Amazing Grace

Often, when we read or talk about the 35 million people who are being oppressed in some form of slavery, it becomes overwhelming and seems impossible to do anything about. In these times it is helpful to draw inspiration from those who have gone before and done impossible things. One of our favorite inspirers is William Wilberforce.

William Wilberforce was instrumental in ending the slave trade in England. He was a member of Parliament and campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade for 18 years before seeing it accomplished. His tireless work changed millions of lives for the better, and should be an inspiration to us all.

If you're interested in learning more about his life and work for the abolition of the slave trade, you should check out the book Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas. It is Wilberforce's biography and gives good insight into his struggle against those who thought the slave trade would never be defeated. A movie, based on the book, was made in 2006, starring Ioan Gruffudd and Benedict Cumberbatch. Both are excellent! The title comes from Wilberforce's relationship with John Newton, the writer of the hymn Amazing Grace. John Newton was a slave ship captain who, after converting to Christianity, gave up his ships and repented of his involvement in the slave trade. He then became a member of the clergy, and Wilberforce was part of his church as a young boy. Newton relayed stories of the atrocities of the slave trade to Wilberforce and helped convince him to continue the fight in Parliament to bring about its abolition. Consequently, the song was a favorite of Wilberforce's.

William Wilberforce also gave one of my very favorite quotes regarding the slave trade: "You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know." This quote really gripped me as I was learning more about the various forms of slavery that exist in the world today. There are steps that can be taken, and are being taken every day by brave abolitionists, to help end modern slavery. We can no longer be neutral about oppression and violence. Our family is choosing to take action by joining the work of an influential organization that is fighting slavery head-on. What will you do?