By: Amanda Stepp
We live in a world full of misunderstandings, judgment, and disrespect. I could go on, but I’m sure you have seen or experienced this already. I’m always hearing people say how proud they are to be an American, but I don’t understand that myself. Yes, I was born in Texas – raised in Arkansas and have traveled around the U.S.A. – So, how many can so many “people” say they are proud? How can you be proud of Hate, diversity, prejudices? I see it get worse each day – even here in our small community. Just recently I stood up for an elder Native Navajo man from Arizona. His wife was a victim of a hit and run here in our town. They were visiting family. While the wife was in the hospital the husband couldn’t stay with her overnight due to no room. The family they were visiting are not close to town. So, this puts this gentleman in an awkward situation. Where can he go and still be with his wife? She was in the hospital about a week or two and so many passerby’s had probably seen this man walking around and thought of him as a nuisances or homeless. When in fact he didn’t ask for any money, just a safe place to stay and some water.
When I met this wonderful man, there was something sad but yet confident about him. He was walking by, and I asked him if he wanted some water, it was pretty hot that day. He thanked me but said “no thanks”, “I will be fine, I’m just waiting for my wife”. So, I inquired about his wife and if he was okay. My husband and I followed him to a common pizza place where the gentleman had money of his own but was turned away because he looked bad and many have smelled bad (think if you have no where to go or to bathe for a week and being in the elements outdoors – you would probably look/smell as well.) My husband kindly went into the restaurant to order the gentlemen’s pizza. While he was inside, about five minutes later, as I was talking to the gentlemen a worker/possible manager came outside yelling towards the man I was helping – telling him she would call the police to have him removed and to get off their property “stop harassing people.”
I asked this kind gentleman to please get into my car. Once he did, I stepped out to confront this person. “Ma’am he is not harassing me. You have turned away a paying customer based on looks, my husband is inside purchasing food. You might need to recheck how you view and judge people.” The worker quickly stomped off, back inside the pizza shop. A few minutes later my husband came out and handed the man his pizza and we took him to the park so he could enjoy his food and the beauty of the Riverwalk.
The point I’m trying to make here is instead of jumping to conclusions about someone based on looks (or smell). Try getting to know their story, history or why they’re into situation. Have a Heart, a little compassion goes a long way. Not everyone wants something from you. They just want someone to listen.
Spread to love not the hate.
You want to be proud – then help out and get to know people better. No judgment.
Amanda Stepp