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CommentaryTrafficking: Hope From a Survivor’s PerspectivePart 6: Within this series I have described the evil of Trafficking within our culture and its impact. The comments below offer hope and could not have been expressed better than through the words of Trafficking survivor Karla Solomon, Director of Outreach and Training for Mercy Gate Ministries, and our own Texas State Senator, Donna Campbell.By Lou Duggan“It’s hard to find the right words to express the journey I have personally been through,” Solomon says, “but I hope my story and the message it carries can offer you some hope and inspiration. My name is Karla Solomon, and I am a survivor of human trafficking. Today, I hold many titles, awards and accolades as a professional working and training in the anti-trafficking field. My journey from a place of darkness and despair to one of empowerment and advocacy has been long and arduous, but it has also been filled with moments of profound transformation and healing. All Glory to TheLord.”“When I reflect on my past, I rememberthe overwhelming feelings of fear, helplessness, and isolation. The world seemed like an unforgiving, hateful and hurtful place, and it was easy to believe that there was no way out. I was trafficked as a child and as an adult. I was on the streets exposed to drugs and sexual exploitation by the age of 12, pregnant at 14 and trafficking again when I was 29.”“I was exploited and trafficked by those who were supposed to protect and love me, by those I trusted. But amidst the end of that darkness, there were glimmers of hope. Those glimmers came from the kindness of strangers, the strength I discovered within myself and the ladies who led me to the cross where I found true freedom. It’s important to acknowledge that hope is not always a blinding light that eradicates the shadows; sometimes, it’s a faint flicker that guides us through our darkest hours. And sometimes we need support around us who will fightfor us when we are too weak to fight for ourselves.”“One of the most significant turning points in my journey was the realization that I was not alone. There are so many people out there who are currently experiencing the same and they too feel alone. There are countless individuals and organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. We work tirelessly to provide the resources, care, and compassion survivors need to rebuild their lives. It was through the support from Mercy Gate Ministries and Cross Kingdom Church that I found the courage to reclaim my voice and my life.If you are reading this and feel lost or alone or know someone who does, please know that there are people out there who care deeply about your well-being and are ready to help you on your path to recovery.”“As I began to heal, I discovered a profound truth: our experiences, as painful as they may be, do not define us. We are more than the trauma we have endured. We are resilient, resourceful, and capable of achieving great things. Embracing this mindset and surrendering to the Lord was a pivotal step in my journey. It allowed me to envision a future where I could use my experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. I pursued understanding of my own trauma and experiences, to turn my pain into purpose.”“Working in this field has been incredibly rewarding. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the strength and resilience of survivors as they embark on their own journeys of healing. I see the transformativepower of support, education, freedom and empowerment. It is a reminder that while the road to recovery may be long, it is also filled with opportunities for growth and renewal.”“To my fellow survivors and families of survivors, I want you to know that your stories matter. Your experiences, your struggles, and your triumphs are all part of a greater narrative of hope and resilience. It is important to honor your journey, to give yourself the grace and compassion you deserve. Healing is not a linear process; there will be setbacks and challenges, but each step forward is a testament to your strength.”“If you find yourself overwhelmed, take things one day at a time. Celebrate the small victories. Surround yourself with people who will uplift and support you, pray for you. Seek out resources and communities that understand your experiences. Remember, it is okay to ask for help. It is a sign of strength, not weakness.”“I want to leave you with this: there is hope. I am living proof of hope, gracefully given by a God who restores and redeems. No matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem, there is always a way forward. Your future is not determined by your past; it is shaped by the choices you make today and the dreams you dare to pursue.”“Together, we can break the cycle of human trafficking and exploitation to create a world where every individual is free to live with dignity and respect. Your story has the power to inspire change, to ignite hope in others, and to build a brighter future for all. Keep moving forward, hold on to hope, and know that you are never alone.”A Message for Survivors of Sex Trafficking from Texas State Senator Donna Campbell“Sex trafficking is a horrific crime, but it does not define you,” Texas State Senator Donna Campbell said for this focus on Trafficking. “There is a community ready toeveryone including new voters a chance to experience the voting process and ask questions of experienced election judges and poll workers. Volunteer Deputy Registrars will be on hand to assist anyone who needs to register or update their current voter registration.”The League of Women Voters is asupport you, offering prayers and the tools you need to heal. One of these tools is hope. Hope is alive and can guide you through the darkest times, turning victims into survivors. And with hope, you can move from surviving life to thriving and learning to enjoy life again.”“Your journey has been incredibly challenging, yet your courage and resilience are extraordinary.Your survival is a testament to your strength. Human trafficking affects all genders, especially women and children. Every voice and action against it makes a difference. Together, we can build a world free from such horrors.”“Remember, it is not your fault. The shame and pain you feel do not define you. Healing begins with acknowledging your wounds. Despite confusion, doubt, and fear, God’s faithfulness shines through, restoring hope and joy. You are not alone. Keep believing, praying, and finding courage each day.”To read more about Karla Solomon’s story and work, visit her website: karla@ mercygateministries.com. To learn more about Mercy Gate Ministries and their services, visit: mercygateministries.com.Next Month: Series Final, Part 7: Initiatives That Could Improve Success for Human Trafficking Victims501(c)3, nonpartisan, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. LWV never supports or opposes candidates for office, or political parties. See lwvcomal.org for more information or to join or donate.Celebrate NVRD At Mammen Family Public LibrarySBy Jerrie Champlintop by Mammen Family PublicLibrary (MFPL) on Tuesday, September 17, to celebrate NationalVoter Registration Day from 5-7 p.m. at 131 Bulverde Crossing, Bulverde, TX 78163.The League of Women Voters Comal Area (LWVCA) and MFPL will co-host a voting machine demonstration and mock election for all ages. Library staff will provide free popcorn and a make your own voting button activity featuring designs from the LWVCA 2024 Voting Sticker Art Contest. Entries from the contest will be on display. LWVCA volunteers will provide nonpartisan election information and voter registration.“We received many contest entries from the Bulverde community and 3 of the 4 winners were from the MFPL community so it made sense to include a display of the students’ work with this celebration” explained LWVCA President Jerrie Champlin. “The library is one of the most used polling locations in Comal County. 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