MONEY TALKS

            Tell me how a man spends his money, and I’ll tell you what kind of person he is. Thankfully, money is not the “root of all evil,” but its use reflects the inner character of its possessor. Most people who “love” money don’t have it; that’s why gambling and the lottery craze are so popular. There’s such a thing as having money and not “loving” it; i.e. to utilize it as a vehicle to help others; to invest it in things that really benefit humanity. What a serious responsibility it is to be financially wealthy; for when standing before God one day, the issue will not be how much we made, but what we did with what we had.

            I was recently drawn to an article by Dan Gainor regarding Warren Buffett, the famous liberal billionaire icon. He’s a likeable chap indeed and one whose approachableness has been impressive to me. That impression was soiled when I read that he has donated “more than $1.2 billion to abortion organizations from 2001 to 2012!” This revelation comes on the heels of the year-old murder conviction of Dr. Kermit Gosnell “in the deaths of three babies…delivered alive and then killed with scissors at his grimy, ‘house of horrors’ clinic” in Philadelphia.

            It must be said that, unlike Gosnell, Buffett’s actions have been entirely legal; but like abortion itself, it may be “legal” but that doesn’t make it moral or right. Furthermore, one’s character and philosophy of life is revealed by his philanthropy; the treasure of one’s heart is reflected in one’s giving. Money talks-- whether it takes the form of a political bribe, a gift to charity, or an enablement to those who snuff the life out of pre-born children.

Mr. Gainor brings out the fact that like Gosnell’s fiasco, Buffett’s story has likewise been “largely unreported.” His own charity, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, is named after his first wife who was an abortion advocate, closely linked to Planned Parenthood. While the Foundation’s website includes information regarding college scholarships, etc., there’s not even a “hint at the darker direction of the massive charity.”

It’s no wonder, for what liberal journalist would want to besmirch Warren Buffett’s “incredible media profile” by trying to explain to half of prolife America that this man has given “$289,811,421 to Planned Parenthood since 2001?”  That’s not the way to win friends and influence other liberals.

Money certainly sends with it a message, good or bad. It’s a shame that this “grandfatherly” and brilliant investor, Mr. Buffett, has shown such a lack of moral integrity. No, he hasn’t committed a crime personally, yet his monetary support of abortion has enabled others to perform their dastardly deeds. I’d call that being an accomplice to the crime. People heartily invest in that which is close to their hearts. It’s ironic and disturbing that Mr. Buffett has such clout among journalists, who bow at his feet, waiting for his latest “commentary” on world affairs.

In contrast, Mr. Gainor, points out that a person giving $1,000 to a ballot initiative to defend traditional marriage, would be considered “controversial.” Yet, $1.25 billion given to promote abortion is no seeming problem to those enamored by the pro-abortion agenda!

Indeed, money talks! In itself it is neutral; but in the hand of a person it takes wings for good or evil, depending on the heart attached to the hand.

Converted to Grits and Southern Gospel

            I’ve had the privilege of living in Warren, OH for almost 17 years. Coming from Atlanta, GA was a slight adjustment, having been a college teacher there for a number of years; however, a greater adjustment was moving to the South initially, seeing that I was a “Yankee” by birth. Other than getting used to the “southern drawl” and the ongoing tension of the Civil War, my only two other hurdles were the diet and music. Growing up in a northern German family, I had never heard of grits, turnip greens or black-eyed peas. The closest thing to “grits” I had ever seen was Farina or cream of wheat. Despite the many invitations and “exhortations” to try this “southern ice-cream,” I refused. I was not about to swallow that bland-looking stuff! I must admit, however, that I have never had a problem with Southern-fried Chicken. Yummy!

            This grit thing became an issue to some of my southern friends. In fact, often when being introduced to speak at a gathering, it was mentioned that I had not yet been “converted to grits.” It almost became offensive, like I was a fish out of water or something. I know these people loved me, but they made it seem like something would always be lacking until the “grits conversion” took place. To make a long story short, it wasn’t ‘til my move from Atlanta to Warren that I was brought into the “fold.” During that trip north, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Virginia for breakfast. A man at the next table had ordered eggs, bacon, and, you guess it---grits. It was like a voice said to me, “This is it, try those grits.” The rest is history! Something happened to me that day, as I launched out into the “deep,” with my first order of grits; incidentally, I didn’t partake without first praying and then “murdering” this delicacy with butter, salt and pepper! The word of my “conversion” travelled quickly to Atlanta and other places.

            The second monumental experience was being “captured” by Southern Gospel music. A bit different than the typical hymns of the Church, this music reflected the difficult lives of those in the South in the early 1900s. Hard times and simple faith produced music that emphasized the future hope of Heaven. It took on a happy, upbeat genre of a Biblical expression of deep, settled faith in Christ. Usually sung by a male quartet with piano accompaniment, it was known as “old-timey quartet singing.” (Wikipedia)

 Groups like the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals, the Imperials, and Gold City have brought great joy and wholesome entertainment to multitudes for many decades. Probably the best-known contemporary group today is the Gaither Vocal Band. I knew very little of such blessed music until moving South. I didn’t have the same struggle as with the “grits,” but it wasn’t long until this “Gospel” music became ingrained in my soul as a bona fide expression of heavenly hope.

            Someone recently commented that our local newspaper only reported on “crime and murders.” Obviously that was a bias statement, since The Tribune Chronicle covers a broad gamut of subjects; however, so much of our local activity centers around the corruption and crime perpetrated in our city. It’s nauseating indeed, but simply reflects what’s going on across our beloved land. Sin is rampant and universal, but so is hope in Christ and His Word!

Somehow we need to look beyond the darkness and utter depressed state of this world. There’s another “world” out there, “wherein dwells peace and righteousness.” That’s the main theme of Southern Gospel music; and what a way to “escape” the pollution of this world system, and thus focus on that which is yet to come!

            Recognizing this fact, our local Tribune has sponsored such spiritually uplifting events. The upcoming concert with Gold City at Packard Music Hall on May 19^th is one such event. If you’re curious, skeptical, disenchanted, or even “rebellious” as I was, get a ticket while you can. You’ll be glad you did. I’m looking forward to this joyous and uplifting program, especially since I’ve already been “converted to grits and Southern Gospel.” Hope to see you there!