I have followed some of the earthquake relief effort in the Pakistan, India, and Kashmir region. There is a great deal of compassion being shown by the leaders of those countries. As one Associated Press report noted: “India said it would allow Pakistanis across the cease-fire line in the disputed territory of Kashmir to receive aid at three relief camps it was setting up. The step is a further goodwill gesture between the longtime South Asian rivals in the wake of shared grief following the temblor that killed an estimated 79,000 people.”
It is interesting to watch character be revealed by disaster. Often, it is the only good news about an otherwise dreadful catastrophe. Yes, there are reports that show a lack of character, but I’m dwelling on the positive at the moment. As I read about the need for food, tents, clothing, medicine, and a multitude of other items, I realize that money can buy all of those things. Anyone with a sum of cash can purchase those everyday necessities, and those necessities really count.
Character counts, too, but money cannot buy character. Nations of the world can donate billions of dollars to relief aid funds, but that money cannot buy character for those who will be in charge of disbursing the funds. Aid workers can truck purchased food and supplies into the hard-hit areas, but they cannot truck in character that will assure the supplies reach the people who need them most.
I read that a Human Rights Group is accusing government officials in one earthquake stricken nation of hoarding tents and supplies, storing them where they cannot be sent to the victims. I don’t know if that report is true, but it may be. Such things happen when people regard character with disdain. I wonder if they would hoard character if it were a commodity. It certainly is needed in those suffering areas.
Character counts when there is no disaster, too, but money can no more buy character every day than it can in times of disaster. I understand that in our nation’s capital, money can buy a good many things, including position and power – but it obviously cannot buy character. There are companies in which money can buy good will, a raise, and a promotion from the employer, but it cannot buy character from that same employer. Even young victims of school bullies know that money can buy a measure of safety, but it cannot buy character for the bully that demands the money from them.
Character counts – but you cannot buy it.
That’s one of the wonderful things about character. Anyone can build it. You don’t have to be wealthy to own a mansion of character! You can own this mansion if you have not a single piece of currency to your name.
You can build golden walls of the courage of your convictions. You can build long, curving stairways of responsibility. You can hang glistening chandeliers of love, peace, and joy. You can add a basement of dependability, and a whole separate wing of integrity.
Sure, it takes work. It isn’t as easy as whipping out a credit card or check book. The beauty of it, though, is that anyone who is willing to do what is necessary can build the most glorious character you can imagine.
That’s the view from my chair. What’s your view?