Before going to bed last night, I checked to ensure the doors to my house were all locked so that my family would be safe against the darkness. As I glanced out the window, I thought of those sweet Nigerian girls and the night they were stolen. I thought of how the darkness into which they were herded must seem like brilliant light beside the hearts of the men who kidnapped them. Young girls, all of them, in pursuit of an education, a better life, a better world. Seen only as objects by evil men, creatures to be used and sold as punishment for the crime of learning. I turned from the window and called the one child I have still at home to me for evening prayer. After our nightly prayer, after the lights were switched off, I prayed again, this time alone, that our prayers–all of our prayers–matter . . .

I believe they do. So I was very excited to wake this morning and discover that Amy Isaksen Cartwright has acted on inspiration and organized “Bring Back Our Girls Day of Fasting and Prayer” to be held worldwide this Sunday, May 11th–Mother’s Day. I can’t imagine a better way to honor mothers than by praying and fasting for these children, than by remembering their mothers and fathers in their anguish. If you click here, you will be taken to a spreadsheet with the known names of the girls and may select one for whom you will pray and fast. Please share this invitation in whatever ways you can. There is power in united prayer.

My husband and I will be fasting and praying for Racheal Nkeki. Hopefully, Racheal and the other girls will be home before Sunday. But of course, returning home will only be the first step in their long journey toward mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Though we all hope for a quick and joyful resolution to this crime, we need not forget that these girls will need support for a long time to come. The fast will occur, whether or not the girls are returned before Sunday.

Is this not the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6