Several months ago I was challenged to put into concise form an answer to my “Why Jesus?” It was to be an elevator speech. One that could pop out of my mouth when asked, “What is there about Jesus that is so important to you?” I found the answer difficult to condense into the elevator speech I was suppose to come up with. In fact I’ve been dabbling at getting just the right answer for months.

At a Candlelight Memorial Service for victims of human trafficking this week, I discovered  women who had no trouble answering that question.  They knew their “Why Jesus?” answer. Jesus was the one that pulled them out of the depths of despair. He was the one who rescued them from their pimps and cleaned them up from the drugs that had chained them to “the life.” One didn’t have to have a deep discussion with anyone. The Amen’s came quickly at reminders of the street corners they once stood on,  beatings they had  taken for granted, and sexual violence which was their norm. These were women who had survived what their friends had not. Jesus was their savior in this life and  the source of the new life they celebrated, even as they mourned their friends.  He was the one  who called with the promise of rest and restoration.  He is the one who continues to walk with them each day of the journey.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30