I don’t believe it’s important to know the details of how each of these individuals passed away. The point is these lifestyles are dangerous in many ways. The common denominator of all of these is a lack of unconditional love as a child. R.I.P. *For those who need causes of death (for those I know) I have posted a comment with more information on this on the SWU Subscription Channel.
Mark, maybe pay them while they're alive and you wouldn't come off as exploiting people who are struggling. If you profit from them you're not just an observer. Js
Mark, I'm a trauma therapist and professor who teaches future therapists. I show my students your videos because they need to know the depths of human suffering so they can be ready to help as much as they can. Thank you beyond measure for showing the saddest sides of human existence. These people mattered.
Gosh I hope Mark catches your comment! Problem is, most wont survive their addiction...why dont people understand this? The few that make it are truly miraculous.
63 Souls gone. Going through the archives to collate this video must have been a difficult task. Thank you Mark and your team for honoring the memory of the otherwise overlooked and dismissed.
As a new Mom, my heart breaks because all these broken souls were once sweet babies who deserved to be loved. May their spirits ascend to the stars where they know no pain, and only love.
Yes. When my son passed, the town he lived in reported on him like he was just another homeless junky. He graduated high school there, was a good student and a good kid all his years of living in Lawrence, Ks. They put the results of his toxicology report into the paper before the ink from the coroner's office could dry. He was NOT JUST A JUNKY. HE WAS A BEAUTIFUL KID WHO WENT THE WRONG DIRECTION FOR A FEW SHORT YEARS AND LOST HIS LIFE. It was a tragedy, not just the case of some junky who didn't matter. Thank you for thinking of these people's Mamas. Thank you for seeing them as humans and sons and daughters.
I am also a new mom and I feel exactly the same way. Kiss your babies, hug them, hold them, show them that you love them, that they have value! Life is but a moment so cherish and make the most of it!
Wow I’ve watched 10 seconds of this video and this first girl’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. “ Silence has a sound too”. Some people are dealt such bad cards in life. We should all be so thankful because, for the vast majority of us, life can be a lot worse than it is.
I am a mental health professional. I've worked in various settings including hospice, nursing home, forensic and now, trauma in a military hospital. I am a librarian, entrusted with stories of patients I have had. So much heartache. They have been my teachers in return. These people have extraordinary stories. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.
Watching this makes me even more adamant that rape/abuse, especially of children, should be sentenced like murders. Literally so many of these people had whatever life they might have had stolen away from them before they could even be old enough to speak out or fight back. Just absolutely gut wrenching. RIP 💔🫂
I was abused as a little girl by our next door neighbor (a teen female). I have my own family now, a beautiful life - I’m an artist with a successful business but I’m a Morphine addict (10 yrs now). I often wonder if I went down this path because of what happened to me. I wish I could be free of this demon that sits on my shoulder.
@queenofhearts6127 sorry to hear that! I hope you find a way to recovery. We lost my sister in law 2 years ago to the health side effects of addiction. Your beautiful family needs you more than you realize. It wasn't your fault and you deserve to be happy. 🫂
Made me think of that old quote "All these moments will be lost in time. Like tears in rain." Thank you for not letting these people be lost, like tears in rain.
I watch this and think “that could have been me”. I’ve been clean from alcohol, crack, homelessness and prostitution for almost 7 years after spending a year in treatment. Today, I live a life that is unbelievable to the woman I was just 7 years ago. I am full of gratitude! I appreciate your videos because I know that’s exactly where I would end up if I ever convince myself “oh, one won’t kill me”. Prayers for the sick and suffering who haven’t found recovery yet. 🙏
Oh my God, reading the subtext at 0:28 seconds and seeing "chopped up and put in garbage bags" hurt to read...I had to take a moment to process what I just read. Seeing these videos humanizes the people in question and helps to understand them and at times it feels like I know them personally. so when I read shit like that, it hurts on a personal level as If I just lost someone I knew even if it was on this level of a youtube video.
Sometimes it doesn't matter... genetics for mental illness (bipolar/schizophrenia, etc) especially without treatment will destroy a child even if parent is the best possible
Nope. YOU YOURSELF shape who you become. Not what your parents tell you or how THEY are. If that was true, id be a drug addict and pregnant with a abusive “man” at 22. Like my mom. And im 100x better then she will ever be in life and im only 20. Did it myself. Nobody else. Your choice.
When Norman said, "It dawned on me, that I became one of those people" really reminded me to stay humble and compassionate towards others suffering. You just never know what pain, loss, grief, or trauma life will bring, and you can't judge other people based on their position in life. Always wear compassionate lens, and never think it can't happen to you. My heart truly goes out for the broken.
True! It can indeed happen to anyone. Being humble and always compassionate is the way to go. I find my peace in the music that I love and I hope that it continues to keep me grounded and helps me keep a clear mind.
Kristina the 16 year old saying she will probably be dead...gives me the chills to hear that. All these people were once young, innocent children. Through childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, terrible parents, etc. they've ended up here. It's a direct reflection of their environment growing up. Seems simple that all the human soul wants is to be loved and protected. Yet so many people can't provide that... and this is the result.
I don't know how all this horrible events, this abuse, the neglect and literally hate, done by adults to children, can ever be healed in one lifetime...I understand why they are taking drugs- just to feel NOTHING. Gosh- people seems to have no soul and heart. Avatars.
Kristina was one of the first videos i watched on SWU and i wanted so badly for her to come out clean on the other side of this life she was handed.. but now she's got no more pain, no more fear, no more suffering or struggling 🙏🏽. sometimes death is mercy..
I also grew up without parents. I was abandoned and grew up in a boys facility with 120 other abused boys. I’m in my 60s now and the effect of the trauma I suffered still affect me today. I have never been able to have a normal relationship with anyone. I have a great job and numerous business associates but I have never been able to have anyone close to me emotionally. Most people have no idea the torment or torture of being abused and destroyed as a child. I am thankful that most people will never experience what I have. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I really feel for the people in this video as I can empathize and sympathize with them.
@@LS-fe4ob I appreciate that. It’s funny I was in Los Angeles County when all this took place. You have every celebrity in the planet raising money for lost dogs,homeless cats and adopting kids from every country except the ones here that need it most. I thank God every day that I have survived this long . I have a great career make decent money give to charity. I have learned through the years who I am and I accept the person I am. Unfortunately I have seen so many kids that I grew up with give up and get sucked into a life of drugs and dispair. Thank you so much for your king word they mean a lot to me.
I don’t care what anyone says. What Mark is doing here is so unbelievably important. He’s giving a voice to the voiceless if even for a moment. He’s showing the world the lived experiences of a population of people that are often completely forgotten by society. It is because you took the time to speak with these people, mark, that millions of us will not forget them. And to truly humanize the reality of human suffering is something we all need to see. It is a profound reminder to never ever judge people… you simply do not know what they have been through. Thank you for this thoughtful video.
Jakes story (guy at 10:26) hit the hardest. I had a lot of friends growing up who were put in similar situations to his, but thankfully most of them grew up to be successful people with prospering families. To the ones that didn't make it, may you all rest in peace.
@@rjskum688 I think all of these people wanted more out of life. I just don't think they believed they deserved it. Self-worth is a powerful thing, and life can be pretty catastrophic without it.
Mark, putting this out on Thanksgiving makes perfect sense. We have a lot to be thankful for, even if we feel our lives are difficult, somebody always has it worse.
@malibug9889 thank you !! And Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!!!! I pray for the families of all of these beautiful souls. I'm grateful to have heard their stories.
These people are no longer in sickness, pain, torture, sadness, or scared. Thank you for allowing the nameless of homeless and less fortunate to have names and faces.
There’s always something behind addiction or one of the other things they do. I myself had trauma a used alcohol for 22+yrs as a bandaid. I God He saved my life everyday & for bringing me out of that pit. I have 21yrs sober. I try to help anyone I can by sharing my testimony, I always pray for everyone that is hurting & struggling w/ their demons.
Thank you for this comment. My heart is broken watching this video and it helps knowing they are not suffering. May their families and friends find peace somehow. Tragic.
@@turkwelsch lest he be judged. Sometimes statements like this are far more hateful than the hearts of these people. You can’t be god… so don’t make judgments for god. Isn’t that a sin in itself? And didn’t Jesus wash the feet of the destitute and pray for the prostitute?
You gave them a voice and a place, so their story could be heard. Just for that sole thing alone you deserve everything good that happens to you Mark. May their souls rest in peace.
When I started watching these, I didn’t know I was an alcoholic. I was living well, owned one house, traded up for a wife and a much bigger house, all bills paid, new cars… and a $2k a month whiskey habit. Not expensive whiskey - middling 2L bourbon jugs I’d go through every two days. In the past 18 months, I’ve gotten sober, relapsed I don’t know how many times, lost track of how many detoxes, 2 rehab stays, 2 halfway houses, a divorce, loss of house, 2 friends’ deaths by suicide in Feb, another 2 back-to-back (sudden heart attacks, unrelated) in May, nearly died 3x, have a son who went from happy 14 year old to drunk/high/suicidal 15-16 year old, and I spent a week homeless in the nasty and dangerous gutters of Denver 1800 miles away from home bc I was on a bender and got knocked out/robbed on the streets. I went from watching these people to becoming one. I am now over 5 months sober and strong in my recovery. I’ve dealt with plenty of shit in this time and simply will not pick up a drink. I’ll pick up a phone to call my sponsor or sober family instead. Currently attempting to rescue my boy. I feel so different watching these now than I did then. I have an inside perspective now… the empathy outweighs sympathy or even the judgement I used to pass on so many. Felt like I was watching cars crash until I crashed my own and saw others staring at me the same condescending way. Thank you so much for the work you do, the light you shed, the voices you lift, and the lives you’ve honored here.
Thanks yall. Just a quick note in the interest of honesty: I’m not really a church leader; The Reverend Al Brown has been my stage name for almost 25 years. Although I am an ordained minister of the Church of Latter Dude Saints and can legally perform ceremonies. Thank you for your prayers and I do take that seriously ❤️
Sometimes seeing these videos and hearing others stories makes you feel less alone in the world when it comes to the stuff and stress I have to deal w or have dealt w in previous years but we do heal and get better..we do recover!!!!!
It’s often something that especially if not worked with will get people onto the wrong track leading to unpleasant destructions, 30% of the population is genetically susceptible to becoming a sociopath because it’s harder for them to come themselves, the other 70% can easier find a way to cope with abuse but they still risk scars for life if they have been the victims of long term severe abuse in childhood or as teenagers. If your parents give you an average upbringing the 30% will often find ways to cope with their temper and emotions one of the scientists behind the study which also were test for the genetic setting, it’s something like fully active, half active or not active, but you can still be a top scientist despite having to work with your emotions as long as you haven’t been severely abused over long periods in childhood and teenage years, almost all of sociopaths have had such experiences which they internalize and then become abusers themselves. Tragic when victims becomes the abuser and the cycle continues 😢. Unfortunately there is no proven treatment, only prison time to avoid them radicalizing everyone around them, but they then go on to radicalize others prisoners…. Only age reduces the danger they pose for everyone around them. Stopping the cycle is not easy but reducing is definitely possible and one less victim who becomes the next abuser will reduce the cycle.
A traumatic childhood means NOTHING. There are murderers and rapists who have had a wonderful childhood. Take jeffrey dahmer for example. But theres many more.. my husband had an AWFUL childhood. Things happened to him that i cant even leave here in this comment. And he is the most sweetest wonderful person i have ever met. Its in their souls i think
What really breaks my heart is knowing that at one point all of these people were once children with hopes and dreams. At some point some adult let them down, abuse, no love, many different reasons. This is why it’s important to take the time to listen to people and their story. Sure, some people choose the life that they have but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have compassion and or understanding for them. They were once innocent children.
