But there is a very dark side to the world of professional sports you won’t see mentioned anywhere on TV this weekend—sex trafficking and slavery.  Did you know that thousands of women and girls were trafficked into South Africa for the last World Cup in 2010?

Sex trafficking turns people into commodities – sexual objects to be bought, sold, used and discarded.  It’s easy to think of trafficking as a problem that happens “out there” – in other countries, but not America.   The reality is that this horrible evil is alive and well in the United States.  Some experts believe that at any given moment, approximately 100,000 to 300,000 American kids are at risk of being sexually exploited.

And the biggest event of the year for America’s favorite pastime is one of the places where we find the most human trafficking.  Ernie Allen, president of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, says it’s all about supply and demand.  And every Super Bowl brings with it a high demand for this kind atrocity.

Anti-trafficking experts have been working hard to reduce the number of sex-trafficking victims that will be forced to work the streets of Indianapolis during this year’s Super Bowl.   In fact, Indiana’s governor signed a bill into law that aims to reduce the number of victims bought and sold into sex slavery by providing tougher penalties and an easier way to prosecute sex traffickers.

But as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply.  The question is, how are we in the Christian community helping to stop the demand for this horrible industry?  If you want to educate yourself more on this topic, and find tips on how to get involved in ending this form of modern-day slavery, check out this info.

London’s most venerable toy store, Hamleys, recently underwent a make-over. The self-described “finest toy shop in the world” did away with separate girls and boys sections and, instead, organized the store by types of toys. Pink and blue signs were replaced by red and white ones.

Hamleys’ decision gave writer Peggy Orenstein the chance to ask the question “Should gender be systematically expunged from playthings?”

Read the rest of the story at Breakpoint…  And then tell us what you think of “gender-neutral” toys!

Alright, quiz time. Ladies first: given the choice, would you rather be called “pretty” or “hot”? Now guys: do you consider “pretty” or “hot” the better compliment for a woman?

A recent article in the National Catholic Register, “The Death of Pretty,” got me thinking about these words, the difference between them, and how their proportionate use/disuse reflects our society’s values.

The article’s gist is that “pretty”—defined as a “combination of beauty and innocence”—has waned as an ideal; no longer do most girls or even older women aspire to be pretty. While still practically in their infancy, girls today are pushed toward “hotness”—read: sexiness—which has an altogether different implication. “Hotness” is something consumable, commodified, and temporary—less naïve and edgier.

This article struck a chord with me for many reasons. However, at its core, it really just hits on the same recurring problems in societies—and human hearts—since the beginning of time.

Just as there are two sides in the epic battle of good vs. evil, there are two ways to view the feminine mystique. On the one hand is the beauty (internal and external) created by God as a reflection of His own divine beauty. This beauty in women has rightfully inspired and been admired by men of all ages. On the other hand is the distortion of that beauty, in which women’s God-given attributes are used instead for evil—as tools to tempt the hearts of men or as idols of women’s own hearts. Important to note is that being “hot” or “sexy” is not always tied to evil; however, context—inside vs. outside marriage—is crucial.

I would agree with the article’s author that American society as a whole does glorify the distorted form of feminine beauty more so today than in the past. The roots of this shift can be traced to several related and mutually reinforcing factors, from the mid-1900s sexual revolution to the deepening crisis in the institution of marriage (and thus in family life) to the breakdown in Judeo-Christian principles as our culture’s foundation to the proliferation of the visual image. The ability of digital technology to further distort beauty, deceive the viewer through heavily doctored images, and distribute those images with ease has profoundly influenced what many are calling the “pornification” of our society.

Although evil in this area may be increasingly prevalent, it’s important to remember the hearts of women and men have not changed from fifty—or a few thousand—years ago. What was holding many men and women back half a century ago may have been the public unacceptability of a certain sin rather than a genuine desire for holiness.

In a world in which physical beauty has always been, and always will be, abused and misused, millennial Christians need to shine a light. As theologian Ravi Zacharias has aptly put it, we were made to see beauty “through the eye with the conscience,” not, as many do today, “with the eye devoid of a conscience.” The siren calls of our apparel and media industries are strong; the temptations bombard us anew each day. We women can choose to use our bodies to serve God or allow them to be used as tools of Satan in the world. Likewise, men can perpetuate our society’s physical-, sex-focused view of females, and thus risk their own destruction (Proverbs 7:27), or choose to regard and affirm the women in their lives based on the attributes that matter in God’s eyes (see Proverbs 31:10-31).

