind your earrings, thanks for sharing it with us. It's such an important message.
xo
Posted by: Aubree | Friday, December 21, 2012 at 09:49
I LOVE that green cardigan on you!!!
Posted by: Cara | Friday, December 21, 2012 at 12:14
Wow, what a touching story. I'm happy that Xiao Na was able to get out safe. I've heard about human trafficking in the U.S. it makes me sick. I'm always wondering why the media (like the news) spends so much time on one story over and over while there are children and women being abused all over the U.S.--I think that's the real story. I watched a documentary, on Netflix, about human trafficking and it seems like mostly bureaucrats buy people and bureaucrats can never be charged for anything; namely, because of the status--so sad. I'll check out Eden Ministry right after leaving this comment. Great awareness post.
Posted by: Nicole | Friday, December 21, 2012 at 19:03
I luv your outfit!! ♥♥
Merry Christmas Violet :))
xxx Barbora♥
Posted by: Barbora | Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 05:30
You look lovely! And i really loved your outfit!This style is quite awesome!I must say that your earring are very special!Overall i enjoyed this post!
Posted by: lookbooks | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 00:08
I really love the emerald green. It's one of my favorite colors, and I've been meaning to try and find something of that same color for my wardrobe. (No luck, as of yet.) It HAS been warm recently ... until today! I hope that you and Grant stay warm and safe today, and that you had a wonderful, merry Christmas!
Posted by: Dawn | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 07:22
We are staying nice and warm. So thankful for heat on days like this :D
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:33
Thank you :D
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:33
Thank you so much Barbora!
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:36
You look beautiful. I love the photos. I don't know a lot about this issue. I will have to do some research. The world does have a lot of sadness in it. We all just have to do our part to help where we can! :)
Posted by: Jessie {my mod style} | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:36
It's absolutely sickening. We live amongst a lot of evil in this world.
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:36
:D Thanks! It's one of my favorites!
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:37
We sure do!
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:38
:) Thanks Aubree :) You're too kind!
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 18:40
You look so beautiful. I love the green with black. That's pretty amazing about the earrings. They look great.
Posted by: Nerd Burger | Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11:20
You are so so sweet :) Thanks!
Posted by: BlythePonytailParades | Friday, December 28, 2012 at 19:21
Loved this Violet! =) And thanks for sharing the story about the earrings. So sad. =(
Posted by: Danielle Rae Parker | Wednesday, December 04, 2013 at 16:33