Life on the Streets: Overcoming Trauma, Survival & Purpose

Marshalee Patterson
2 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Have You Ever Wondered How Someone Ends Up Homeless?

How often have you walked past a homeless person and wondered what brought them to this? Or perhaps you’ve felt frustrated, thinking it was carelessness or bad choices.

Here in Jamaica, there aren’t many homeless people in the way other countries may have; often, those you see on the streets are living with madness, and the question remains the same: what caused this to happen? What about their families?

Many factors can lead someone to live on the streets: family abuse, drugs, alcoholism, gambling, sexual abuse, and even spiritual oppression such as witchcraft. Regardless of the reason, homelessness often comes from trials and struggles many of us face but may not have known how to handle, or were not given support to navigate wisely.

Seeing the Humanity in Every Story

When you encounter someone living on the street, ask yourself: how does this affect me emotionally? Or has it become so normalized that your heart is hardened to their story?

For me, I often whisper a quiet prayer on their behalf, asking God to have mercy and intervene. While many consequences of life on the streets are physical, some are spiritual, and we cannot ignore that dimension.

Brady’s Story: From Trauma to the Streets

In my book, Life’s Journey, Our Greatest Test, the main character Brady ends up on the streets—not by choice, but as a result of a series of tragedies. He struggles to cope with the loss of his brother, develops coping habits that ultimately harm him, loses his mother in a fire, and faces rejection and accusation from his father. Feeling like a failure and unwanted, he turns to the streets to escape his pain.

**“Sara could not contain herself any longer and waited until Brady ended his story. 'How did you eat when you cut yourself off from everyone?’ she blurted. Brady only smiled.

‘Denise, Gram, and Shawn all offered to send me money since I refused to stay with them… I felt as if darkness followed me, and I couldn’t bear causing anyone harm by my presence. I wanted to die as much as you did when you went through your trauma. Mum’s words were what kept me from ending it all. Every day, I tried to think of happy times I spent with John and Mum until the memories gave me headaches. I started sketching bits of the images from my mind on the walls until I bought a sketchpad and a pencil. I drew every good memory that I remembered, and each day, I would relive those moments through those sketches.’”

Even when help was offered, unresolved grief and trauma made it hard for Brady to accept it. This is an important lesson: sometimes we need guidance and prayer to see the support around us.

The Dangers of Life on the Streets

The streets can feel like freedom, but they carry real dangers. Brady experiences violence firsthand:

“One person tried to snatch my bag, and when I yanked it back, he punched me in the face and tried to strangle me… I grabbed a rock and struck him until he staggered… I even considered striking him fatally, but voices shouting in the distance made me stop.”

Without guidance, support, and protection, life on the streets can escalate quickly into life-threatening situations. Brady’s story demonstrates that unresolved issues, trauma, and bitterness can compound, leaving a person vulnerable.

The Spiritual Dimension: Praying for Protection and Wisdom

Brady’s transformation begins with prayer. His praying grandmother, even from afar, becomes a spiritual shield that guides and protects him. Through this divine intervention, he is able to survive, reflect, and discover his purpose.

Lessons we can take away:

Pray for your family and loved ones to make wise choices.
Understand that trauma can drive decisions, even ones that seem reckless.
Recognize that people on the streets often need compassion and guidance, not judgment.
Support systems, prayer, and accountability can make the difference between destruction and transformation.

Brady’s Redemption: Discovering Purpose

Even in prison, facing the consequences of surviving the streets, Brady begins to find hope. Through prayer, self-reflection, and creative expression, he reconnects with his gifts and starts to rebuild his life.

“Even on the streets, I learned lessons I would later turn into purpose. My sketches became a bridge from pain to healing, not just for me, but for others who needed hope.”

This story reminds us that God can redeem even the darkest paths, turning trials and pain into lessons, healing, and purpose.

📘 About the Book

Life’s Journey, Our Greatest Test

A faith-centered novel about loss, trauma, survival, and redemption. Follow Brady’s journey through the streets, prison, and ultimately discovering God’s purpose for his life.

👉 Get Book Here

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