Day 73

Day 73, originally uploaded by BarbaraKaye.

Day 73 ~ September 29, 2009
I received this book in the mail. It's Voice of Beauty: A Photographic Celebration of African Women, writing and photography by David Johnson. A very dear friend sent it (thank you Robbye!) and I am deeply touched by her kind words inscribed on the inside cover. I have read part of the book and am left disturbed that we do not do more to end the horrible abuse these women endure at the hands of strangers and husbands. In spite of the abuse, the book is filled with stories of hope. I wish I could share every one of them with you. Mary's story is especially moving in her reaction to her mocker when 'he' became the one in need. Amazing! It takes so little in American terms to help them. "No one would hire Ededen, as she is HIV-positive. Upons receiving a $10 micro-loan, she was able to start her own vegetable business and now makes enough money to support her three children." No, I didn't leave a zero off that amount...only ten dollars and a family is provided for.

You can order a copy of the book at www.silentimages.org

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8