@@deathcandyelephants I disagree and you might be the one with the privileged worldview but I will say this: Most of the people seen here had relatively normal upbringings. Many of them are scammers, sneaks, manipulators, immoral cheaters, liars and will even falsely accuse their own father of raping them if they think it suits them. I was reminded of a pedophile 'sting' series where eventually pedophiles would invoke "it happened to me and now I repeat it.. so in a way I'm a victim too". When experts took a serious investigation they found of 100 who claimed such a thing ZERO, none, not one had ANY evidence of being molested as children and there was, in most every case, no reasons to even suspect it could have happened. Most of them bottled up when asked who and when they were molested and the few who tried to give any kind of names and places and times had very contradictory stories that didn't match known family upbringing. Some invoked an 'uncle' only to find they had zero uncles and not even a family friend we might say is an 'uncle' figure. Surprise! lying manipulating self-pleasuring selfish junkies lie about things to suit themselves too. Less damning but the mentally ill ones are also notorious for mentally ill delusions that just didn't happen. Yes: a handful of the 100 junkies DID have horrific upbringings, bad bad stuff. however, an equal handful had nearly 'perfect life childhoods' almost seemingly fictional in every nice and happy way. btw, Matthew Perry had a nearly flawless, perfect, privileged life with a stunning family and friend and medical support system to the point a human could not conceive of a way to make it better. He was a lying selfish junkie anyway. MOST of the people you see here had neither great childhoods nor especially bad as you'd find in any school in America today. and enough with your 'starving chldren' thing. In the USA the poorest worst children are not 'desperate for a meal' like its a Biafra famine so knock that off.
@@deathcandyelephants hopes and dreams can mean anything! Big or small! Don’t assume I didn’t have a sh** childhood, abuse was very common in my household unfortunately. I come from a very dis functional and abusive family. Sometimes my hope was to get a simple hug or I love you from my mom and dad, that wasn’t the case. I relate to a lot of the people in this video, of course we all have our own experiences. I wasn’t trying to be naive either. A lot of my own family are on the streets or dead from overdoses, abuse, etc. I was lucky enough to get away and am trying my best everyday to make my own life better than I had as a kid. Thanks.
Every single one of those voices made an impact on my life and helped get me out of addiction. I'll never forget them. Thank you for putting this together, Mark. Thank you for holding space for these people who just so desperately needed to simply be heard. You saw their pain for them. That's a gift few in this world have. I'm grateful today for the echoes of their voices that will forever reside in my mind.
You put a voice to their faces. Names to their stories and a rememberence that can never be deleted, silenced, ignored or forgotten. RIP to all those souls. 🙏
“A lack of unconditional love as a child”, broke me into tears. After 43-years, I still would give anything to know what having a mommy feels like. A Navajo man once said around a sacred fire: “if you think you are alone, if you have no mother, look down to the ground and know that you are standing at her feet. This Earth is your mother and you will never be apart”. I lean on that when I am “sick and tired or being sick and tired”. I hope someone else can lean on that as well. Thank you Mark for sharing these moments and making sure we know we are not alone.
Cassandra was one of the earlier Interviews, right? I remember telling her story what happened at school to her, the director molested her, and in Mark's interview she was wondering how tf he was sure she is not going to tell anyone, right? R.I.P Cassandra.
It wasn't just the lack of love, it was the horrific existence they had to endure. I see them as fighters who saw the worst, yet still wanted to find something worth living for. Truly heartbreaking.
Nope it’s love. If we’d had love we’d not have had horrific suffering part got it? I’m one of those broken fighting people…..abused and neglected in childhood groomed me for a life horrific men and all else…..been free now 14 yrs and healing ,…I’ll be healing until I die. The trauma wasn’t a choice but CHOOSING to take responsibility for me as an adult that requires massive work on my part to get better. But don’t fool yourself lt ALL BOILS DOWN TO LOVE. In every aspect.
@@6Haunted-Daysit's true. And I get still mad at people for abusing other. This hits home. But I also get their perspective. Still, this is my life and if I want this life really, I have to fight for it. That's the ego speaking I wasn't allowed to have for so many years. I wish you the best luck and a lot of love ❤
Thank you Mark. Truly. This just gave me the reality check I needed. I ain''t no addict or anything, its just hearing all these stories reminds me how raw the world is and how much more I wana take care of my kid. To all the peeps watching - God speed.
Being an ER Nurse in Germany I thought I have seen terrible things. How wrong I am. It was hard watching this video, but each person in this video deserves to be seen. Thank you for this hard work you are doing. May they all find peace.
I had to read the title several times until the message finally sunk in. I had to just sit there for a few minutes, staring at the paused video. These intimate interviews bring out the humanity in these lost souls. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. I hope the other side for each of the departed is one of joy.
"Do they know how beautiful they are? " I think you deserve the Pulitzer, Mark. This work is so important, Its hard to overestimate. . I understand this venture isn't about creating art, but about creating a space for these very human beings so they can be seen and heard... yet there is powerful art here.. I don't have the words to express my praise for this unique, work. Thanks again, Mark.
He absolutely deserves international recognition; but I think our government doesn’t want this side of our life publicized for the world to see. Even though it’s the most important thing to be documented. People need to see these interviews if they are ever going to learn to empathize & change our world a little bit at a time.
The first person I watched on SWU was Jake ex-transgender. I was so struck by his sensitive intelligence and had so much to give. He left us with an overdose. God rest his precious soul and I wish him peace. 🌼
Every junior high school kid should have to watch this in school. i feel like a lot of young people don't realize that there might not be a way back from that first step they take down the wrong path. You're doing good work Mark. Important, necessary work. Peace.
This series continues to be the most relevant and non-judgemental glimpse into the parts of our society that are marginalized and discarded. Each person has a soul and a rightful claim to their dignity. I am grateful for the dedicated work it takes to present this, more grateful for the opportunities that I have had and the comforts that are easily taken for granted. May these troubled souls rest in peace.
Bonafide’s story absolutely broke my heart. Just used and abused every day of her life, and yet she seemed like such a gentle soul inside. That was a while ago, I had to take a break from watching for a while.. all the SA from young women by their relatives was just too much. I hope Bonafide is at peace now that she’s gone 😔
This is so eerie. So much pain laid to rest but immortalized. Thank you Mark for all that you do. I hope a fraction of the same will be afforded to me.
I was a heroin addict for 10 years, I’ve been sober for 2 years, these videos help me in such profound ways, I never wanna be back there where I was… alone, depressed, miserable
THAT ENDING?! I got physical CHILLS, Mark. Thank you for dedicating so much time and effort into this entire project. We can only hope these souls no longer feel the pain of their earthly woes.
Norman, was right. It could surely happen to any one of us. R.I.P. Norman. Your life mattered. May all here rest in peace, and the ones we never even saw here.
I was looking for this comment. Sent chills down my spine. Nobody hits harder than life. I pray we all have the strength to persevere through this plane of existence
Damn.. I just listened to Jake today.. that’s crushing. He really sounded like things were going okay for him. I saw a comment mentioning him first, but seeing him actually included was.. heartbreaking.
The video ended and I literally just sat in silence for about 5 minutes. Your work is so extremely profound Mark. You gave the only voice to the totally invisible.
I am gutted to learn that Jake has passed. He went through such a horrific childhood. He was so self-aware and he conveyed an optimism about his future. I thought he was one of the ones that would make it through. RIP Jake.
This is such a profoundly moving tribute. You probably gave these souls more care, compassion and respect than they'd ever experienced. It's heartbreaking to know they're gone, but now they're also at rest after a very weary journey. My prayer is that their stories will continue to touch lives for many years to come.
@@skwrrskwrhe’s also raising awareness and giving money to these people. he’s literally been in contact with some of these people’s parole/probation officers. is every documentary a cash grab if it makes money despite the awareness and help that comes from it?
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon! John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. Isaiah 45:18 “For this is what the Lord says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other”. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand”. Philippians 2:8-11 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God. John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. How to get SALVATION (be saved): 1. Admit that you are a sinner. Romans 3:32 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”. 2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 6:23 “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” 3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him. Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”. 4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.) Mark1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”. Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.) Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 3:26-27 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21 “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” WARNINGS!!! Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags. Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”. Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”. Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself. Jeremiah 25:6 “and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”. Deuteronomy 8:19 “It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”. 1 Corinthians 10:20 “No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”. TAKE HEED NOW!!! Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”). Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”). Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26). May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
@@mr.dinglebop3895he has made millions of humans in their worst moments of life, so desperate for money and compassion, they willfully went along with their own exploitation.
My heart dropped to see Ke’s face in the tribute. She wanted to change so badly for her kids. Dre as well. His story was so traumatic, and I was really hoping that he beat the odds. All I can think about is how differently these people’s lives could’ve turned out had they been dealt different cards as children. It takes a very strong person to break generational traumas.
Cried reading what u said. If only they had been dealt different cards as children. I hope they’re free now. And that they’re all children again, running free, no longer hurting or shackled by whatever trauma broke em.
They are no longer suffering cold, hungry , alone, or in pain. This could be any of us if our circumstances go wrong. My heart hurts for all of those struggling. Mark, you are an amazing person reaching out and helping many of those in need. God bless you 🙏
I knew both Arthur aka lil man and Jerry both when I was homeless and addicted to drugs living in skid row Los Angeles. I truly believe had I not gotten out of downtown Los Angeles when I did 7 years ago that I would be dead today and nowhere living the life that I could’ve never imagined today. I’m so grateful for my sobriety and recovery every second of everyday. I’ve accomplished so much in these past 7 years that had you told me this 7 and a half years ago I would’ve laughed at you and myself. I thank my higher power, my faith, and most importantly my beloved Mother for always believing in me and giving me chance after chance and never giving up on me like every other single person in my life that left me because of my poor choices and bad decisions in life. I pray for all these individuals souls that they may be resting in Heaven now except the rapist’s and pimps. I also pray for the addict’s who’re still suffering in their active addiction today and may God watch over them and save them so that they may be free from the bondage of active addiction and see the light at the end of the tunnel before it’s unfortunately too late like these poor individuals in this video. My name is John G and I’m truly a grateful recovering addict. Thank you for letting me share.
How poignant that you would choose to post this on Thanksgiving Day, Mark. Today I am thankful that there are people who care about me enough to check on me regularly, that I have had helping hands that reached out and lifted me back up when I have stumbled, and that I have been given the opportunity to heal the most broken pieces of myself. I am always cognizant of the fact that every little thing I do, whether kind or selfish, has ripple effects that extend far beyond my understanding. A little bit of love can go a long way. Thank you for never letting us forget this, Mark. Thank you for the work that you do. May you and yours be well today and everyday.
An amazing piece of work ... this should be required viewing to all 13-14 year old pupils ... maybe , just maybe , they may think twice ... heartbreaking .
Yep. Having kids when you are young...it's still all about your life, not theirs. Eventually, we realize it's about them and preparing them for life. We give our lives and experience to make whole people out of them. The point comes when it is about them, not us "tolerating" their responsibility. We need to pour into them. Once you have kids, it is about them...not us. Compare that to my parents creed: "Kids should be seen and not heard." Yeh...that worked out didnt it? Nope.@@rachelderagonartist9766
Jerry, the victim of a shooting was one story that really hit me hard in the heart, his positivity and steadfastness, his need to carry on regardless made him stand out in my eyes, I'm sad to hear that he passed, he just got on with life tothe best of his ability .. Rest in peace, Jerry ..
