What are You Paying Attention To?
Last week I received an email that asked a simple but profound question: “What are you paying attention to?”
The writer went on to say that what we pay attention to shapes our lives. Think about that for a moment. Are we focused on fear, frustration, and limitations? Or are we paying attention to possibilities, purpose, connection, and meaningful contributions? Which focus leads to a more fulfilling life?
That question immediately reminded me of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In Philippians 4:8-9, he encourages believers to intentionally focus their minds on certain things:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
What a powerful promise: Pay attention to these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Human trafficking is one of the greatest injustices in our world today. The exploitation of women and children for the sake of profit is heartbreaking, deplorable, and unacceptable. Yet despite our efforts, the buying and selling of human beings remains one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world.
People often ask me how I can think about these realities every day. The truth is, I do think about them. In fact, it is because of these realities that Rahab’s Rope exists. But I choose not to focus on limitations. I choose to focus on possibilities. I choose to pay attention to what can be rather than only what is. I see the women and children whose lives have been transformed, the hope that has replaced despair, and the purpose that has emerged because of the work being done.
The photos below show one of the communities where we minister. It is considered the largest slum in the state, with approximately 20,000 people living there. When we first began working in this community 16 years ago, children typically dropped out of school by second grade. Abuse of women and children was widespread, alcoholism was rampant, children were disappearing, and teenage suicide rates were alarmingly high. By every measure, it was a place where hopelessness seemed to prevail.
Yet we chose to focus on what could be. We chose to think about what is true, right, noble, pure, and praiseworthy. We chose to put Philippians 4 into practice and help families see what is possible through the transforming power of God.
Today, we tutor 60 children five days a week. This year, every one of those 60 students passed their year-end exams and advanced to the next grade level. Several finished at the top of their classes. Some former students have gone on to college, and others have already graduated and are building successful careers.
Each week, approximately 70 teenagers participate in our life-skills classes. Through these programs, they find encouragement, support, and practical guidance to overcome the challenges surrounding them. Together they are learning not to give up hope, but to believe the truths God says are worth focusing on.
Every day, this powerful biblical instruction is being lived out: to fix our minds on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. As these young people embrace those truths, their hearts are aligned with God’s purposes, bringing peace, joy, hope, and lasting change.
Thank you for the many ways you support the ministry of Rahab’s Rope. Your partnership is helping women, children, and families discover that their circumstances do not define their future—and that with God, there is always hope and possibility.