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In the car last week, my kids and I were discussing the American Civil War–and whether they thought it was initially about slavery or about the states’ rights. Maybe you’re like me in these discussions, or in reading books about abolitionists: Maybe you wonder whether you would have had what it takes to do what was illegal and could put your family in jeopardy in order to free slaves.

Confession: I caught myself thinking of slavery as something that happened back then. 

As if abolitionists were only needed then.

Slavery is Now

To the estimated 40 million slaves right now, in 2018: I’m sorry I forgot you.

To clarify, International Justice Mission reminds us this is five times the population of Bangkok, whose congested streets and public transport I visited last week.

We’re talking the combined population of 80 countries.

It’s kids as young as 4 years old. Kids my own kids’ ages, and maybe yours, too. They’re not learning about history in school, because they’re working for little to zero pay.

It’s a 150 billion dollar industry. (You read that right. These people are an industry.) And it is the fastest-growing crime in the world.

See a map here of the countries where it’s most prevalent–and get more info about why slavery is still alive and well in 2018.

Forget Me Not

Today, what if we choose not to forget?

I’m joining Mercy House Global  on their Global Giving Day. They’re funding numerous projects to empower oppressed women around the world. Many of these women often feel forgotten, but today, we wear pearls for them–for you, women in slums, women without education, women in slavery. Pearls are healed wounds. An oyster protects itself from irritation and suffering. And the result?

A priceless pearl.

Want to remember them today?

Put on your pearls. Check out SheisPriceless.org.

Take a selfless selfie. (Instagram: @MercyHouseGlobal; Facebook: TheMercyHouse)

Tag #putonyourpearls and #sheispriceless, and link to SheIsPriceless.org.