“Friends” get you into it

Bree* stood in front of me in line for a Sunday buffet lunch. “I’m a new creation,” she declared with her eyes shining as she turned to face me. “I just shared my testimony at church this morning. I’ve been ‘clean’ for 7 months!” She informed me about the church program where she’s receiving the support and healing she needs after choosing to walk away and turn her back on abuse, drugs, and the streets. Bree extended an invitation to the flea market where she works; its funds support the ministry that provides her with housing and food. A few days later I walked into the store, made eye contact with her at the register, as Bree welcomed me, “I met you at that restaurant!” With tears glistening in her eyes, she freely shared much more about her former street life, including sex trafficking, summing it all up saying, “It’s your ‘friends’ who get you into it.”

That’s exactly why I have written books and always talk with girls and moms in an effort to protect them. Unfortunately, girls put blind trust in people they meet online, at the mall, and at school in exchange for sympathy, friendship, and love--but they often end up being exploited by liars.

(*name changed)