I think about this guy from time to time still. I always feel guilty that I didn't help him even though I'm in Australia. Guy was a true child of God in my eyes.
I agree with Jerry's story being the most powerful. Because that guy got shot for no reason ,literally, and said that his heart and mind couldn't quit trying to survive. He actually enjoyed life, which is more than most people that are so called healthy can say
I was so saddened today to hear of Ruby’s passing. This video came up shortly after. I had seen it before but had forgotten how many of these folks had passed. I really hope keep making these. Such an unbelievably powerful statement but also feels good to pay tribute dvd remember what we are fighting against, and for who
I’m glad that you give people a safe place to tell their stories. I think everyone who watches your channel is humbled. I work in a level 1 trauma facility operating room. Many of my colleagues have grown hard-hearted. It would be easy to do the same. I hold gang members hands when they go under anesthesia. I’ve sung lullabies to teens who were victims in drive-by shootings. I’ve scooped up abused toddlers in my arms, their bodies relaxing in resignation against my chest, and their tears saturating my scrub top. I watch your videos. Sometimes, I cry. Mostly though, I am grateful that you respect people no matter what. You’re a very kind person, and you are doing a great deal of good by letting people tell their stories. Thank you. And thank you to the people who are so brave to tell their stories! It helps me to be kind and humble. Bless you all. 🙏🏼
@aliyamoon Thank you, beautiful heart, for all the love & care & understanding & comfort you give to so many, & for keeping your heart open & kind & gentle, & appreciation for your immense strength to continue in this way.. I trust you care for yourself equally effectively.. blessings & gratitude & love to you & all you care for & may all Beings be well & happy ❤🙏 ❤ 🎉 ❤
Jake, was one of the most traumatic stories I have heard on this channel. I thought about his story continuously and rooted for his healing and happiness. May your soul pass on to find the happiness and peace you deserve, rest in power Jake.
It takes a lot for me to really hurt for someone but Jske was it. His childhood and father was terrible. I was really rooting for him but I think his depression got him. What's even worse, his dad is alive.
This made me cry. I am 38 now, never addicted to anything, but severely suicidal with severe mental health problems and severe chronic pain. All my friends have left. I have no one I can call up for a hug. Other than my mom but she’s in another city I can’t get to that’s complex to explain. I really don’t want to be alive anymore and I feel like the girl crying “I am just miserable all the time”. 💔
I watched a few of them, and I can empathize with every single one who's been abused. On the other side of the coin there are those who made their choices and despite being compromised with the drugs or substances some of them are very clear-eyed about what their end was going to be there's something admirable in understanding in a strange way that they have accountability. There are others however such as the murderer who I saw earlier and of course the mobster who are unrepentant and separate from others
@@zoroloop2234 Yeah for sure, maybe if they are addicted who own money to some drug dealer and he tells where is he staying, which city. Or Even if it's an ex-gang member who knows, someone may still looking for you cause of debts of the past.... Or troubles with any member of your family. Problems follow you everywhere
@@zoroloop2234 yes 100% n Mark knows also.. the violent guy near the start who was a sexual predator was stabbed in his tent to death in skid row no longer than 4 weeks after his interview bc of the things he sad, GREAT QUESTION i must say n im sure there were many more... Heir u go 1:45 Yep it was his interview t5hat got him killed not that Mark would ever mention that sadly.
Hell of a way to spend my Thanksgiving! I've been through a LOT in the last three years but this channel has helped me realize that others have it worse off. Even being alone today in my warm apartment and with my dog, I'm doing well. I'm healthy, have a good job, and do the best to be the best person I can to others. These people made an impact on my life. This video made a huge impact in my life and it's tough to see these people have passed away. It tears me up but I'm THANKFUL each day, not just today but each day I'm able to get up and move forward with purpose. Thank you so much Mark for providing us with this raw and impactful content. Thank you for listening to these people. Most don't feel they have a voice and you're a huge advocate and mentor to them. Sure most haven't and won't make it but you've been so So amazing to all these people. You're an amazing man Mark! Thank you!
…. Happy Thanksgiving this breaks my heart … into pieces my brother is lost in the streets … it’s been weeks… and I can never fall asleep every night I am in anxiety wondering what is he doing …? Will he OD.. will he get killed?… it’s Thanksgiving and all my brothers were here except him .. addicts don’t realize the true pain they bring to their loved ones … I wish I can save him I wish I can help… and I can’t it’s the ugliest thing to feel
You’re a good guy Mark. It’s nice you showing who passed. They’re all people and need to be seen and remembered. I hope people see this and understand.
Lin's sobs, broke me. Tee Tee was so beautiful. Jake's story was gut wrenching, and I hope his father and the people who hurt him rot in hell!! Michelle and and Kristina broke my heart! A mother AND daughter. 😢 Jerry seemed like such a light in the world. Niqi, you absolutely deserved success, happiness, and a life full of love. I remember Faith 😥😥 sweetheart, im so sorry that life was so hard for you. Hye-Jung, she seemed like she regretted the moment she ever picked up drugs and could feel her life fading. Scarlett, you have my loved ones name. You never deserved the cards you were dealt. Ke, I know your babies loved you. You'll see them again one day. Reggie, so many people are tired of being sick and tired. I hope you can now rest easy. Norman, it is so much easier than people think to become "one of those people". I'm sorry you couldn't get out of it. I'm a social worker. Mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness are the three biggest problems that I've come across but not many services address all three. My hope is to one day find or create something to address all theee issues simultaneously. These people mattered! All people do. Thank you for continuing to share peoples stories and for letting us know when their light had given out. May they rest in peace.
@JustJ-Me thank you! And it really does. It makes me feel so helpless sometimes, but there are those few times that I can see the fruits of my labor and it makes it worth it. It's a difficult but rewarding job.
I have watched your channel since 2020 and it has really opened my eyes to the suffering in this world. Life really humbles you to the core, and I’m no different than the people in here that have gone through hardships. I always think that I’m 5 minutes away from ending up this situation due to my mental health. I’ve had multiple mental breakdown in my livelihood and your channel has helped me so much with empathy and being emotionally invested in the fact that you created a channel for people.
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon! John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. Isaiah 45:18 “For this is what the Lord says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other”. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand”. Philippians 2:8-11 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God. John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. How to get SALVATION (be saved): 1. Admit that you are a sinner. Romans 3:32 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”. 2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 6:23 “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” 3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him. Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”. 4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.) Mark1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”. Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.) Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 3:26-27 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21 “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” WARNINGS!!! Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags. Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”. Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”. Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself. Jeremiah 25:6 “and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”. Deuteronomy 8:19 “It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”. 1 Corinthians 10:20 “No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”. TAKE HEED NOW!!! Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”). Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”). Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26). May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
@BB-nz5sk I was confronted by some people. I was 24 and finally saw what I had become. No direction in life, dissatisfied all the time. Sruggled with blackouts, they were horrendous. Then I figure out I could no longer comprehend what I read. I really knew I needed to change my life to survive. So I prayed to a God I have very little connection with. I made a promise. "God, if you can get me thru this, I promise I will do what is possible to improve my life". The last time I used was in my 25th birthday. My family had a surprise party for me, and nobody showed up. That was it for me. I turn 69 in November. Thank you for aaking. Peace
I’m an intervention specialist. I work alternative incarceration, people are so broken, depressed and they have given up. Some people I work with are so brilliant and when you work with them for a while and help them gain a bit of confidence, their personalities shine and when they smile and actually enjoy a moment, I realize why I do this job.
May you always bring out the better version of all that cross your caring soul. Having the ability to work & get paid for is one thing but to work on one's troubled past & currently carrying their lingering pain within & you tapping into their mind & giving them an opportunity to find peace & a solution to their struggles in life. I am applauding you forever more ... Keep bringing forth the blessings in these hurting souls that deserve freedom from their addiction & freedom to love again. More importantly... Loving who they see in the mirror staring back @ them❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙌😊💯
@thereisareason2889 - God bless you love, its people like you that do make a differance. You don't judge, you understand that they are mostly good souls who just need a candle in the darkness of their life experiences and didn't choose to live a lost life. It upsets me that celebrities are respected because they've been on television etc when it's people like you who are the life celebrities, thank you. ♥️🇬🇧♥️
Extremely powerful video. You almost can feel the depth of pain and anguish in each voice of the person. The sadness and frustration, The courage and strength.
@@boobootheballbreaker2092I think it's maybe a wake up call to see those type of people, for the folk thinking of working the streets. It's not plain sailing or glamorous.
this is one of the most touching tributes that you could create to honor them , Mark . May they all rest in peace and find the light that they struggle to find in this life. Much love
I know you probably hear this a lot, but thank you for letting their stories be told. It really shows the struggle so many go through that no one bothers to talk about. It shows how important it is to love and care for your family, especially your children. These are broken people who have been failed by so many in their life. Brought into a life they never asked for. It shows how trauma can affect someone for the rest of their life, and the type of things they turn to to numb their pain. Your videos show that these are real people who really aren't much different from you and me. Guys, hold on to those that you love. Its a terrible world out there and we have to be there to support them because this is the result of people literally having no one, on top of being hurt by people who were supposed to protect and love them. No matter what kind of person they turned out to be, none of them deserved the things they've been dealt in life, especially as children. Thank you for giving these people a voice.
After hearing his story, and how he was recovering from addiction, it was shocking to find out he’s no longer with us… That being said, his story was probably the most impactful I’ve ever heard, I can’t say that anyone can bear that level of trauma. RIP
His life story absolutely shattered me, I couldn’t stop crying I had to listen at different times because it was too much at once. I can’t imagine the level of evil of his “dad” what a vile, evil monster. RIP to his beautiful soul 🙏
Mark, did you ever think in a million years you would be the one that shares stories of peoples lives that 90% of the public would never hear? You are doing what very few would do, see people for who they really are & give them a chance to be heard. You’re the vessel in need. Thank you for using your channel to show the public how easy their life really is! 💯
I remember a few of these folks. Just so damn sad. And I feel like it’s all getting worse than ever. God Bless you Mark. And God save these broken souls.
My heart shattered when I saw Kristina. I had been hoping for an update on her for such a long time, I search the channel every now and then for her name in hopes to see how she was doing... hoping she was okay. She was brilliant and strong and so incredibly wise beyond her years. RIP KRISTINA. I hope you find the love, stability, safety, peace, and happiness you so deserved in this life, in the next one.😢
So many different people... I've seen, spoke with and even worked with one guy from these videos. One of the women in the this video... wendy I had spoken with briefly 4yrs ago
I’m just now seeing this video, one year later. Kristina was the first person I watched on this channel, & she’s always stuck with me. She pops into my mind every once in awhile. My heart dropped when I saw her in this. May you be resting peacefully, Kristina, I hope the life you have now, is nothing like the hell you had to endure here in this life.
This is the most powerful channel on RUclips. This is hidden away reality of the human condition in different forms but they speak to to complexity of the cards we are dealt and the choices we make. Mark, thank you for this work. You don’t know how many lives you are saving by just listening to people who are usually forgotten.
It isn't hidden away. It is on the street corner, asking for spare change, It is in the tent, under the bridge, that the police are clearing away on the news. It is in the soup kitchen every meal, asking for donations for food to be able to feed all people coming in. It is, quite literally, all around us, and at an all time high in this country- for a variety of reasons. We blind ourselves to it, because of the unpleasant reality of what we wish not to see.
I’m (unfortunately) no Hollywood big-shot, but if I were, I would give you every award I could for this quietly powerful masterpiece. Truly incredible.
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon! John 3:16-18 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. Isaiah 45:18 “For this is what the Lord says- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other”. Deuteronomy 32:39 “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand”. Philippians 2:8-11 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God. John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. How to get SALVATION (be saved): 1. Admit that you are a sinner. Romans 3:32 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”. 2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. Romans 6:23 “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” 3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him. Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”. 4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.) Mark1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Luke 13:3 “But unless you repent, you too will all perish”. Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.) Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 3:26-27 “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 1 Peter 3:21 “And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” WARNINGS!!! Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags. Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”. Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”. Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself. Jeremiah 25:6 “and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”. Deuteronomy 8:19 “It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”. 1 Corinthians 10:20 “No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”. TAKE HEED NOW!!! Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”). Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”). Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26). May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' is the most powerful channel I've ever come across in the entirety of the Internet. There is none so moving and introspective as SWU's first hand accounts and stories of these extraordinary individuals. One thing this channel have taught me to do, or at least seriously consider, is the prospect of looking into myself without fear and judgment of what I might find, then accept it and build on the better part of what makes me, me and learn something deeper from the not so flattering side about myself with self compassion and patience. This gesture shows you genuinely care, Mark, and I'm grateful to have found your channel. Thank you.
Amanda was the person that hooked me into SWU to start and it was so sad when she finally was on her feet she had something with her health end up taking her life.❤ everyone’s stories matter and I pray for all lives lost and people affected
"The best index to a person's character is (a) how he treats people who can't do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can't fight back." ~ Abigail Van Buren, syndicated column (1974)
As a non American who does not celebrate Thanksgiving… this maybe the most powerful, poignant and relevant thanksgiving video I think I will ever see. While everyone sits down to dinner and looks at what they immediately have… this makes you look beyond that. Be thankful for these souls brave enough to share their stories. It’s my belief that anyone on this channel has no idea how they impact the world. It’s a greater impact than any fleeting celebrity. Thank you soft white underbelly for your strength and courage to show up everyday, to help and listen and share. The toll this must take would be unimaginable. You’re all changing the world.
Being not American and doesn't know our traditions and the history as to why we celebrate Thanksgiving you have zero room to speak on my beloved country whom I fought 2x deployed war. Speak of your own country there skippy. We aren't thankful 1 day a year, we are thankful every minute of every day. America is a Christian Country we love Jesus Christ God our Father, our creator and thank him everyday for our lives, not things for the love we have for each other. You damn foreigners think you know us, you don''t. You know the vile politicians who are criminals who live for power and money and DO NOT represent us Americans so don't speak for "We the People" and as a combat vet U need to shut the F up.
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![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t believe it’s important to know the details of how each of these individuals passed away. The point is these lifestyles are dangerous in many ways. The common denominator of all of these is a lack of unconditional love as a child. R.I.P.
*For those who need causes of death (for those I know) I have posted a comment with more information on this on the SWU Subscription Channel.
The common denominator of all of these isDrugs.
and yes, lack of unconditional love too.
Mark, maybe pay them while they're alive and you wouldn't come off as exploiting people who are struggling. If you profit from them you're not just an observer. Js
@@MarR310he does compensate everyone he interviews. He cares about all of them. Be kind.
@@MarR310 just stop. It's obnoxious.
@christinalueders68 I hope so. Idk he does and it's out there, the allegations. It's not kind if true.
Mark, I'm a trauma therapist and professor who teaches future therapists. I show my students your videos because they need to know the depths of human suffering so they can be ready to help as much as they can. Thank you beyond measure for showing the saddest sides of human existence. These people mattered.
I homeschool my daughters, I shared this with them.
the thing is, there are no depths of the human suffering, it is an abyss and the abyss is bottomless.
you cant help on life.
@@fufurabumbackawell, if I believed that I wouldn't do this job. I have hope for every human.
@@fufurabumbackatake yo miserable ass on
You should do another video about all the people that recovered or in recovery, that would be a great teaching moment
Gosh I hope Mark catches your comment! Problem is, most wont survive their addiction...why dont people understand this? The few that make it are truly miraculous.
@@gibsonbros7783 Love this! X
Me tooo
I am afraid it would be a very short video with few ever recovering.
I think this video is a great teaching moment.❤❤❤
"Silence has a sound too" profoundly true...
I just looked for Cassandras part 2 only to be directed here. Rest in peace.
Silence is deafening
@@catherinepraus8635 I was just about to say this it’s so true
This
I was going to post EXACT same thing when I saw you had....that statement?Hit HARD
" Be kind , for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle ". Plato
Truth....amen
Plato didn't say that tho
"Be kind, for fighting everyone you meet is a hard battle." - Socrates.
" Be kind , for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle ". Mahatma Ghandi
❤🙏😞
63 Souls gone. Going through the archives to collate this video must have been a difficult task. Thank you Mark and your team for honoring the memory of the otherwise overlooked and dismissed.
Wow that went so fast and imagine the ones no one knows about
Just. Wow.
@@jaf8771 exactly 👍 probably just sitting there as Jane/John does
67
@@kamyriskay1784 ugh that makes me more sad. I got upset counting. Must have been a Freudian slip.
As a new Mom, my heart breaks because all these broken souls were once sweet babies who deserved to be loved. May their spirits ascend to the stars where they know no pain, and only love.
Yes. When my son passed, the town he lived in reported on him like he was just another homeless junky. He graduated high school there, was a good student and a good kid all his years of living in Lawrence, Ks. They put the results of his toxicology report into the paper before the ink from the coroner's office could dry. He was NOT JUST A JUNKY. HE WAS A BEAUTIFUL KID WHO WENT THE WRONG DIRECTION FOR A FEW SHORT YEARS AND LOST HIS LIFE. It was a tragedy, not just the case of some junky who didn't matter. Thank you for thinking of these people's Mamas. Thank you for seeing them as humans and sons and daughters.
@weluvtomk.__ I am so sorry for your loss. I know you will always miss your son, but I pray time will heal your heart. God Bless. 💕
Exactly
I am also a new mom and I feel exactly the same way. Kiss your babies, hug them, hold them, show them that you love them, that they have value! Life is but a moment so cherish and make the most of it!
I don't have kids, but I often think of this. They all deserved to have happy, innocent childhoods. It's so sad 💔
Wow I’ve watched 10 seconds of this video and this first girl’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. “ Silence has a sound too”. Some people are dealt such bad cards in life. We should all be so thankful because, for the vast majority of us, life can be a lot worse than it is.
I thought the exact same thing. It couldn’t have been said better. I even wrote her comment down in my journal.
She is so poetic without even trying. If you haven't seen her interview, you should, it's worth a watch.
That's my niece Cassie
@@utahboxergirl11 she seems like she was a wonderful person. I hope she’s at peace now 🙏🏻
@@utahboxergirl11 my condolences... She was a beautiful woman. Beautiful without even trying.
I am a mental health professional. I've worked in various settings including hospice, nursing home, forensic and now, trauma in a military hospital. I am a librarian, entrusted with stories of patients I have had. So much heartache. They have been my teachers in return.
These people have extraordinary stories. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.
Watching this makes me even more adamant that rape/abuse, especially of children, should be sentenced like murders. Literally so many of these people had whatever life they might have had stolen away from them before they could even be old enough to speak out or fight back. Just absolutely gut wrenching. RIP 💔🫂
So you don't think they should be killed? Didn't affect you nearly enough.....
@@michaelvoorhees5978can't you read or do you lack comprehension skills
I was abused as a little girl by our next door neighbor (a teen female). I have my own family now, a beautiful life - I’m an artist with a successful business but I’m a Morphine addict (10 yrs now).
I often wonder if I went down this path because of what happened to me. I wish I could be free of this demon that sits on my shoulder.
@queenofhearts6127 sorry to hear that! I hope you find a way to recovery. We lost my sister in law 2 years ago to the health side effects of addiction. Your beautiful family needs you more than you realize. It wasn't your fault and you deserve to be happy. 🫂
Well that’s pretty homophobic considering how many homosexuals were molested as children by an adult member of the same sex 😬
Made me think of that old quote "All these moments will be lost in time. Like tears in rain." Thank you for not letting these people be lost, like tears in rain.
when Ruger Hauer says that line and dies in Blade Runner.... Haunting. Jerry is the man that makes you wonder if angels walk among us.
😢😢😢
I sometimes go back to that scene. The look and smile he gives Deckard after he says it always gets me.
as dark and dystopian as that movie is, it's still my favorite movie of all time, I just turned 57
Beautiful quote....
I watch this and think “that could have been me”. I’ve been clean from alcohol, crack, homelessness and prostitution for almost 7 years after spending a year in treatment. Today, I live a life that is unbelievable to the woman I was just 7 years ago. I am full of gratitude! I appreciate your videos because I know that’s exactly where I would end up if I ever convince myself “oh, one won’t kill me”. Prayers for the sick and suffering who haven’t found recovery yet. 🙏
I'm proud of you😊
i hope you are still doing well ❤❤❤❤
Congratulations! It's not easy to find and stay in recovery. I've been in recovery for 7 years 8 months. We do recover ❤
Congratulations! May Allahh always keep you away from all the evil!
Proud of you on your recovery!
Congratulations on making it through to the other side.
Oh my God, reading the subtext at 0:28 seconds and seeing "chopped up and put in garbage bags" hurt to read...I had to take a moment to process what I just read. Seeing these videos humanizes the people in question and helps to understand them and at times it feels like I know them personally. so when I read shit like that, it hurts on a personal level as If I just lost someone I knew even if it was on this level of a youtube video.
I agree
Does anyone know who this was referring to?
@@MelancholyRequiemsame I'm also wanting to know
@@MelancholyRequiem Possibly the hitman
@@MelancholyRequiem I just read on Reddit that it was Hannah not sure if it is her for sure
Seeing Lin absolutely destroyed me, she was the one that got me into this channel. I’m so sorry she’s gone. May all of them rest in peace
I agree! Her emotional pain was palpable! 😞💔
She story really got my heart also
Why u sorry ? She out of this fuckin hell stfu
I have bipolar. One minute I'm hiking, the next I feel like Lin...that interview hit so hard.
@@towerofresonance4877 take care of yourself, sweetheart. ❤🙏❤
This shows how significant loving parenting is…it absolutely shapes the human you become
💯
Sometimes it doesn't matter... genetics for mental illness (bipolar/schizophrenia, etc) especially without treatment will destroy a child even if parent is the best possible
True...n more
Nope. YOU YOURSELF shape who you become. Not what your parents tell you or how THEY are. If that was true, id be a drug addict and pregnant with a abusive “man” at 22. Like my mom. And im 100x better then she will ever be in life and im only 20. Did it myself. Nobody else. Your choice.
@@Ilovelightning.mcqueenyou didn’t have any parents around and it shows you weirdo.
When Norman said, "It dawned on me, that I became one of those people" really reminded me to stay humble and compassionate towards others suffering. You just never know what pain, loss, grief, or trauma life will bring, and you can't judge other people based on their position in life. Always wear compassionate lens, and never think it can't happen to you. My heart truly goes out for the broken.
Very well said.
Love this
True! It can indeed happen to anyone. Being humble and always compassionate is the way to go. I find my peace in the music that I love and I hope that it continues to keep me grounded and helps me keep a clear mind.
with just one bad- horrible- day, every thing can change.
💯💯💯
"there is a difference between being sober and living in recovery" thank you for reminding me of this simple truth that is the center of my life
Kristina the 16 year old saying she will probably be dead...gives me the chills to hear that.
All these people were once young, innocent children. Through childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, terrible parents, etc. they've ended up here. It's a direct reflection of their environment growing up. Seems simple that all the human soul wants is to be loved and protected. Yet so many people can't provide that... and this is the result.
I don't know how all this horrible events, this abuse, the neglect and literally hate, done by adults to children, can ever be healed in one lifetime...I understand why they are taking drugs- just to feel NOTHING. Gosh- people seems to have no soul and heart. Avatars.
You can take bad experiences and change. They don't have to define you. Don't use them as an excuse for what you have become.
I think the chuckle after saying I’ll be dead got to me. Spoke volumes. Wow! Poor child.
Kristina was one of the first videos i watched on SWU and i wanted so badly for her to come out clean on the other side of this life she was handed.. but now she's got no more pain, no more fear, no more suffering or struggling 🙏🏽. sometimes death is mercy..
@@dianerobertson4894 do you mean it seriously? Not every human is strong, not every soul can get over traumatic experiences MG🤦
I also grew up without parents. I was abandoned and grew up in a boys facility with 120 other abused boys. I’m in my 60s now and the effect of the trauma I suffered still affect me today. I have never been able to have a normal relationship with anyone. I have a great job and numerous business associates but I have never been able to have anyone close to me emotionally. Most people have no idea the torment or torture of being abused and destroyed as a child. I am thankful that most people will never experience what I have. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I really feel for the people in this video as I can empathize and sympathize with them.
I hear you.... I've had some childhood trauma myself. Some of These people on this channel I have seen, spoken to, and one guy i even worked with.
Talk to someone. Do some voluntary work. Don't be alone forever with this
I hear you, believe you and am sending positive vibes to you from Ireland 🇮🇪 ☘️
Trauma is a terrible beast
@@LS-fe4ob I appreciate that. It’s funny I was in Los Angeles County when all this took place. You have every celebrity in the planet raising money for lost dogs,homeless cats and adopting kids from every country except the ones here that need it most. I thank God every day that I have survived this long . I have a great career make decent money give to charity. I have learned through the years who I am and I accept the person I am. Unfortunately I have seen so many kids that I grew up with give up and get sucked into a life of drugs and dispair. Thank you so much for your king word they mean a lot to me.
I don’t care what anyone says. What Mark is doing here is so unbelievably important. He’s giving a voice to the voiceless if even for a moment. He’s showing the world the lived experiences of a population of people that are often completely forgotten by society. It is because you took the time to speak with these people, mark, that millions of us will not forget them. And to truly humanize the reality of human suffering is something we all need to see. It is a profound reminder to never ever judge people… you simply do not know what they have been through. Thank you for this thoughtful video.
Are people supposed to care what you say if you preface it with, "I don't care what anyone says"?
@@lukelyons8716I care, so if you don’t that’s a reflection on yourself.
Most of it is very harsh, but is true. I appreciate it.
To be seen and heard with no judgement. They each had a little spotlight and were safe for a little while. They were the stars! ❤
And whats f#cking crazy is, there are youtubers out there trying to discredit what he is doing.
Jakes story (guy at 10:26) hit the hardest. I had a lot of friends growing up who were put in similar situations to his, but thankfully most of them grew up to be successful people with prospering families. To the ones that didn't make it, may you all rest in peace.
“Silence has a sound too” Those words resonated with me in a way I can’t explain. Such a beautiful insightful soul. I will never forget her.
Silence can be very loud
Gotta want more outta life than all thse folks. Sad.
@@rjskum688 I think all of these people wanted more out of life. I just don't think they believed they deserved it. Self-worth is a powerful thing, and life can be pretty catastrophic without it.
I loved her. I can't believe she died. I gasped.
Gave me chills
Mark, putting this out on Thanksgiving makes perfect sense. We have a lot to be thankful for, even if we feel our lives are difficult, somebody always has it worse.
So true 🧡😔
This is so true. 😢
Sad and very true....😪
I was thinking the same thing 😔 I hope you all have a great day today and RIP to all the people in this video.
@malibug9889 thank you !! And Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!!!! I pray for the families of all of these beautiful souls. I'm grateful to have heard their stories.
"I have an excuse, I have an excuse to be mad at the world, but I'm not. I could give up; I can't give up." RIP sweet prince.
yes.....this had to be one of the most amazing humans to have EVER walked this world...God love him...
@@mizayn there is no god
God is real!!!
Born into this world of suffering to humbly show us how to live.
Rest in Eternity, Mr Jerry.
🏀👨🏾🦱🧡🏀🧸🧡
@@DeeJKerei wheres the proof?
Jake- i am so sorry that u had to go through that horror!! I couldnt help but cry when u spoke! Hope u get to rest in peace now!
These people are no longer in sickness, pain, torture, sadness, or scared. Thank you for allowing the nameless of homeless and less fortunate to have names and faces.
There’s always something behind addiction or one of the other things they do. I myself had trauma a used alcohol for 22+yrs as a bandaid. I God He saved my life everyday & for bringing me out of that pit. I have 21yrs sober. I try to help anyone I can by sharing my testimony, I always pray for everyone that is hurting & struggling w/ their demons.
Thank you for this comment. My heart is broken watching this video and it helps knowing they are not suffering. May their families and friends find peace somehow. Tragic.
Heaven or hell, we all go to one or the other, some people choose to go to hell where they suffer forever!
Not in Hell they aint
@@turkwelsch lest he be judged. Sometimes statements like this are far more hateful than the hearts of these people. You can’t be god… so don’t make judgments for god. Isn’t that a sin in itself? And didn’t Jesus wash the feet of the destitute and pray for the prostitute?
You gave them a voice and a place, so their story could be heard. Just for that sole thing alone you deserve everything good that happens to you Mark. May their souls rest in peace.
When I started watching these, I didn’t know I was an alcoholic. I was living well, owned one house, traded up for a wife and a much bigger house, all bills paid, new cars… and a $2k a month whiskey habit. Not expensive whiskey - middling 2L bourbon jugs I’d go through every two days. In the past 18 months, I’ve gotten sober, relapsed I don’t know how many times, lost track of how many detoxes, 2 rehab stays, 2 halfway houses, a divorce, loss of house, 2 friends’ deaths by suicide in Feb, another 2 back-to-back (sudden heart attacks, unrelated) in May, nearly died 3x, have a son who went from happy 14 year old to drunk/high/suicidal 15-16 year old, and I spent a week homeless in the nasty and dangerous gutters of Denver 1800 miles away from home bc I was on a bender and got knocked out/robbed on the streets.
I went from watching these people to becoming one. I am now over 5 months sober and strong in my recovery. I’ve dealt with plenty of shit in this time and simply will not pick up a drink. I’ll pick up a phone to call my sponsor or sober family instead. Currently attempting to rescue my boy.
I feel so different watching these now than I did then. I have an inside perspective now… the empathy outweighs sympathy or even the judgement I used to pass on so many. Felt like I was watching cars crash until I crashed my own and saw others staring at me the same condescending way.
Thank you so much for the work you do, the light you shed, the voices you lift, and the lives you’ve honored here.
I’m rooting for you, Reverend Brown
Wow!! You’re in my prayers
Thanks yall. Just a quick note in the interest of honesty: I’m not really a church leader; The Reverend Al Brown has been my stage name for almost 25 years.
Although I am an ordained minister of the Church of Latter Dude Saints and can legally perform ceremonies. Thank you for your prayers and I do take that seriously ❤️
Best of luck saving your baby boy
Sometimes seeing these videos and hearing others stories makes you feel less alone in the world when it comes to the stuff and stress I have to deal w or have dealt w in previous years but we do heal and get better..we do recover!!!!!
These videos should be shown in every school throughout the world... worth it even to stear one child clear of this sadness!
As I was watching this, it was very clear to me that they all had one major thing in common: a traumatic childhood. May God bless their souls.
It’s often something that especially if not worked with will get people onto the wrong track leading to unpleasant destructions, 30% of the population is genetically susceptible to becoming a sociopath because it’s harder for them to come themselves, the other 70% can easier find a way to cope with abuse but they still risk scars for life if they have been the victims of long term severe abuse in childhood or as teenagers.
If your parents give you an average upbringing the 30% will often find ways to cope with their temper and emotions one of the scientists behind the study which also were test for the genetic setting, it’s something like fully active, half active or not active, but you can still be a top scientist despite having to work with your emotions as long as you haven’t been severely abused over long periods in childhood and teenage years, almost all of sociopaths have had such experiences which they internalize and then become abusers themselves. Tragic when victims becomes the abuser and the cycle continues 😢. Unfortunately there is no proven treatment, only prison time to avoid them radicalizing everyone around them, but they then go on to radicalize others prisoners…. Only age reduces the danger they pose for everyone around them.
Stopping the cycle is not easy but reducing is definitely possible and one less victim who becomes the next abuser will reduce the cycle.
Should we assume that the pimps had a difficult childhood?
I think that is why one of Mark's first questions is always how their childhood was
@@geepayne2286 What did the pimp say was his goal? So, what did he lack as a child?
A traumatic childhood means NOTHING. There are murderers and rapists who have had a wonderful childhood. Take jeffrey dahmer for example. But theres many more.. my husband had an AWFUL childhood. Things happened to him that i cant even leave here in this comment. And he is the most sweetest wonderful person i have ever met. Its in their souls i think
What really breaks my heart is knowing that at one point all of these people were once children with hopes and dreams. At some point some adult let them down, abuse, no love, many different reasons. This is why it’s important to take the time to listen to people and their story. Sure, some people choose the life that they have but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have compassion and or understanding for them. They were once innocent children.
Gee, how about the men and women soldiers who never came home. Fuck these bums.
most of them were the adult who let themselves down, they are the adults who abused others, they were the unloving.
@@deathcandyelephants I disagree and you might be the one with the privileged worldview but I will say this:
Most of the people seen here had relatively normal upbringings.
Many of them are scammers, sneaks, manipulators, immoral cheaters, liars and will even falsely accuse their own father of raping them if they think it suits them.
I was reminded of a pedophile 'sting' series where eventually pedophiles would invoke "it happened to me and now I repeat it.. so in a way I'm a victim too".
When experts took a serious investigation they found of 100 who claimed such a thing ZERO, none, not one had ANY evidence of being molested as children and there was, in most every case, no reasons to even suspect it could have happened.
Most of them bottled up when asked who and when they were molested and the few who tried to give any kind of names and places and times had very contradictory stories that didn't match known family upbringing. Some invoked an 'uncle' only to find they had zero uncles and not even a family friend we might say is an 'uncle' figure.
Surprise! lying manipulating self-pleasuring selfish junkies lie about things to suit themselves too.
Less damning but the mentally ill ones are also notorious for mentally ill delusions that just didn't happen.
Yes: a handful of the 100 junkies DID have horrific upbringings, bad bad stuff.
however,
an equal handful had nearly 'perfect life childhoods' almost seemingly fictional in every nice and happy way.
btw, Matthew Perry had a nearly flawless, perfect, privileged life with a stunning family and friend and medical support system to the point a human could not conceive of a way to make it better.
He was a lying selfish junkie anyway.
MOST of the people you see here had neither great childhoods nor especially bad as you'd find in any school in America today.
and enough with your 'starving chldren' thing. In the USA the poorest worst children are not 'desperate for a meal' like its a Biafra famine so knock that off.
@@deathcandyelephants hopes and dreams can mean anything! Big or small! Don’t assume I didn’t have a sh** childhood, abuse was very common in my household unfortunately. I come from a very dis functional and abusive family. Sometimes my hope was to get a simple hug or I love you from my mom and dad, that wasn’t the case. I relate to a lot of the people in this video, of course we all have our own experiences. I wasn’t trying to be naive either. A lot of my own family are on the streets or dead from overdoses, abuse, etc. I was lucky enough to get away and am trying my best everyday to make my own life better than I had as a kid. Thanks.
