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Respect is a powerful gift we can offer one another, but it’s also something we often take for granted. When we look at someone, especially those who have made mistakes—mistakes they are actively trying to overcome—it’s easy to focus on their past rather than their present or potential. Yet, when we reflect on our own lives, we often hope people see us as more than our missteps. So why do we struggle to extend the same grace to others?

The Weight of Mistakes

Each of us has moments we wish we could erase. Choices we regret. Seasons we’re not proud of. Imagine if the world only defined you by your worst moments—if those mistakes were all anyone ever saw. It’s a sobering thought. So why do we allow ourselves to put others in that box? Why do we label, judge, and define someone else by a past they’re working so hard to leave behind?

For individuals coming out of incarceration, this struggle is magnified. They face a unique kind of fear and uncertainty, stepping into a world that may look completely different than the one they left behind. Many experience post-prison PTSD, where even the simplest decisions feel overwhelming, and the noise of freedom feels suffocating. Family reunification adds another layer of complexity. Relationships strained or severed by time and circumstances need to be rebuilt brick by brick. It’s truly a “fight or flight” scenario—every day is a battle to stay the course and build something better.

Meeting People Where They Are

Respect begins with meeting people where they are—not where we think they should be. This requires empathy, patience, and the willingness to step outside of our own perspective. It’s easy to dismiss someone’s struggles or expect them to bounce back instantly, but true respect means walking alongside them, offering understanding instead of judgment.

For someone returning to society after incarceration, that respect can be life-changing. It’s the difference between feeling valued or feeling invisible. We must recognize that their journey isn’t linear. There will be missteps, moments of doubt, and setbacks. But if we approach them with respect, we help build a foundation where they can grow, heal, and thrive.

Understanding Fear and Uncertainty

Imagine being dropped into a situation where you don’t know the rules or feel equipped to succeed. That’s the reality for many who are reentering society. From securing employment to navigating family dynamics, every step forward feels like walking on eggshells. Fear becomes a constant companion. Will I fail? Will I be judged? Will anyone ever see me beyond my past?

This is where our role becomes critical. Instead of adding to their fears, we can offer support. Instead of amplifying their uncertainty, we can provide stability. Respecting someone’s humanity doesn’t cost us anything, but it can mean everything to them.

The Fight for Respect

For those coming out of incarceration, every day feels like a battle. It’s not just a fight to prove they’re worthy of a second chance—it’s a fight to believe it themselves. Many carry the weight of their mistakes, wondering if they’ll ever escape the shadow of their past. When we show them respect, we remind them they are more than their mistakes. We remind them they have value, potential, and purpose.

But respect isn’t just about kindness—it’s about accountability too. Meeting someone where they are means walking with them on their journey, but it also means encouraging them to take responsibility for their growth. Respect and accountability go hand in hand, creating a space where people feel supported but also challenged to become the best version of themselves.

Why It Matters

When we treat others with respect, we create a ripple effect. For the individual, it can mean the difference between hope and despair. For their family, it can mean the possibility of healing and reunification. For society, it means breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating stronger communities.

But most importantly, it aligns with how we’d want to be treated. None of us wants to be defined by our worst moments, so why do we define others that way? Respect reminds us that we’re all human, and we’re all capable of growth, change, and redemption.

Let’s challenge ourselves to meet people where they are—not just those coming out of incarceration but everyone we encounter. Let’s respect their journey, their struggles, and their potential. Because when we do, we not only change their lives—we change the world around us.

Reflection:

How can you show respect to someone in your life today? Whether it’s through a kind word, a listening ear, or simply withholding judgment, your respect could be the spark they need to keep moving forward. Let’s all commit to being that spark for someone else.