The battle lines are drawn—the question is, will we have the courage to take the less popular, yet eternally rewarding, side?

A guest blogger for Rising Voice, Jenny Abel is a freelance writer/editor who lives in Virginia with her husband, Ben, who she met at the Focus Leadership Institute in 2002. In addition to reading up on and debating current issues, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking hot tea, and participating in just about anything competitive (especially Scrabble and Wii Sports).

Word is that one thing will happen when Congress returns from recess today is the reintroduction of the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act. Ultrasounds are great. Being fully informed before you get an abortion is even better. Everybody wants to make informed decisions, yes? So, this bill will make sure that women seeking an abortion are able to see a picture of their preborn baby before they make an abortion decision.

Another reason for the bill? Studies show that many women who actually have the chance to see an ultrasound of their child decide not to abort. And that’s a great thing.

Ashley Horne is one of our newest bloggers for Rising Voice.  In addition to her work as a Federal Policy Analyst, she enjoys life as a wife and mom to a darling little boy.

Here’s the interview.  You should check it out.

According to a recent survey of sprots fans, Tim Tebow was the favorite active athelete – ahead of Kobe Bryant, Peytaon Manning, and Aaron Rogers. 

So in honor of the game, we thought we’d highlight an article by a fellow Millennial and colleague regarding the Tebow phenomenon.  Here’s an excerpt: 

As an evangelical Christian, like Tebow, I am called to share my faith with others – that’s why we call it the “good news.” Sometimes, that can be a daunting responsibility – the Bible tells us that the way of Jesus can be offensive to those who don’t know Him. But there was an openness to hearing the Gospel all around me and my friends Sunday, as complete strangers asked us, in the midst of the game’s tensest moments, if we “pray like Tebow does” when circumstances turn challenging. (This is as good a place as any to point out that Tebow is hardly the only, or even the most outspoken, follower of Christ in pro football. Devout Christians suit up every weekend for every team in the NFL.)

But you should read the whole article here.

At this time each year, I find myself thinking about the significance of a month dedicated to recognizing the value of human life. In many ways, our world is a dismal place in that regard. Abortion in the United States has caused 49 million babies to have never been born. Sex trafficking continues to be a national and global problem, with more than 100,000 kids here in the U.S. (some estimates being upwards of 300,000) and more than a million worldwide being sold into sexual slavery each year. Genocide continues to take countless lives in some war-torn areas around the world. And religious persecution is rampant in many countries as well.

Now that I’ve thoroughly depressed myself – and probably you – about the state of our world, I’d like to challenge you with something practical that may seem mundane. One of the things that has stuck with me is the first time I heard my boss talk about the sanctity of human life. It went something like this: You are made in the image of God, and you are walking, talking and living amongst other image-bearers of God. Is that how you look at those around you?

I instantly began thinking about the way I interact with people in my day-to-day life. How do I treat the person at the convenience store? How about those on the road around me? (Let’s be honest, I’m an incredibly impatient driver, so if you’re not driving at a speed I think is acceptable, there will probably be some swerving, some yelling and some near-expletives.) What about that co-worker who consistently gets under my skin? If I begin to think of all these people as uniquely and beautifully created to bear a distinct part of God’s character, I have to change the way I interact with them. Patience, kindness and grace will begin to characterize my interactions.

So that’s my challenge for you: What situations do you find yourself in that require a more God-ward view of humanity? What are you doing to actively treat others as God’s image-bearers? If you’re anything like me, those questions will begin to convict you and (hopefully) change your actions toward people in your life (i.e., everyone) whom God loves.

Those images and crude jokes stayed with me. Since I’d started looking into the issue of human trafficking, my eyes had been opened to the society around me. Las Vegas is a city of distraction, and it claims to be a city of pleasure. But as I saw these two girls, I couldn’t help but wonder if they’d been trafficked into the sex industry.

The sad truth is it’s entirely possible they were. Human trafficking is a quickly growing industry here in America.  If you check out the link we posted from Laura Lederer, you’ll read about the epidemic that is taking over our country and the world. The U.S Department of Justice released a report stating that 81% of traffickers reported on were male. 94% of confirmed sex trafficking victims were female and under the age of 25 years old, practically children. Not only that, but 83% of victims in confirmed sex trafficking incidents were identified as U.S. citizens. This is happening in our own backyard.

