“Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”

I’ve often thought about how this applies to me.

I remember growing up as a child; it wasn’t easy. I had it pretty rough from the get-go; an abusive step-father, very few friends and even fewer people who were aware of what was going on. I had few allies who were able to stick up for me. It was difficult to tell people what was going on inside my home, without causing trouble for both myself and my mother.

I grew up thinking that I had done something wrong, that I had behaved in such a way that I deserved to be treated the way I was, or that it was simply my presence that set off the uncontrollable bouts of rage. No matter what it was, the spectre of abuse was always present. The psychological damage caused by the years of torment has not yet been fully undone, and it has affected many aspects of my personal and professional life. I sometimes lack the confidence to do the simplest things that most people take for granted. I cannot trust people as much as I should, and I am very critical of myself. I’ve not yet come to terms with the events of my childhood, but I know that no-one should be treated in this manner.

I’m not writing this because I feel I deserve your sympathy or your pity. I’m writing this because there are many other people out there who have lived through the horror that I lived through. There are many more that still do. They probably live on your street, they probably work in the same office as you, they may be a relative or a friend. They may also be a stranger on the subway, or someone you pass in the street. You may know about it, or you may be completely oblivious.

Regardless of who they are or where they live or work, they deserve to be treated with a modicum of respect. Everyone, regardless of social stature, where they live or what they do, deserves this in the very least.

Tomorrow, there may be a person in line behind you who’s had a rough go at life, someone who has not had the opportunities that others have had, someone who may not be as fortunate or wealthy or popular. I’d like you to think about them and do something great. Do something for them to show them you care, and give them a chance to believe that the world can be a better place. You just may be saving a life.