Loving Beyond Ourselves

By: Kenneth Stepp

Narcissism. No other country on the planet has been plagued with it more than America. I believe it is the opposite of love. Maybe it’s because we are 5% of the world’s population and consume 24% of it’s resources. I have listened to others even evoke God into their spoiled wants. I believe God will get me a new car, bigger home, better this and that. All while a child dies every 5 seconds on our planet. I’m trying to stay upbeat. WWJD? He’d feed them before buying a new loincloth with matching sandals. I needed to get that out first.

How does a person love someone more or as much as themselves? The short answer is most don’t. The percentage goes way up if we just talk about single moms. Most single moms are super human. They have truly mastered how to love. How to love beyond themselves. I’ve pulled it off a few times. But am still seeing a selfish me pop up way too much.

“Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved” - Erich Fromm

A mother can take so much and sadly will during her life. She will adhere to the duties of motherhood until the day her big heart stops beating. Her love endures. Her child can hurt her, deny her, and ignore her. Her love never changes. Like I said. A super human.

For us mere mortals. It is unnatural to love another more than ourselves. And when it happens, it’s as near a miracle as will ever be seen. If a person ever experiences loving someone that is not a child this way. It is amazing. Suddenly, you want for them, more than for you. I have lived this. Even in my fantasy of winning the lottery. The biggest thrill I have when thinking about getting that 6 foot check, is calling this wonderful person and tell her we are going to go buy her a new home. I don’t even think about what I would buy me. Again. Unnatural.

“Non nobis solum nati sumus. (We are not born for ourselves alone.)” ― Cicero

What is our purpose? Back in my wealthier days. I sometimes felt it was to own more stuff, to over indulge my family, and to win at all cost. Being broken made me take a better look. If you have been paying attention. I have changed. I now want to make a difference with my life. To take my small flame and light others. I know I am not a mistake. I didn’t simply happen. I was put here for far more than me. What about you? If you’re a single mom. You have probably done enough already. But, don’t stop trying.

If everyone helped two people. Think of what the world would look like. It would be awesome. Those starving kids I spoke of. They would be fine. We matter. Some more than others. Love comes with zest, courage, and motivation to do good.

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage” - Lao Tzu

Look around you. The world is full of other people just as important as you. Don’t ignore them. Embrace them. Those who are doers change the world around them. Change can be good or bad. But doers will always be this way. My challenge to you is to become a doer for the right motives. Then go do something.

www.stepplife.com

Founder, American Angel Works