The Quote of the Day that inspired my A to Z Challenge theme –
A Word for the Day that takes on many meanings.
Quote of the Day: A writer lives in awe of words for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator. John Steinbeck
Word of the Day: Money
Some people say that money is the root of evil. The actual quote comes from the Bible, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 (new international version)
Oh, do I know the reality of this. I have witnessed it first hand. Do you have trigger words? Trigger words are the ones that set your emotions in a spiral, reopen wounds, set your heart to anxiety-filled palpitations. Money and how it becomes a weapon of power and control is one of those words for me.
Of course, in the society in which I live, money is necessary for survival. I need it for my basic needs. If I didn’t have my own money, I would feel vulnerable. Knowing what I have and where it is gives me independence and confidence.
Money is NOT to be a measure of someone’s true value. It is not the number you wrote on your tax returns. Your net worth in your family and community cannot be added up with dollars and cents. We are so much more than that. We are the spiritual gifts that we use and share. We are the genuine person who shows up in days of sunshine and rain. What we do in a day might never be rewarded to us in the form of a check. Instead, we will receive gifts of friendship, love, healthy relationships and communities.
I leave you with these words from The Message Bible.
A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.
But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Be your authentic self in all you do, and believe in the value of who you are.
Journaling Prompt: Did tax season stress you out? Do you measure your own value by the number on that form? What makes you special and unique?
My mother always taught me that one can be wealthy without having much money, as long as you’re honest and kind and wear a smile on your face that is worth all the money in the world.She was widowed when I was three years and never did I see her unhappy and was always there for me and others.
Loved your post.
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
Having just published my first novel, and seeing my first royalty notice ($8.55 for three months!), I confirm that the reason for writing is the connection and sharing. It isn’t about money. This book has brought an amazing group of people into my life and I am much richer for all that.
http://www.BethLapin.com
I hate money, almost as much as I hate not having much of it.
It’s true though, happiness does not come from material things, and lots of money leads to lots of problems. I’m very happy with the way things stand for us now. Still, every now and then I buy a lottery ticket.
Great post Mary.
Love the Steinbeck quote!
Visiting as an A to Z blogger – participating with six very different blogs. (Not listing the links here, but you are welcome to click through my profile picture to find them, if you wish.) Happy A-to-Z!
Nice post. My mum tells me that she would rather spend the money she has on making memories, then always striving to get more and going crazy saving it. Memories and being with your friends and family are more important.
Lovely post, as always, Mary. The Bible’s right, the LOVE of money leads to problems. Money just sits there, inanimate stuff. People do the damage to themselves chasing the stuff.
Money (or lack of it) causes so many problems. There are too many people who define themselves by how much money they make, and the stuff it can buy. Great post!
Money is so the root of all things not good! I so agree!
I’m most happy and content so long as my bills are paid and I have enough to treat myself now and again!
Creating a story and having it accepted brings far more joy and fulfillment for me! As well as seeing my cat healthy and happy!
Take care
x
True wealth does not come from money.
However, if you have it, then think of all the good you can do with it.
I stayed in a bad job for way too long because the money was good. Now that I’ve finally walked away, even though money is tight for me now, I’m far happier…and saner.
I want money for the ability to do things, travel, experience, not just for collecting stuff. Great post on a touchy subject.
Wonderful reflection. I too am a fan of The Message Bible.
Money is a necessary tool, but not a mesaure of worth. As I have no tax deductions of my own, my niece and nephew are listed as my heirs. My nephew says he likes spending my money while I’m still alive to enjoy it with him!
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