A Bridge of Compassion: Remembering Those Who Are Often Judged

A Bridge of Compassion: Remembering Those Who Are Often Judged

Dear Survivor,

There is a group of individuals who, too often, are forgotten, dehumanized, and judged harshly: those who work on the streets in ways that society might deem unworthy or shameful. Today, we’re offering a different perspective—a chance to extend compassion instead of judgment, understanding instead of blame.

For anyone who’s been through trauma, you know how it feels to be misunderstood, disregarded, or treated as less than human. When someone faces such hardship, it can often feel like the world turns its back on them. So, how can we show compassion for others who are suffering, even when their choices seem different from our own?

Just as we, survivors, have experienced hurt, misunderstanding, and judgment, it’s important to remember that those who are selling their bodies on the streets deserve love, respect, and compassion, just as we do. It’s not for us to judge the paths others have walked, because we each carry our own wounds, some visible, some hidden.

"Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds speaks to the power of love—how it can cross divides, heal brokenness, and build connections where walls once stood. When you listen to this song, think of how love can build a bridge not only between survivors but also between us and others who need love—especially those who might be forgotten by society.

A Prayer for Those Who Have Been Judged

Today, let’s offer up a prayer of healing and compassion, not just for ourselves, but for those who may need our prayers, too.

"Dear Lord,

We lift up those who are on the streets, who have been judged and cast aside. We ask that you shower them with your love and mercy, reminding them that they are not forgotten, they are not trash, and they are still worthy of respect and dignity. May they feel your embrace, may they find moments of peace, and may they know that they are not alone.

We pray that they, too, find healing and the courage to rise from their circumstances. And may we never forget that the love we give can help build a bridge—a bridge of understanding, of compassion, of grace. In your name, Amen."**

A Survivor’s Reflection:

As a survivor, you know firsthand how easy it is to feel discarded, like you don’t matter. You know what it’s like to be judged, to have your story told by others who don’t understand. But we are all human, and no matter the circumstances, we all deserve dignity and respect.

Think back to times in your life when you were unfairly judged. How did it feel? What would you have needed in that moment? Love? Compassion? A listening ear? These are the very things that can heal us, and it’s the same for others who are going through their own struggles.

When we extend compassion, we don’t just heal ourselves, but we also help to heal others. In those moments, we remind every person that they are worthy of love and respect, no matter where they are, no matter what choices they’ve made.

We invite you, dear survivor, to offer compassion instead of judgment, to pray for those who need healing—because we are all connected. Whether we’re healing from sexual assault, addiction, or other struggles, we all need grace and healing. We can’t always change someone’s circumstances, but we can love them in the way we would want to be loved.

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Reflection Prompts for Survivors:

1. Reflect on your own healing journey: What was a time when you felt judged or discarded? How can you extend the compassion you needed during that time to someone else today?

2. Think of the power of words: How can your words today help build a bridge for someone else? Even a prayer or a simple act of kindness can have lasting impact.

3. Consider the importance of grace: How can you remind yourself and others that everyone, no matter their choices or circumstances, deserves dignity and respect?

4. Reflect on forgiveness: Is there someone in your life or a group of people you need to forgive in order to feel more at peace? How does forgiveness help you in your own healing process?

5. Action Step: Next time you see someone in need, whether on the street or in your community, consider what compassion looks like in that moment. How can you be a bridge of love?

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Final Thought:

As you walk through your healing journey, remember that we are all connected, no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through. Love can build bridges, and in offering that love to others, we are reminded of our own worth and the power we all have to heal. You are loved, you are worthy, and you are never alone.

Kathe'rine