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Blog 474 – 11.23.2016

Silver And Gold Have I Some

The title of today’s blog is a take on the Apostle Peter’s line to a lame beggar in the Book of Acts. Peter actually said, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have I give you. In the name of Jesus rise up and walk.” I do not believe it is necessary for anyone to take a vow of poverty. Nor do I think being poor is something to seek out or to be especially proud about. Still it amazes me how much people like to “poor mouth” and brag about their supposed humble beginnings.

I mean even President-Elect Donald J. Trump had to start his business with a meager eleven million dollar loan from his father. Years ago there was a popular chain restuarant called “Po Folks” which seemed to appeal to people who started out poor. Their prices were pretty high for the relatively plain fare. Pinto beans, fried potatoes, corn bread – the food many Southern people were raised on. For a long time I wanted anything but those three staples from my youth but I have come to appreciate them again.

Why, though the pretense of shunning or denying wealth? Is it because we feel guilty at having plenty when so many do not have enough to eat, to wear, or adequate shelter for themselves and their children? One very real reason for persuing wealth is to be in a position to help others. I have dreamed of being a wealthy philanthropist all of my life and only recently have come to realize that it is my responsibility to make my dreams come true. I have always wanted to be a writer and I am taking steps, like writing this blog every day, to make that dream come true. I am also setting aside a little silver and gold against that other bigger dream.

There are a host of people anxious to separate you from your wealth. Any company that can afford to spend millions in advertising to solicit my donations to their cause does not need my change, my check, or me to support their business and make them richer. Sadly most popular charities give only a few cents of every dollar they collect to help the needy. Most of those donations go to salaries, offices, and advertising.

As Americans we historically object to our tax monies being pocketed by bureaucrats, lobbyists, or already rich individuals or companies. Why are we so quick to donate to charities when most of those monies too end up being gobbled up by the same crowd?

Do not try to give to everything. Make your giving local and specific so you can see it doing good. Local food banks and if you are up for it specific individuals who need a helping hand are a good way to make sure your giving dollar serves a real need. Sponsor a child, not on TV but in a neighborhood near you. Help their parent or guardian. Become a benefactor, a real life philantropist.

Do not be taken in by the con artist, the sham experts, the wealth managers and investment people. You should be your own wealth manager and the best investment is always in people. If you have a lot of money, start a business, create some jobs. People need meaningful work at wages they can live on. Invest the profits in the business, grow the business for the greater good. Sell a good product or service at a fair price and you will always have a place in the market place.

Silver and gold have I some and I can always use more but my goal for my gold is not just to see how big a pile I can amass but to always have more than enough to share. I intend to have some left over not to spoil a child or make one lucky person smile but to found a trust or a charity of my own someday that will guarantee that ninety percent of all donations go to help the less fortunate in perpetuity. Or at least till no one can ever honestly say again, “Silver and gold have I none.”

Your friend and fellow traveler,
David White