No Children were abused in the process of making these brownies... seriously.

A few of my friends and I started a book club. We're reading our first book called Everyday Justice by Julie Clawson. Not only do I recommend it, I am of the stronger belief that it should be required of every person in this country that is "able to make ends meet."

The chapter I'm in the midst of reading and mourning is about chocolate. Most people think of chocolate as a sin because if you eat too much of it you get fat. It's a luxury for sure- easy to get addicted to, take advantage of- a way to abuse your body. Coffee has acknowledge similar traits (though NOT from the same plant!). Admittedly, many people drink coffee and caffeine as a legal drug. Why is it that we so harshly judge those who partake in illegal drugs? (This is not meant to justify illegal drugs or any drugs.)

Well, guess what?! Just like partaking in illegal drugs and the crime associated with drug trade, we participate in the same crime by eating chocolate and drinking coffee. Little children and adults are forced into slavery every day to pick cocoa and coffee beans. The slave trade that existed in the 19th century still exists today (though slavery is illegal worldwide). Companies like Nestle and Herseys knowingly buy cocoa that come from farms run by slaves and ghastly slave drivers. Then we buy the chocolate. It's cheaper for US... paid for by the LIVES of OTHER PEOPLE.

There's a reason that we pay for "quality" aka TRUE COST. Why is it that we believe we are to live in the lap of luxury? Why is it that we work so hard, just so that we can spend our money on things that don't last and don't fulfill us? Why, why, why?

These brownies were made with cocoa that says it is organic and fair trade. The canister cost $7.00, and I used 1/3 of it. Originally intended for my church's hospice group, I made them a week early, so am taking them to work. I don't eat brownies every day. In fact, I'm not sure of the last time that I ate one before today. Oh yeah, and not only were not any kids beaten in the process, but that taste really good! They taste even better without that tinge of blood.

I realize that this post is harsh, graphic and perhaps not very uplifting. We are approaching the season of Lent. Christ, many years ago, DIED for our SINS. He also gave us HOPE through his TRANSFORMATION. There will be sadness in the world always. There will also always be hope.

I am grateful today for the gift of LIFE. I choose to live it as a servant of the Lord and Creation (you all). May whoever reads this, also be grateful. Know that you are loved! Know that you have a purpose! Know that there is HOPE in CHANGE! Know that you have the ability to share that hope and love to others by the choices you make in every moment of your beautiful life.

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This post is dedicated to my community of friends, my councelors, my family, the world, and God. As is... every post. :)