Ten years ago this month I took my first trip to India. I had been learning about and praying over the injustice of human trafficking for years, but had never seen it in person. On my first day, I found myself in brothel in Mumbai where names and faces, smells and sights, were written on my heart forever. injustice was no longer a concept. In the weeks after that first trip, I was conscious I had a choice. I could no longer claim ignorance, but I could choose to do nothing. I could go back to relative comfort and get on with life.

On this MLK Day, I am again reminded of that choice and where it can lead you. Of the cost of freedom, but also the worthiness of standing against evil. I am reminded of the challenge and power of choosing love instead of hate. Today I choose again to not close my eyes to the heartbreak and horror, to feel it, to abhor it, and to shine and love in the midst of it.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” MLK