Progress, Not Perfection
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Progress, Not Perfection

A formerly homeless poet is a first-hand example of social justice in a broken world

21
Progress, Not Perfection
SurtzMedia

Walter is a man who has seen it all.

He grew up on the South Side of Chicago as one of seventeen children in an underprivileged African-American family, and since has taken tours overseas with the military, been put on trial for a crime he didn’t commit (twice), published a poetry book, and, for the majority of the past decade, been homeless.

But what’s truly remarkable about Walter is his outlook. See, he’s someone who has every right to feel sorry for himself, to pity and curse the state of mankind, to give up on life. But he doesn’t. Walter represents the lowest of society, the 'anawim', yet his outlook is among the most positive and inspiring.

As he says, “The message of Christianity, the only message, is helping others.” And he truly does, too, volunteering almost every day, not wasting a moment of the time he has left. Walter also often quotes his mother, saying, “If I can help one somebody, maybe my life will not be lived in vain.”

I had the opportunity to meet with Walter several times over the past few months and film interviews as part of a thesis project that delves into topics of social justice and spirituality, specifically in regards to Walter’s life and journey. Throughout my conversations with him, I noticed a common trend in his consistent efforts to put his entire energy towards what he believed to be right. Also known as Magis.

The Jesuit concept of Magis has been passed down through my family since the days of my grandfather’s uncle, Fr. Edward Surtz, SJ, a former department chair at Loyola University Chicago. Centered on the theme of “doing the most good”, I consider it to be at the core of the philosophy Walter demonstrates. It consists of doing anything and everything possible to make the surrounding world a better place, despite knowing it may never be complete.

Walter puts it this way:


"Progress, not Perfection.

Perfection is a product of this world’s fantasy,

Progress is a stable core of life’s reality.

In various phases of life you work to get it right,

Expecting results that will make life easy and bright.

But, you must beware for Perfection isn’t there.

Step-by-step, you must Progress if you dare.

Wanting Perfection is Ok to run through your mind,

But your goals will be reached through Progress in time.

Not reaching Perfection may cause you to stop

While Progressing step-by-step, you may take a hop

Progress over Perfection you must continue to try

Life will be better until the day you die

Progress, not Perfection."


The social injustices that inhibit our society may never fully disappear, but we can always “progress”. In my own life, I’m committed to doing anything and everything I can to enact positive change in the world around me. We all have been given the gift of life, and we all have the duty to do something good with it. It's an opportunity, a blessing, a special responsibility granted to each human being by God out of love. Thus, the Jesuit principle of Magis is centered on making the most of this gift, and using it to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It's doing anything and everything possible for Christ, and, in turn, the world.

My experience meeting, connecting with, and chronicling the life of Walter has instilled in me a deeper understanding of my own intent and purpose on the earth. It’s rare to meet a man who owns nothing more than a high school diploma and the clothes on his back, yet possesses more wisdom and experience than the vast majority of society.

I’ll be praying for Walter the next few months as he travels to Chicago for his next hearing. He’s struggling with transportation costs, especially after the last few scheduled times have been cancelled in favor of “more important cases than the black homeless man”.

I figure my prayers are about the least I can do. Not much, but something. Something to help a fellow human being worthy of love, justice, and respect.

My prayers are progress, not perfection. To me, that’s social justice.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57503
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37032
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958770
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191130
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments