Poverty Isn’t a Switch You Can Flip Off

Why Judgment Isn’t the Answer—and Compassion Is

“We rise by lifting others.” – Robert Ingersoll

Let’s get real about something most people would rather not talk about: poverty. Too often, I hear people talk about it like it’s a personal failure, or worse—as if it could be solved overnight if someone would “just get a job.” But poverty isn’t a switch you can flip off. It’s not a bad habit that can be broken with a little willpower. It’s been around since the beginning of time, and while we might never erase it completely, we can certainly choose how we respond to it.

I see it every day—people holding signs on the street corners, asking for help. And I hear the comments too:
“They’re probably faking it.”
“They should pull themselves up by their bootstraps.”
“That’s not my problem.”

And honestly? That mindset is exhausting. Cold. Incredibly unproductive.

Because if you’ve never walked in someone else’s shoes—if you’ve never faced housing insecurity, hunger, or the fear of how to keep your child safe—then you don’t get to decide how someone should survive.

What if, instead of judging, we chose to do what we can?

If someone begging on the side of the road makes you uncomfortable, consider giving to the organizations working to meet their needs. Volunteer. Donate. Share resources. Do something—anything—but don’t be someone who complains about a problem and refuses to be part of the solution.

I say this with love—but also with boundaries:
If your outlook on people in poverty is filled with judgment and superiority, please feel free to delete me. I have no room in my life for that kind of energy. I’d rather have five friends who care deeply than fifty who sit on the sidelines and criticize.

For me, this work—serving others, lifting people up, making even a small difference—is my purpose. It’s not about optics. It’s not about politics. It’s about humanity.

Because everyone deserves compassion. Everyone deserves dignity. And every one of us has something we can give.

So no, I’m not here to argue about whether someone “deserves” help. I’m here to offer it.

And I hope, in some way, you are too.