What’s Really Important?

By: Kenneth Stepp

Important…. Three syllables that define us. What motivates us is what we are and who we are to become. Our rationalization of what “moves” us to act. For me, it varies. I believe it does for everyone. Some develop a lifestyle to help others. Some ignore the hurting. I have learned things I wish I could unknow now. Mainly because when I became boots on the ground. I had a good look at others on the front line with me.

In early February 2014 I received a call from a homeless girl 509 miles away. This may sound strange. I own a nonprofit, American Angel Works. We are all over the internet. Every now and then, a smart cookie finds my private cell number. She was one of them. She was in Tampa Florida. Her friend was raped and murdered in front of her. She could see she was next and broke free. By the time she reached me she was hungry and scared. I called every shelter and church in the area. No help. Although, they were all going to pray for her. Right! I packed up my truck and headed out the next morning. I barely had gas money to get there. But, I knew I could feed her and protect her. Those were her two needs. She hadn’t eaten in three days.

In July 2013 I met someone important to me. Her name was Deb. She was one of those that found my cell number and called me. I had just finished 14 hours of grueling nonsense. I walked in my hot room, through my clothes off, turned the fan on high and finally relaxed. It was 9:00 pm. At 9:15, the phone rang. She was homeless, staying at Walmart, and needed help. Plus, she had a plan. I got dressed and headed out. I told her what my truck and front tag looked like. She got in. An unattractive heavy girl who smelled like body odor and cigarettes. Not a great combo. An old employer of hers said they would hire her back. She looked at me and said, “They can’t see me like this”. Everything she owned, she was wearing. I took her in Walmart and bought her clothes and makeup. Then to an extended stay hotel. I paid for a week. What she didn’t know is that left me with just $10.00. I had nothing else coming in for a while. I stayed home till I could reload money. She got the job, is on her own, and calls me every now and then.

These two stories came at a cost. Both broke me at the time. Both required my taking action. More importantly and more costly to me is what it showed me about our society. Two people answered the call to help with the girl in Florida with funding. None with the other. Churches, shelters, and other nonprofits were silent. At least with help and funding. They were very vocal about judgment. All asked the same questions as if they were reading from the same worksheet. How did she get like this? Why isn’t the family helping? You get the picture. And as if reading the bottom line in harmony. All will pray for them. An off the shelf answer to make them feel compassionate instead of being compassionate. And by writing this. I become the bad guy.

My point in writing this is that we have, as a people, lost our way. We are all about ourselves and we have been taught a small unhelpful gesture makes it ok. Am I hoping this pricks your heart? Yes.

“The smallest package in the world. Is a person all wrapped up in themselves” - Unknown

I spent much of my life wrapped up in me. It was wasted years. It was only when I realized that judging others stood between me making a difference and being useless in these situations that I began to change. I can still be a selfish A-hole. But, an honest effort is being made. My dreams of grandeur controlled actions.I needed to shed the old me and who I thought I would become. Any day now someone will ask me. Didn’t you use to be Kenneth Stepp?

“The two people you can’t compete with are the person you use to be and the person you thought you would be? - Unknown

None of us are more important than any of us. It is only when our society as a whole gets this that real change will come. For me, Deb’s call every now and then motivates me. It’s a reminder of what one broke human can do for another.

www.stepplife.com

Founder, American Angel Works