The U.S. Department of State has a list of 20 Ways You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking. I encourage you to read the list. Get familiarized with organizations working to end this horrific epidemic. Inform yourself, friends, and your church community. An aware community can become an empowered community, ready and able to speak out on behalf of those who don’t have a voice.

As believers in Jesus, we are commanded to care for ‘the least of these’. We are a large generation. We’ve shown that we are moved by the plight of the marginalized and forgotten. And while it is important to have a global mindset, it is also important to know what is happening in our own country. We need to start informing ourselves about the issue of human trafficking, because it is taking place right in front of us. The vulnerable are silently crying out for help. We need to answer that cry.

Crossing the threshold of 2012 means political ads and news stories will compete for our attention as the Republican Party seeks a nominee to face President Obama in November. The Iowa Caucus kicked off the journey through the various states as Americans have opportunity to participate in our government and influence who our leader will be for the next four years.

As a law student, I was curious to see what my fellow students thought was important when it came to choosing a president.  I discussed the current Republican nominees and President Obama with eleven other young adults who consider themselves Christians. Their ages ranged from 19-28 yrs and they represented eight different states: CA, CO, LA, MD, TN, TX, VA, and WA.  Here’s what they had to say.

What three things are most important to determine if you support a candidate?

The responses varied greatly but there were some common threads concerning the morals, principles, and character of a candidate.  There were four things that were repeated often.  The most common answer was the candidate’s character and holding to the morals and principles of Christianity.  The next three were a belief in small government, upholding the Constitution, and their position on social issues. Various young Christians also mentioned a candidate’s electability, record, foreign policy, budget, economic policies, leadership qualities, intellect, and even gender as an influencing factor.

What is the most important social issue?

Abortion was clearly the most important social issue of those I talked with; eight of the eleven stated so. Four of the ten also mentioned homosexual marriage as an issue. Welfare, hate crimes, the sex trade, religious freedom, gun rights, and protecting the rights of minorities were also mentioned.

What is the most important foreign policy issue?

There was a consensus that peace should be desired, but a realistic understanding of the world must also exist. We need a strong military and must act to defend America but we should not be eager to go to war or be involved in another country’s affairs. The power of homeland security and the government to keep us safe should be balanced so that our rights are upheld. The prevention of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons was also mentioned.

What is the most important economic issue?

Several said it was important to have limited government intervention and allow the free market to operate without the government’s involvement. Several thought preventing our debt from expanding further was the most important. They also mentioned returning to a precious metal standard, dealing with welfare, and creating jobs.

Do the candidate’s religious beliefs affect your vote?

Only two answered that the candidate must be a Christian for them to support him/her, with one saying it was a sin to vote for a non-Christian. Although those two were alone in requiring a Christian, all but one said religious beliefs affected their vote. These individuals reasoned that the candidate’s religious beliefs revealed his/her character and morals. They based their vote on the morals and character, not the specific religion. One individual opposed the influence of a candidate’s personal religion on his policies but acknowledged that it nearly always affects the policies. If the candidate is overly out-spoken on religious tendencies or has a record of legislating their religion, he will refuse to vote from him/her.

Is there a candidate you currently support?

Four of the eleven have not yet decided whom to support. Three mentioned Ron Paul; one listed him as the only candidate and the other two had a second choice. Two selected Romney, but noted they were not impressed with any of the candidates but chose Romney because they thought he had the best chance. Rick Santorum has two individuals considering him. Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich each have one individual considering them.

Is there a candidate you currently oppose?

The majority clearly opposes Obama, but one considered voting for him. Five of the eleven oppose Romney and four of the eleven oppose Ron Paul. One individual opposes Rick Perry and Rick Santorum because he believes they lack the needed intellect and their views are different.

Do these views capture your thoughts on the Republican nomination process? How do you decide whom to support or oppose at the polls?

Michael Johnson is a guest blogger for Rising Voice and has a desire for the church in America to be relevant and real. He is attending law school in Virginia and hopes to pursue a life of venturing outside the church doors and engaging the culture.

We are excited to be with you for 2012, discussing current events and the policy decisions that are going on all around us.  And this year, that will also mean taking a closer look at what is going on with the presidential election season that has already started in Iowa. 

So stay tuned and as always, we’d love to hear from you – what are your favorite topics that we’ve covered in 2011?  What would you like most from us in 2012?

We trust the coming year will be fruitful!