Something Beautiful

You know how you read things once in awhile and get this feeling that it is more important to your life, maybe to your soul, than even you can put into words?

Well, that happened to me once when I was reading a feature story in Radiant magazine about a young woman who worked in India. She helped start a company there called Sari Bari that provides employment for women who want to escape the prostitution business (or sex slavery). The employees at Sari Bari learn an artisanal trade by recycling old saris into bags, scarves, blankets, and other accessories and selling them. I was moved by the story because it seemed like such a simple, relational model for changing the world. Sure, one little corner maybe, but change just the same.

You can read more about Sari Bari on their website. I bought a bag from them this winter as a gift and it arrived quickly and in perfect condition. This is the description of their mission from their homepage:

Sari Bari is a business. Our mission is to offer freedom to women who are trapped in the sex trade and to provide opportunity to women who are vulnerable to trafficking. We do this by providing employment in a safe, loving environment, where women are trained as artisans. The women create beautiful, sustainable, handmade products, while making their lives new. We invite you to journey into the freedom story of one woman with your purchase.

When I first read about the young woman who had moved to India to be part of this kind of community, it opened my eyes and my heart to the way one person can make a difference in a beautiful way. Of course we know that her story also included homesickness and discomfort and culture shock and sacrifice, but those are all part of beautiful stories.

That article felt important to my soul because I knew there was something like that in me – a beautiful, useful contribution to the world. And there’s something like that in you. Until we know exactly what it is for ourselves, let’s take the opportunity to celebrate and support those who do know and have acted. Big social justice issues like human trafficking and slavery can kind of get lost in the big corporation blob for me; a small group such as Sari Bari gives me a place to connect in a more relational and personal way.

This week Sari Bari is hosting an auction for two exquisite bed coverings. If you are interested, have a look here. Or click over to their website and buy something beautiful for someone special (or at least read some of the inspiring freedom stories). Maybe something in this beautiful story will inspire beautiful you!

UPDATE 5/15: The auction is closed. Sari Bari raised $900 toward their computers and other office needs!