@@topsuperseven7910 sure in some circumstances.
Every single one of those voices made an impact on my life and helped get me out of addiction. I'll never forget them. Thank you for putting this together, Mark. Thank you for holding space for these people who just so desperately needed to simply be heard. You saw their pain for them. That's a gift few in this world have. I'm grateful today for the echoes of their voices that will forever reside in my mind.
Beautifully stated 🙏💛🙏
Some sadly, die so that others may live. Keep staying sober one day at a time
What beautiful words 😢
Glad to hear you made it out of addiction. I'm sober now, too, and my life is so much better.
Amen my friend
You put a voice to their faces. Names to their stories and a rememberence that can never be deleted, silenced, ignored or forgotten. RIP to all those souls. 🙏
“A lack of unconditional love as a child”, broke me into tears. After 43-years, I still would give anything to know what having a mommy feels like. A Navajo man once said around a sacred fire: “if you think you are alone, if you have no mother, look down to the ground and know that you are standing at her feet. This Earth is your mother and you will never be apart”. I lean on that when I am “sick and tired or being sick and tired”. I hope someone else can lean on that as well. Thank you Mark for sharing these moments and making sure we know we are not alone.
Thanks for sharing that.
God, that's so profoundly beautiful. Thank you
❤❤❤
Yup. Thank you for that. Seriously
"Earth as my mother" is not comforting, soothing, or in anyway helpful. Earth is not alive, a soul, or able to help
‘Silence has a sound too’. Truth. RIP Cassandra. RIP to all interviewees who have passed on. May you be in a better place.
Cassandra is the one I remember the most out of all of them too. I wonder how she passed??
I had to stop watching. Too sad.
@@MrRogerCorbyi feel the same omg❤
Cassandra was one of the earlier Interviews, right? I remember telling her story what happened at school to her, the director molested her, and in Mark's interview she was wondering how tf he was sure she is not going to tell anyone, right? R.I.P Cassandra.
That one got me
It wasn't just the lack of love, it was the horrific existence they had to endure. I see them as fighters who saw the worst, yet still wanted to find something worth living for. Truly heartbreaking.
Nope it’s love. If we’d had love we’d not have had horrific suffering part got it? I’m one of those broken fighting people…..abused and neglected in childhood groomed me for a life horrific men and all else…..been free now 14 yrs and healing ,…I’ll be healing until I die. The trauma wasn’t a choice but CHOOSING to take responsibility for me as an adult that requires massive work on my part to get better. But don’t fool yourself lt ALL BOILS DOWN TO LOVE. In every aspect.
@@6Haunted-Daysit's true. And I get still mad at people for abusing other. This hits home. But I also get their perspective. Still, this is my life and if I want this life really, I have to fight for it. That's the ego speaking I wasn't allowed to have for so many years.
I wish you the best luck and a lot of love ❤
Thank you Mark. Truly. This just gave me the reality check I needed. I ain''t no addict or anything, its just hearing all these stories reminds me how raw the world is and how much more I wana take care of my kid. To all the peeps watching - God speed.
The fact this video is so long is just heartbreaking...
Sweet stuff...Sorry but this only a taste~
Being an ER Nurse in Germany I thought I have seen terrible things. How wrong I am. It was hard watching this video, but each person in this video deserves to be seen. Thank you for this hard work you are doing. May they all find peace.
Rest in peace to all the wounded souls
Well said
@@stereoheartsrnb there is no peace for those who die without choosing and knowing God as their Savior. That choice is on you, not God.
"Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world."
@@TruthHurtsSoGetAHelmetha backwards dog
I had to read the title several times until the message finally sunk in. I had to just sit there for a few minutes, staring at the paused video. These intimate interviews bring out the humanity in these lost souls. And it hit me like a ton of bricks. I hope the other side for each of the departed is one of joy.
"Do they know how beautiful they are? "
I think you deserve the Pulitzer, Mark. This work is so important, Its hard to overestimate. . I understand this venture isn't about creating art, but about creating a space for these very human beings so they can be seen and heard... yet there is powerful art here.. I don't have the words to express my praise for this unique, work.
Thanks again, Mark.
Absolutely agree! I can’t think of many people more or equally worthy of receiving the prize!
He absolutely deserves international recognition; but I think our government doesn’t want this side of our life publicized for the world to see. Even though it’s the most important thing to be documented. People need to see these interviews if they are ever going to learn to empathize & change our world a little bit at a time.
Until he starts hitting on his clients and saying escalating things that retraumatizes.
Well said. I 100% agree and couldn't have said it better.
Other people have done this before. But yes, he is talented
"Silence has a sound too"...I felt that when she said it....RIP, Cassandra.
I did as well @lokena67, I heard that loud and clear, may they all rest in peace 🙏💔
where?
@@joe1504Cassandra's last words during interview.
It does, and it gets loud sometimes
@@JoseEspinoza-yh8lc Yes it does and it's hard to "silence'.....
The first person I watched on SWU was Jake ex-transgender. I was so struck by his sensitive intelligence and had so much to give. He left us with an overdose.
God rest his precious soul and I wish him peace. 🌼
Ah, I'd really liked Jake. 😞
I really liked Jake. The medical doctors that contributed to his pain should be held accountable.
@@JessBisme123 I did too - he was so strong to have made it as far as he did - I wished I could have been his friends - God Bless him - he was special
My heart felt like it couldn't bear his story. I have no idea how he survived his life as long as he did.
I feel like death is the only peace he’s ever felt. Just awful
Im a 71 yo woman, and i completely understand Lin 😢
RIParadise, Lin ❤❤❤
Every junior high school kid should have to watch this in school. i feel like a lot of young people don't realize that there might not be a way back from that first step they take down the wrong path. You're doing good work Mark. Important, necessary work. Peace.
good idea
I’ve just watched it with my children
There's to many snowflake parents to allow that....but it would be nice if children did see this
It's very hard to get back when you are on the wrong path. It almost cost me my life.
It would matter, they'll always people who choose hell.
This series continues to be the most relevant and non-judgemental glimpse into the parts of our society that are marginalized and discarded.
Each person has a soul and a rightful claim to their dignity. I am grateful for the dedicated work it takes to present this, more grateful for the opportunities that I have had and the comforts that are easily taken for granted. May these troubled souls rest in peace.
Well said❤
Very well said❤️🙏🫡
Amen. 🙏❤️
❤
Bonafide’s story absolutely broke my heart. Just used and abused every day of her life, and yet she seemed like such a gentle soul inside. That was a while ago, I had to take a break from watching for a while.. all the SA from young women by their relatives was just too much. I hope Bonafide is at peace now that she’s gone 😔
I can’t help but wonder how that child born through incest is doing? Who raised that baby, was the baby adopted or generational abuse continued. 🥺
So many people that needed LOVE as children and support throughout their lifetimes. 💔💜💔 Rest in peace, y'all.
This is so eerie. So much pain laid to rest but immortalized. Thank you Mark for all that you do. I hope a fraction of the same will be afforded to me.
What a great way to put it. All the pain laid to rest…while the living pain rages on RIP
I was a heroin addict for 10 years, I’ve been sober for 2 years, these videos help me in such profound ways, I never wanna be back there where I was… alone, depressed, miserable
Congratulations on your sobriety ❤
If you never want to be it shall be true. May you find strength and peace.
I see you and i’m proud of you !!
I am praying for you.
I'm 3 years in 3 days!
We rock, don't we!!!
THAT ENDING?! I got physical CHILLS, Mark. Thank you for dedicating so much time and effort into this entire project. We can only hope these souls no longer feel the pain of their earthly woes.
Norman, was right. It could surely happen to any one of us. R.I.P. Norman. Your life mattered.
May all here rest in peace, and the ones we never even saw here.
Hell is real. That's the saddest part
That was a powerful ending indeed.
I was looking for this comment. Sent chills down my spine. Nobody hits harder than life. I pray we all have the strength to persevere through this plane of existence
Damn.. I just listened to Jake today.. that’s crushing. He really sounded like things were going okay for him. I saw a comment mentioning him first, but seeing him actually included was.. heartbreaking.
The video ended and I literally just sat in silence for about 5 minutes. Your work is so extremely profound Mark. You gave the only voice to the totally invisible.
Cassandra breaks my heart! She was extremely bright!! She could've gone places. "Silence has a sound too..." Wow!
Yeah that line got me ❤
@@troy7070THAT LINE WAS SERIOUS.
Evelyn too.
She was beautiful.
Silence is the loudest
I am gutted to learn that Jake has passed. He went through such a horrific childhood. He was so self-aware and he conveyed an optimism about his future. I thought he was one of the ones that would make it through. RIP Jake.
Yeah this one was extra sad to see. RIP
I believe Jake was the first story I've seen. Definitely hurt to see he passed.
Me too. All these are tragic but some hit home extra hard. He deserved better.
Any idea what happened?Watched his story when I was homeless and his story really stood with me/helped me *I hope his soul is finally at peace*
Yeah, absolutely. Had to skip his part though, I couldn't bear to listen to his story again.
Jerry's story gives me so much strength. I'm so inspired by his attitude in spite of what happened to him. ❤ Rest in peace Jerry
This is such a profoundly moving tribute. You probably gave these souls more care, compassion and respect than they'd ever experienced. It's heartbreaking to know they're gone, but now they're also at rest after a very weary journey. My prayer is that their stories will continue to touch lives for many years to come.
By packaging and profiting from their misery in his lucrative conveyor-belt of compassion?
@@skwrrskwrhe’s also raising awareness and giving money to these people. he’s literally been in contact with some of these people’s parole/probation officers. is every documentary a cash grab if it makes money despite the awareness and help that comes from it?
@@nekiahflowers5862People just want to hate, even when this guy is helping these people who agreed to be interviewed. Dont mind that guy.
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings
JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon!
John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”.
Isaiah 45:18
“For this is what the Lord says-
he who created the heavens, he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says:
“I am the Lord,
and there is no other”.
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I myself am he!
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand”.
Philippians 2:8-11
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.
JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God.
John 1:1-5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.
How to get SALVATION (be saved):
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:32
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death”.
2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.
Romans 6:23
“but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”
3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him.
Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.
4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.)
Mark1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.
Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.)
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 2:20
“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 3:26-27
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21
“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
WARNINGS!!!
Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags.
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”.
Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”.
Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself.
Jeremiah 25:6
“and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”.
Deuteronomy 8:19
“It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”.
1 Corinthians 10:20
“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”.
TAKE HEED NOW!!!
Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”).
Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”).
Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26).
May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
@@mr.dinglebop3895he has made millions of humans in their worst moments of life, so desperate for money and compassion, they willfully went along with their own exploitation.
My heart dropped to see Ke’s face in the tribute. She wanted to change so badly for her kids. Dre as well. His story was so traumatic, and I was really hoping that he beat the odds. All I can think about is how differently these people’s lives could’ve turned out had they been dealt different cards as children. It takes a very strong person to break generational traumas.
I watched Jake 😢
Cried reading what u said. If only they had been dealt different cards as children. I hope they’re free now. And that they’re all children again, running free, no longer hurting or shackled by whatever trauma broke em.
Over the years I have watched so many of these videos. It's so sad to see so many of these poor souls ever got out or got better 😔
They are no longer suffering cold, hungry , alone, or in pain. This could be any of us if our circumstances go wrong. My heart hurts for all of those struggling. Mark, you are an amazing person reaching out and helping many of those in need. God bless you 🙏
Exactly : could be ANYONE, but the majority of people don't understand.
