Inspired by a youth in Juvenile Hall – A youth in the Halls expressed interest and intent on becoming a Social Worker because the field of Social Work needed more people that ‘get it’. Which is to say, one’s lived experience could provide more value than any formal education. It is a beautiful thought that the circumstance we are born into, can be the invitation and catalyst needed to inspire our life’s mission. It is with this premise that I write the following entry.
You write that your career goal is to become a Social Worker because the field of Social Work needs people that ‘get it’.
In other words, your lived experience has created a perfect storm for you to bring your firsthand knowledge into the field of Social Work. And you are right. You are perfect for bringing needed perspective into the field.
Our lived experiences – time and time again – prove to be our greatest strengths. They add urgency and clarity to our life’s mission.
Life is not fair. We know this. Some are born in the center of privilege and ease, while others are born to marginalized and at-risk communities. The rhyme and reason for this is beyond my purview and expertise.
What I do know, is that each of us is here for a reason. And if we so choose – each of us in our own way, can add to the healing of the world.
How often have we not done all we could because we doubted ourselves and thought, who are we to be great? Who are we to be deserving?
I wonder, what would it take to make sure that each of you is safe. Not just safe from those around you, and the crazy world that bombards you. The question is, how to keep you safe from yourselves?
I can only imagine how you might feel right now. Who am I to even begin to try and understand what you have been through? You are the expert of your own story, and I can only learn from what you choose to share.
You are here for a reason. Don’t ever lose sight of this. What can I say to make sure you take this to heart? What can I do to help you fortify yourself against a world of doubt? You are essential to the healing of the world.
You are stronger than you know. The world does not give us more than we can handle.
I have faith that life will never deal us a hand that we cannot use to our advantage, in time.
The world is deceiving. It can convince you that you are not worthy. But this is a false impression. Your life is a life of purpose. I have faith in you. And now I pray that you have faith in yourself.
Perhaps the Divine saw only in you, a spirit that could solve a dilemma of mankind’s making. Could that not be a comforting thought? Providing hope and light in your life’s darkest hours.
I pray that you take courage, have faith, and hold onto hope. So that you will end up exactly where you are meant to be. The future you are meant to have is waiting for you.
The question is not whether or not you deserve it. The question is will you remember that you deserve it.
We have a responsibility to each other. We are called to hold each other up and to remind each other of the inherent greatness that we are.
Never forget this. Never forget who you are. Never forget what you deserve. You are needed. Amen.
Thanks for Reading. Sincerely,
Kurt Petersen