Simply Katherina

After Trafficking Ends

Jul 31, 2020Jul 31, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

I wholeheartedly believe that we can see the end of modern-day slavery in our lifetime. I believe this because I know that there are people all around me who are tirelessly fighting and showing up every day to ensure that people have the chance to not only encounter freedom but live autonomous lives. However, I know that there will always be evil present in humanity because we live in a sinful and fallen world and that when trafficking does end, we need to be ever vigilant to ensure that no one gets trapped in its snares again.

Thoughts

Waving Through a Window

Jul 27, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

One of my most treasured pastimes is boiling water so I can steep my favourite tea while placing a couple of snacks on a plate. In the background, you can hear the rhythmic beeping of a dial tone, which will soon be replaced by the voice of a dear friend. The absolute best moment is [...]

Fight Fearlessly

The Truth Behind the Fantasy

Jul 21, 2020Jun 30, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Come on, just once. Everyone’s watching it. This is the best way to find out about what girls like. It relieves stress and makes you feel great. If you don’t watch this, you are such a prude. While these phrases can be referring to anything, they are often heard when people talk about pornography. In [...]

Fight Fearlessly

What is Sexual Exploitation?

Jul 14, 2020Jun 30, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

This is a post that I originally wrote for the amazing organization Next Step Ministries that outlines what is defined as sexual exploitation as opposed to human trafficking. Both are horrendous injustices but you need to look past blanket terms in order to gain a better understanding of what's going on. Enjoy! At Next Step [...]

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Pornography Pandemic

Jul 7, 2020Jun 30, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Trigger Warning: This post talks about sexual exploitation and contains graphic references to pornography. These last few months have been an adjustment for us as individuals and a culture, to say the least. This is a new situation for all of us, and while we may all be on the same sea, we are in [...]

Fight Fearlessly

TraffickingHub

Jun 30, 2020Jun 30, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to pornography, sex trafficking, sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to survivors. 115 million. That’s the average number of visitors that the world’s largest pornography site has each day. In 2019 Pornhub had over 42 billion visitors, that’s more than Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix combined. It’s impossible [...]

Thoughts

Dear Dad

Jun 21, 2020Jun 21, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Dear Dad, I love how much you love bluegrass and yodelling cowboys. You have been a calm, consistent presence my whole life. I don’t know who I would be without you. There are so many childhood memories that are a result of spending time with you, from playing baseball in the park to asking you [...]

Thoughts

Dear Mom

May 10, 2020May 9, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Dear Mom, Where do you even begin writing a letter to the most important woman in your life? What words do you use when trying to articulate how much of an impact a single person has had on your life? There have been so many lessons that you’ve taught me, some that you planned and [...]

Thoughts

Forget-Me-Nots and Hyacinths

Apr 19, 2020by Katherina ToewsLeave a Comment

Grief (noun) Keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret. A cause or occasion of keen distress or sorrow. However, grief isn’t just a collection of words that fit neatly into crystal jar for us to display in our living rooms, an object to remind us that we’ve survived [...]

Let's be Real, Thoughts

An Open Letter to My Anxiety

Mar 25, 2020by Katherina Toews2 Comments

Dear Anxiety, For years you have been lurking in the shadows of my mind, biding your time until you saw the perfect opportunity to insert yourself into my life. You came dressed in vibrant colours and draped in glittering jewels with a voice that acted as a soothing balm to my parched heart. You whispered [...]

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