Inherit the Wealth
Reflections on Living Well
by
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INHERIT THE WEALTH
by Richard Brooks
TRUTH: Truth is often hard to discern. With the inherent self-serving deceit of
human nature, truth is not always obvious.
But the intruding eye and the inquisitive mind can usually flush out the
truth. Truth is always waiting to be
discovered. One secret to this discovery
is looking beyond the words spoken to the actions portrayed. The old saying: “actions speak louder than
words” is forever sure. Listen to
what is said. Then verify with
observation what is done.
An applicant for the position of
sheriff was asked by the county commission if his family had any criminal
history. He noted only that his father
had died at a public gathering when the platform gave way. Upon further investigation, it was revealed
that his father was a notorious horse thief who had been hanged in the town
square.
Be extremely leery of those for whom truth is an intrusive
obstacle. Those who accommodate
falsehood and illusion begin the destruction to which they will eventually
fall.
TOLERANCE: Amidst the diversity in the world today, there are many
similarities we can celebrate. As Carl Sandburg wrote: “No matter which political or religious
system eventually shapes the development of a child, each is born into the
world with the same cry.”
Everyone is born a child of God.
Let us learn to celebrate our differences and tolerate those with whom
we disagree.
It is important to keep this in
mind: “Our desire to be right does not necessitate that we tell everyone
else they are wrong. Remember that
harmony is found only in the blending of different voices”.
ADVERSITY: The quality of a person is not found as much in the good
times and as in the bad times-- not as much in the times of plenty as
in the times of need-- not as much in the
times of joy as in the times of sorrow.
Unfortunately, we spend enormous effort shielding those we
love, especially our children and grandchildren from adversity. We should instead be teaching them how to
overcome adversity through hard work and virtuous conduct.
Guidepost Magazine shares the story
about an old shoemaker's awl that is on prominent display in the
What makes this awl so special? It was the awl that fell one day from the
shoemaker's table, accidentally putting out the eye of his 9-year-old son. Soon, the child became blind in both eyes and
was forced to attend a school for the blind.
At the school the child learned to read by handling large, carved,
wooden blocks.
When the shoemaker's son grew up, he
thought of a new way for the blind to read.
It involved punching dots on paper with the very same awl that had
blinded him years before. From
adversity, Lewis Braille devised a whole new reading system for the
blind. There will be a “falling awl” in
each of our lives.
Remember this: A problem can be dealt with in one of two
ways. You can hide it under the carpet
where it will fester and grow; becoming an obstacle that repeatedly trips you
up. Or you can uncover it, deal with it,
and use it as a building block to a better life and stronger
relationships. Some will ask “why did
this happen to me?” Others will say,
“how can I use what happened to me to benefit others?”
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About the Book
In
the richness of the American society, great effort is extended to preserve
monetary wealth from one generation to another.
The greatest wealth we can share, however, is not measured in dollars
and cents, but in wisdom and common sense taught by people we love and
respect. The purpose of this book is to
offer this “wealth of insight” with those willing to listen and learn.
Each
generation must teach its descendants life’s
lessons. It is with this deeply held
belief that I write this book and solicit your participation in sharing your
stories.
I
challenge each reader to reflect on the lessons presented and to add a personal
dimension at the end of each chapter.
Your personal reflection may be an observation of what is written or a
story of family history that is relevant.
Your additions and experiences will make this book an important link
between you and your descendants.
About the Author
Born and raised in the small town of Sheffield, Alabama, Richard Brooks attended college in the turbulent late 1960s. His education was interrupted by a period of wandering in the spiritual wasteland of atheism and agnosticism. In 1973, following military service and while living in California, Mr. Brooks rededicated himself to the Christian faith and went on to earn a degree in Economics from the University of North Alabama. After five additional years of postgraduate study in Philosophy and Theology, he received his Master’s Degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in 1980.
Mr. Brooks served churches of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for six years before pursuing a "tent-making" ministry while starting his mortgage and finance companies. During his years in Christian ministry, he taught many courses on Reformed Theology, Faith Development, and Business Ethics. Further activities in his church work included originating projects for peacemaking, economic justice, and world hunger. Many of these programs are still active some 20 years after their inception.
Beginning at the age of 10, Mr. Brooks has worked in numerous jobs from riverboat deckhand on the Tennessee/Mississippi Rivers and building roofer in Miami, to respected minister and businessman in Birmingham. He has experienced joblessness and the welfare line, as well as the prosperity of a successful business and civic recognition. He is blessed to have a nurturing, supportive relationship with his wife of 25 years and two wonderfully responsible children. This variety of experiences has shaped his views reflected in this book.