Roy’s Sunday Letter for May 11, 2025
BEING AWARE BUT NOT OVER-WHELMED BY ALL THINGS MONEY
The 2021 online movie “Saving Paradise” portrays the role and the power of money in the lives of individuals, families, small businesses and communities. The founding owner of a small-town wooden pencil business dies suddenly. His son, a New York corporate raider, must decide to sell and close, or fight to restore the pencil company, retain dedicated employees, and be responsive to the importance of the Paradise Pencil in the community. The son stayed, saved Paradise, and honored his father.
Willie Nelson creates an image of those who lack daily bread or shoes in his song” Living in the Promised Land.” Willie asks us to bring our broken dreams and wounds because here there is time to mend, and room for everyone “Living in the Promised Land.”
In 2025, money and wealth have over-taken national media and conversations. The American approach to governing has quickly been replaced by those who believing counting coins and gaining more wealth is the same as making wisdom decisions and maturing leadership. Into this mix of distortions can be added sports millionaires and billionaires adding more millions with no eyes or heart for the poor, the underserved, and those left behind.
Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation have added clarity and purpose to the American heritage of money. He has announced a 20-year goal for the foundation to gift 100% of the foundation’s resources of $200 billion in gifts and loans and then close their doors, the foundation’s mission and purpose fulfilled.
I listen as ethical business CEO’s openly share the spread of salaries from highest paid to lowest, along with benefits to support health and wellness. We, as Americans, have supported governmental and businesses that treat employees with respect and fair treatment. I encourage you to use your power and financial resources, especially in the public sector to build, to develop, to connect resources and information to those who need both.
Tom, our investment advisor, tells us the first question of a new client remains, “Will our money last for the fullness of our lives?” Beth and I shared the American belief of education, finding our fit, showing up, working long and hard with the trust that financial needs and position in life will be adequate and secure. Young people of 2025 do not have that same trust, nor would we today.
So, reach out to those who are withdrawing, becoming isolated. Please add support, ears and hearts, to be caring. In all the right ways, and in the best of ways, act on the inner being of everyone to be allowed and encouraged to be included in “the all” of us.
Roy, living in the Promised Land with Willie and you!
I am reading more and more that you ne way to avoid overwhelm in these times is to choose the cause you are most passionate about and connect with orhers to act. Withdrawal is easier,, but connection is life-giving and promoted sanity. Thanks for your words!
Agree with the difficulty of witnessing, of resisting, of proclaiming.
And yet, in my limited way, I know no other way of Faith, of Service.
I Reply with respect for causes and fot the difference maker you are to me and so many others. Roy
Roy, this is an excellent reflection on the remarkable news of Bill Gates work. He and Warren Buffett have important things to say to our country’s richest citizens. More importantly, they are leading by example. May the spirit of equity ripple through our culture.
Mom and I plan to watch Saving Paradise this Mother’s Day afternoon!
Saving Paradise is about going beyond, fighting for just causes, seeing others beyond self.
Money is with us in every headline…..I am hanging with the Gates and Buffets to speak and show the true ways.Sunday Blessings to you both in special ways…..RB
Roy, such wise words. We as Americans have to pick up the slack where our leadership has failed. We need to choose to help wherever and whenever we can. To sit idly by is to agree. Thanks for reminding us.
Maurine, you do not sit by….You are an active advovate for all peoples, especially the underserved.
And, we are blessed to hold you close as forever friend…..RB
Roy, first of all a note of appreciation. Thank you for putting the time, energy and passion into your Sunday Letters. It’s clear that you love creating them, but writing is always hard work even when you love writing. I look forward to them every Sunday.
The April 27 SL hit home. As an 83 year-old with multiple careers who’s has taken a year off from active engagement it’s time to ask”What’s next?” Thanks for the inspiration. Fortunately, there are many role models for motivation. You are one of them.
Maurine’s comment on today’s SL “we have to pick up the slack where our leadership has failed… and choose to help wherever and whenever we can.” is an excellent starting point for “What’s next”.
Thank you again Roy for your stance for the importance of making a difference. There are so many human needs. It is important to step up and nurture the efforts of those struggling. We each have skills to nurture life in this world.
Friend Peter…..you are right. So many hands waving, each with a need.
You now come to elder yrs with so many skills, so much heart.
We have much to catchup on this week, and we will do so.
I have such respect for your now becoming self…..’roy
Friend forever Mike….
You and others within SFCF came along what /what’s Next was my question.
You time to restore and new, different energy is your right time.
Yes, over time SL has become a passion, my own little mission.
There is right fit for you now emerging…..say hello to you.
rb
Roy, thank you for the reminder to reach back and help others on life’s journey. Starting a second career, I did not get where I am today without the sacrifice of my Mother, Daughters, Family and Friends who prays for me, lends a helping hand with whatever my needs may be. With God’s help I hope to be of service to others in need, words of encouragement, sharing time and resources.
Friend Billie….
The phrase “being present” applies to your Comment.
Your helpfulness is direct, hands on and also others knowing your easy to find as needed.
Your extended family have been good teachers, and you have been so with others near or far.
I am glad to read your thoughts,,,,,each make me better. RB
I now have a bumper sticker which reads “B L E”, standing for Best Life Ever, created by someone in Flagstaff AZ. Could have just as easily said Living is the Promised Land.
Thanks for the reminder.
Willie keeps me on track and has been since his leaving Nashville…..a forever guy
Todays Promised Land is not all blissful
Lots of suffering and recover from suffering.
And so, we continue with Hope and Faith…..together.RB