I knew both Arthur aka lil man and Jerry both when I was homeless and addicted to drugs living in skid row Los Angeles. I truly believe had I not gotten out of downtown Los Angeles when I did 7 years ago that I would be dead today and nowhere living the life that I could’ve never imagined today. I’m so grateful for my sobriety and recovery every second of everyday. I’ve accomplished so much in these past 7 years that had you told me this 7 and a half years ago I would’ve laughed at you and myself. I thank my higher power, my faith, and most importantly my beloved Mother for always believing in me and giving me chance after chance and never giving up on me like every other single person in my life that left me because of my poor choices and bad decisions in life. I pray for all these individuals souls that they may be resting in Heaven now except the rapist’s and pimps. I also pray for the addict’s who’re still suffering in their active addiction today and may God watch over them and save them so that they may be free from the bondage of active addiction and see the light at the end of the tunnel before it’s unfortunately too late like these poor individuals in this video. My name is John G and I’m truly a grateful recovering addict. Thank you for letting me share.
Right on John, keep coming back!!🎉
Almost 7 years for me too! Aug 27, 2017 was the day I surrendered. I am full of gratitude. Thanks for sharing 😉
How poignant that you would choose to post this on Thanksgiving Day, Mark. Today I am thankful that there are people who care about me enough to check on me regularly, that I have had helping hands that reached out and lifted me back up when I have stumbled, and that I have been given the opportunity to heal the most broken pieces of myself.
I am always cognizant of the fact that every little thing I do, whether kind or selfish, has ripple effects that extend far beyond my understanding. A little bit of love can go a long way. Thank you for never letting us forget this, Mark. Thank you for the work that you do. May you and yours be well today and everyday.
Beautiful post
You expressed so beautifully what I couldn’t find the words to say. Thank you💖
For some reason yours is the comment that brought me to tears..I pray you are Blessed, we all hurt and try and sometimes hurt,don't ever quit ❣️🙏🙏
An amazing piece of work ... this should be required viewing to all 13-14 year old pupils ... maybe , just maybe , they may think twice ... heartbreaking .
Every child deserves a parent, not every parent deserves a child. 💔
Now THIS is an absolute truth. So few people understand what parenting means. They just want or have a baby and that makes them a parent. 😢
Yep. Having kids when you are young...it's still all about your life, not theirs. Eventually, we realize it's about them and preparing them for life. We give our lives and experience to make whole people out of them. The point comes when it is about them, not us "tolerating" their responsibility. We need to pour into them. Once you have kids, it is about them...not us. Compare that to my parents creed: "Kids should be seen and not heard." Yeh...that worked out didnt it? Nope.@@rachelderagonartist9766
Amen to that
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😢😢😢😢💝💝💝💝
This is so sad Mark, 8000 people have passed away since 2019. Educating your children has to be vital to eradicate this poison
I am speechless to know so many have passed. Thank you Mark for taking the time to do this. I can only imagine how hard this was for you.
Jerry, the victim of a shooting was one story that really hit me hard in the heart, his positivity and steadfastness, his need to carry on regardless made him stand out in my eyes, I'm sad to hear that he passed, he just got on with life tothe best of his ability ..
Rest in peace, Jerry ..
Same! Hurt my heart
Oh nooo, not Jerry….ugh…may he be at peace now. Sad. I’m not going to make it through this video.
I think about this guy from time to time still. I always feel guilty that I didn't help him even though I'm in Australia. Guy was a true child of God in my eyes.
There is so much unbelievable pain and suffering in all these stories. Jerry really stands out. May God bless and keep all of them.
I agree with Jerry's story being the most powerful. Because that guy got shot for no reason ,literally, and said that his heart and mind couldn't quit trying to survive. He actually enjoyed life, which is more than most people that are so called healthy can say
I was so saddened today to hear of Ruby’s passing. This video came up shortly after.
I had seen it before but had forgotten how many of these folks had passed.
I really hope keep making these. Such an unbelievably powerful statement but also feels good to pay tribute dvd remember what we are fighting against, and for who
Surprisingly articulate people caught in a terribly bad place. This is a thoughtful tribute.
Why surprise? Prejudice is what you are doing.
@@lizbrown6943 ok, snowflake.
@@lizbrown6943Exactly.
Makes you think twice about that “crazy” guy you passed on the street huh
@@lizbrown6943 Can't a guy just be honest without you being self-righteous? You're sooooo much better than the rest of us, is that it?
I’m glad that you give people a safe place to tell their stories. I think everyone who watches your channel is humbled. I work in a level 1 trauma facility operating room. Many of my colleagues have grown hard-hearted. It would be easy to do the same. I hold gang members hands when they go under anesthesia. I’ve sung lullabies to teens who were victims in drive-by shootings. I’ve scooped up abused toddlers in my arms, their bodies relaxing in resignation against my chest, and their tears saturating my scrub top. I watch your videos. Sometimes, I cry. Mostly though, I am grateful that you respect people no matter what. You’re a very kind person, and you are doing a great deal of good by letting people tell their stories. Thank you. And thank you to the people who are so brave to tell their stories! It helps me to be kind and humble. Bless you all. 🙏🏼
@aliyamoon Thank you, beautiful heart, for all the love & care & understanding & comfort you give to so many, & for keeping your heart open & kind & gentle, & appreciation for your immense strength to continue in this way..
I trust you care for yourself equally effectively.. blessings & gratitude & love to you & all you care for & may all Beings be well & happy ❤🙏 ❤ 🎉 ❤
God bless you.
Thank you, too.
Tnk u for being an angel . There ain't to many of them ..
@@marioarchuleta8723 aren't too
Jake, was one of the most traumatic stories I have heard on this channel. I thought about his story continuously and rooted for his healing and happiness. May your soul pass on to find the happiness and peace you deserve, rest in power Jake.
It takes a lot for me to really hurt for someone but Jske was it. His childhood and father was terrible. I was really rooting for him but I think his depression got him. What's even worse, his dad is alive.
Same
@@candipauline was that information shared of his dad alive?
Jake’s story hit me the hardest. May you rest in peace Jake ❤🙏🏻
Incredibly well said. Ty RIP Jake
This made me cry. I am 38 now, never addicted to anything, but severely suicidal with severe mental health problems and severe chronic pain. All my friends have left. I have no one I can call up for a hug. Other than my mom but she’s in another city I can’t get to that’s complex to explain. I really don’t want to be alive anymore and I feel like the girl crying “I am just miserable all the time”. 💔
Your life matters.❤
Wow…I’m speechless. Thank you for giving so many people an opportunity to tell their stories before their time ended on Earth.
RIP to everyone who tried to fight, with the door closed and their Hands against the cage. And those who didn't too
I'm just curious, could any of these people get in danger just because of their confessions/stories being in this channel?
Rest in piss they got out the matrix Im jealous
I watched a few of them, and I can empathize with every single one who's been abused.
On the other side of the coin there are those who made their choices and despite being compromised with the drugs or substances some of them are very clear-eyed about what their end was going to be there's something admirable in understanding in a strange way that they have accountability.
There are others however such as the murderer who I saw earlier and of course the mobster who are unrepentant and separate from others
@@zoroloop2234 Yeah for sure, maybe if they are addicted who own money to some drug dealer and he tells where is he staying, which city. Or Even if it's an ex-gang member who knows, someone may still looking for you cause of debts of the past.... Or troubles with any member of your family. Problems follow you everywhere
@@zoroloop2234 yes 100% n Mark knows also.. the violent guy near the start who was a sexual predator was stabbed in his tent to death in skid row no longer than 4 weeks after his interview bc of the things he sad, GREAT QUESTION i must say n im sure there were many more... Heir u go 1:45 Yep it was his interview t5hat got him killed not that Mark would ever mention that sadly.
Hell of a way to spend my Thanksgiving! I've been through a LOT in the last three years but this channel has helped me realize that others have it worse off. Even being alone today in my warm apartment and with my dog, I'm doing well. I'm healthy, have a good job, and do the best to be the best person I can to others. These people made an impact on my life. This video made a huge impact in my life and it's tough to see these people have passed away. It tears me up but I'm THANKFUL each day, not just today but each day I'm able to get up and move forward with purpose. Thank you so much Mark for providing us with this raw and impactful content. Thank you for listening to these people. Most don't feel they have a voice and you're a huge advocate and mentor to them. Sure most haven't and won't make it but you've been so So amazing to all these people. You're an amazing man Mark! Thank you!
Me too! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Much love to you and your perspective on life. I’m sorry you’ve been through so much though, and I wish you the best. ❤️
Jesus is coming back. Believe He died or your sins and rose again then repent to be saved.
…. Happy Thanksgiving this breaks my heart … into pieces my brother is lost in the streets … it’s been weeks… and I can never fall asleep every night I am in anxiety wondering what is he doing …? Will he OD.. will he get killed?… it’s Thanksgiving and all my brothers were here except him .. addicts don’t realize the true pain they bring to their loved ones … I wish I can save him I wish I can help… and I can’t it’s the ugliest thing to feel
Well said.
You’re a good guy Mark. It’s nice you showing who passed. They’re all people and need to be seen and remembered. I hope people see this and understand.
Lin's sobs, broke me.
Tee Tee was so beautiful.
Jake's story was gut wrenching, and I hope his father and the people who hurt him rot in hell!!
Michelle and and Kristina broke my heart! A mother AND daughter. 😢
Jerry seemed like such a light in the world.
Niqi, you absolutely deserved success, happiness, and a life full of love.
I remember Faith 😥😥 sweetheart, im so sorry that life was so hard for you.
Hye-Jung, she seemed like she regretted the moment she ever picked up drugs and could feel her life fading.
Scarlett, you have my loved ones name. You never deserved the cards you were dealt.
Ke, I know your babies loved you. You'll see them again one day.
Reggie, so many people are tired of being sick and tired. I hope you can now rest easy.
Norman, it is so much easier than people think to become "one of those people". I'm sorry you couldn't get out of it.
I'm a social worker. Mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness are the three biggest problems that I've come across but not many services address all three. My hope is to one day find or create something to address all theee issues simultaneously. These people mattered! All people do. Thank you for continuing to share peoples stories and for letting us know when their light had given out. May they rest in peace.
❤️🩹 Love your personal tribute to them. You're in the right field, even if it can emotionally wear on ya. 🫂
@JustJ-Me thank you! And it really does. It makes me feel so helpless sometimes, but there are those few times that I can see the fruits of my labor and it makes it worth it. It's a difficult but rewarding job.
@@PrincessPineapple003lin made me cry so hard she was the first one of his videos I watched .
I love this. May they all rest in peace 🙏🏼 ❤❤❤
🕊🙏🏽💜
I have watched your channel since 2020 and it has really opened my eyes to the suffering in this world. Life really humbles you to the core, and I’m no different than the people in here that have gone through hardships. I always think that I’m 5 minutes away from ending up this situation due to my mental health. I’ve had multiple mental breakdown in my livelihood and your channel has helped me so much with empathy and being emotionally invested in the fact that you created a channel for people.
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings
JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon!
John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”.
Isaiah 45:18
“For this is what the Lord says-
he who created the heavens, he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says:
“I am the Lord,
and there is no other”.
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I myself am he!
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand”.
Philippians 2:8-11
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.
JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God.
John 1:1-5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.
How to get SALVATION (be saved):
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:32
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death”.
2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.
Romans 6:23
“but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”
3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him.
Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.
4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.)
Mark1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.
Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.)
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 2:20
“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 3:26-27
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21
“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
WARNINGS!!!
Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags.
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”.
Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”.
Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself.
Jeremiah 25:6
“and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”.
Deuteronomy 8:19
“It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”.
1 Corinthians 10:20
“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”.
TAKE HEED NOW!!!
Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”).
Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”).
Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26).
May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
Thank you for your work. Recovering addict here. Clean and sober over 43yrs. This gives me perspective. And it's heartbreaking 💔
That's awesome Katy!!❤❤❤
Blessings to you - what do you think made the difference for you?
@BB-nz5sk I was confronted by some people. I was 24 and finally saw what I had become. No direction in life, dissatisfied all the time. Sruggled with blackouts, they were horrendous. Then I figure out I could no longer comprehend what I read. I really knew I needed to change my life to survive. So I prayed to a God I have very little connection with. I made a promise. "God, if you can get me thru this, I promise I will do what is possible to improve my life".
The last time I used was in my 25th birthday. My family had a surprise party for me, and nobody showed up. That was it for me. I turn 69 in November.
Thank you for aaking. Peace
Congratulations ❤
May they all rest now. No more pain! Thankyou Mark for doing this for them. I remember their stories 🌹
You gave them a voice and you listened. You have my utmost respect. Keep doing, what you're doing, please
You can just see all the pain these people were carrying. I truly hope they have all found peace.
me too. 💛 rest easy, beautiful souls. you deserved better.
Absolutely, R.I.P.🙏🏾
I’m an intervention specialist. I work alternative incarceration, people are so broken, depressed and they have given up. Some people I work with are so brilliant and when you work with them for a while and help them gain a bit of confidence, their personalities shine and when they smile and actually enjoy a moment, I realize why I do this job.
May you always bring out the better version of all that cross your caring soul. Having the ability to work & get paid for is one thing but to work on one's troubled past & currently carrying their lingering pain within & you tapping into their mind & giving them an opportunity to find peace & a solution to their struggles in life. I am applauding you forever more ... Keep bringing forth the blessings in these hurting souls that deserve freedom from their addiction & freedom to love again. More importantly... Loving who they see in the mirror staring back @ them❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙌😊💯
thannk you.
Whew, now that’s a calling. Thank you!
@thereisareason2889 - God bless you love, its people like you that do make a differance. You don't judge, you understand that they are mostly good souls who just need a candle in the darkness of their life experiences and didn't choose to live a lost life.
It upsets me that celebrities are respected because they've been on television etc when it's people like you who are the life celebrities, thank you. ♥️🇬🇧♥️
I didn’t expect all the kind words and love, thank you, you all made my day reading these! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Extremely powerful video. You almost can feel the depth of pain and anguish in each voice of the person. The sadness and frustration, The courage and strength.
Thank you for giving these people a voice, mark. I’m sure it meant a lot to them.
Yes
Im sure some of them were killed because of being featured on this channel
Yes, we all need to know the stories of pimps, how wonderful that they get a voice
@@Trips999I thought this too. That's life people talk and some take you out. Sad.
@@boobootheballbreaker2092I think it's maybe a wake up call to see those type of people, for the folk thinking of working the streets. It's not plain sailing or glamorous.
Life is incredibly short. Rest in peace. And thank you Mark, for giving these people a voice when they needed it most.
Word..
*when WE need it the most. We were meant to learn something from them all.
this is one of the most touching tributes that you could create to honor them , Mark . May they all rest in peace and find the light that they struggle to find in this life. Much love
I know you probably hear this a lot, but thank you for letting their stories be told. It really shows the struggle so many go through that no one bothers to talk about. It shows how important it is to love and care for your family, especially your children. These are broken people who have been failed by so many in their life. Brought into a life they never asked for. It shows how trauma can affect someone for the rest of their life, and the type of things they turn to to numb their pain. Your videos show that these are real people who really aren't much different from you and me. Guys, hold on to those that you love. Its a terrible world out there and we have to be there to support them because this is the result of people literally having no one, on top of being hurt by people who were supposed to protect and love them. No matter what kind of person they turned out to be, none of them deserved the things they've been dealt in life, especially as children. Thank you for giving these people a voice.
Jake, that one breaks me to my soul. Never knowing what people truly go through and the dark parts we hide inside. RIP kid.
After hearing his story, and how he was recovering from addiction, it was shocking to find out he’s no longer with us… That being said, his story was probably the most impactful I’ve ever heard, I can’t say that anyone can bear that level of trauma. RIP
His life story absolutely shattered me, I couldn’t stop crying I had to listen at different times because it was too much at once. I can’t imagine the level of evil of his “dad” what a vile, evil monster. RIP to his beautiful soul 🙏
Mark, did you ever think in a million years you would be the one that shares stories of peoples lives that 90% of the public would never hear? You are doing what very few would do, see people for who they really are & give them a chance to be heard. You’re the vessel in need. Thank you for using your channel to show the public how easy their life really is! 💯
Your right about the doing what few would. 🤦♀️
When A helps B it always helps A the most
I remember a few of these folks. Just so damn sad. And I feel like it’s all getting worse than ever. God Bless you Mark. And God save these broken souls.
My heart shattered when I saw Kristina. I had been hoping for an update on her for such a long time, I search the channel every now and then for her name in hopes to see how she was doing... hoping she was okay. She was brilliant and strong and so incredibly wise beyond her years. RIP KRISTINA. I hope you find the love, stability, safety, peace, and happiness you so deserved in this life, in the next one.😢
same with me. im so sad to see her among others including her mom 😢
So many different people... I've seen, spoke with and even worked with one guy from these videos. One of the women in the this video... wendy I had spoken with briefly 4yrs ago
Does anyone know how she passed? So very sad
So sad I would look for a update about Kristina I really liked her I always wondered how she was. what happen to her RIPk
I’m just now seeing this video, one year later. Kristina was the first person I watched on this channel, & she’s always stuck with me. She pops into my mind every once in awhile. My heart dropped when I saw her in this. May you be resting peacefully, Kristina, I hope the life you have now, is nothing like the hell you had to endure here in this life.
This is the most powerful channel on RUclips. This is hidden away reality of the human condition in different forms but they speak to to complexity of the cards we are dealt and the choices we make.
Mark, thank you for this work. You don’t know how many lives you are saving by just listening to people who are usually forgotten.
It isn't hidden away. It is on the street corner, asking for spare change, It is in the tent, under the bridge, that the police are clearing away on the news. It is in the soup kitchen every meal, asking for donations for food to be able to feed all people coming in. It is, quite literally, all around us, and at an all time high in this country- for a variety of reasons. We blind ourselves to it, because of the unpleasant reality of what we wish not to see.
I’m (unfortunately) no Hollywood big-shot, but if I were, I would give you every award I could for this quietly powerful masterpiece. Truly incredible.
Agree ❤🎉
haha yea give him an award for exploiting sick people for his own business youre a brilliant thinker
Hollywood would only do that for Woke crap, that's why they are failing, being replaced.
The Gospel of Salvation/Warnings
JESUS CHRIST is the only Lord and Savior this whole creation needs. Please turn to Jesus Christ and get saved now while his grace is still merciful for he is coming soon!
John 3:16-18
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”.
Isaiah 45:18
“For this is what the Lord says-
he who created the heavens, he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited he says:
“I am the Lord,
and there is no other”.
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I myself am he!
There is no god besides me.
I put to death and I bring to life,
I have wounded and I will heal,
and no one can deliver out of my hand”.
Philippians 2:8-11
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.
JESUS CHRIST WAS GOD IN THE FLESH; Son of God.
John 1:1-5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”.
How to get SALVATION (be saved):
1. Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:32
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death”.
2. Believe that Jesus paid for your sin at the cross.
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.
Romans 6:23
“but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus”.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”
3. Confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and commit your life to him.
Romans 10:9
“That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.
4. Repent (What does repent mean and do? To repent is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This “change” involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God.)
Mark1:15
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”.
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”.
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.
Once you come to Salvation then comes baptism. (Baptism is an act in which symbolizes one’s renewal/purification and becomes a child of God with the power of the Holy Spirit through water, whether the water is poured on to the forehead or one’s body is immersed into it. This symbolizes the death of our flesh with Christ and our new life through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.)
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 2:20
“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 3:26-27
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
1 Peter 3:21
“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
WARNINGS!!!
Anyone who does not have Jesus Christ will always be condemned and their righteous deeds are like filthy rags.
Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”.
Isaiah 64:6 “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”.
Do not worship/sacrifice to other gods; you will only bring harm to yourself.
Jeremiah 25:6
“and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm”.
Deuteronomy 8:19
“It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish”.
1 Corinthians 10:20
“No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons”.
TAKE HEED NOW!!!
Jesus Christ wants you to have a personal relationship with him. He cares and loves you more than his own life that he gave it up for you to be saved. Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind; to atoned away all of our sins with his precious life and blood, that we may share in his Kingdom (1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world”).
Jesus Christ is not about being religious but to be in unity with him and allow him to deliver you from the bondage that this sinful body (flesh) is doomed for; God’s wrath (John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”).
Only through Jesus Christ will you ever get to heaven (John 10:9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture”). Seek Jesus Christ only: no other gods can save you from God’s wrath. God’s wrath is not a joke or to be taken lightly (Hebrews 10:31 “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”). Remember he is our Creator and all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26).
May God bless you and soften your heart to discern the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the Savior of this world. AMEN!!!
Maybe that is the reason why you aren't one.
But dumbass-jokes aside, I agree. :)
Mark Laita's 'Soft White Underbelly' is the most powerful channel I've ever come across in the entirety of the Internet. There is none so moving and introspective as SWU's first hand accounts and stories of these extraordinary individuals. One thing this channel have taught me to do, or at least seriously consider, is the prospect of looking into myself without fear and judgment of what I might find, then accept it and build on the better part of what makes me, me and learn something deeper from the not so flattering side about myself with self compassion and patience.
This gesture shows you genuinely care, Mark, and I'm grateful to have found your channel. Thank you.
As I was watching this I almost forgot they all have died. No second chances. God that’s heartbreaking.
I know , so sad
Jerry was a huge inspiration of perseverance. Amanda also did an amazing transformation. May all of them RIP
AMEN! ❤✝️❤️
Amanda was the person that hooked me into SWU to start and it was so sad when she finally was on her feet she had something with her health end up taking her life.❤ everyone’s stories matter and I pray for all lives lost and people affected
Same.
I wasn't expecting to see this many people gone already. This channel isn't THAT old. WoW
"The best index to a person's character is (a) how he treats people who can't do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can't fight back."
~ Abigail Van Buren, syndicated column (1974)
As a non American who does not celebrate Thanksgiving… this maybe the most powerful, poignant and relevant thanksgiving video I think I will ever see. While everyone sits down to dinner and looks at what they immediately have… this makes you look beyond that. Be thankful for these souls brave enough to share their stories. It’s my belief that anyone on this channel has no idea how they impact the world. It’s a greater impact than any fleeting celebrity. Thank you soft white underbelly for your strength and courage to show up everyday, to help and listen and share. The toll this must take would be unimaginable. You’re all changing the world.
I’m American. I ate turkey. 😉 I completely agree with you. Poignant is the perfect word.
@@lynnhobby32321 I hope your day was lovely & your turkey delicious. Thank you for being here.
Absolutely. Very thankful.
Being not American and doesn't know our traditions and the history as to why we celebrate Thanksgiving you have zero room to speak on my beloved country whom I fought 2x deployed war. Speak of your own country there skippy. We aren't thankful 1 day a year, we are thankful every minute of every day. America is a Christian Country we love Jesus Christ God our Father, our creator and thank him everyday for our lives, not things for the love we have for each other. You damn foreigners think you know us, you don''t. You know the vile politicians who are criminals who live for power and money and DO NOT represent us Americans so don't speak for "We the People" and as a combat vet U need to shut the F up.
well said! 100%