Yesterday afternoon, I was blessed to listen to a young lady speak.
Her story, one of a young life of abuse, alcohol and drugs. Moving from home was her only way to protect herself. But life on the street has left its marks on her physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Her face is scarred. HIV courses through her veins. At this time AIDS is threatening the life of her sister.
Having survived such difficulties that could have sunk a lesser person, she thrives now by sharing her story.
Her message: she has lived in the only ways she knew to survive, she has experienced pain in many forms, but what hurts most is being invisible to main stream society. Whether as a 'working girl' or person living on the streets, most people would not look at her, look her in the eye or treat her as an equal.
Having listened to her story, it saddens me most, that I am among the perpetrators. I have walked by people failing to acknowledge that they even exist. I have patronized street people instead of recognizing that they are just the same as me...a human.
The lessons that she taught burned into the souls of many who listened. Her story fed the conversation for the afternoon. When one women introduced her self by asking, 'What can I do?", she left inspired to do more - more being human and recognizing the humanity other.
What a tremendous gift this young lady has given us. May we continue to remember her story and treat everyone as we would want to be treated.
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