Lessons on the street
Alison Fenning reflects on a lesson she learned on the street.
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Since 2004, RSVP has been running a Chaplaincy ministry to vulnerable women in Suffolk, who have found themselves, for whatever reason, involved in the sex industry. Often we have learned some valuable lessons in life through our friendships on the street.
As this is a relationship based ministry we often help in practical ways. I had been asked, by one of the women, to take her to lay some flowers and say a prayer at her mothers grave. Unfortunately, I forgot all about it!
The young woman came up to me on the street the following week. As she walked towards me, I suddenly remembered and felt terrible. I learned a lot that night, about conflict resolution, from her.
Instead of being angry, she just simply came over and said she needed to express how disappointed she was but that we were OK. Then she went on to show me photos of her children, whilst laughing and having a coffee with us.
She showed me mercy and forgave me, holding no resentment in her heart. As we have reached out, we have found we learn as much from the women as we hope they do from us. We are still learning from them to this day.
Thank you to all RSVP supporters who have helped over many years in supporting the women and our being with them on the street.
Alison Fenning
