I’ve been thinking much these past days about money – how short it is, how fast it goes, how I’m always wishing for more. I’ve also been bumping up against issues of power – its assumptions, its privilege, its exclusion. Then today I came across this quote by George MacDonald:
To have what we want is riches, but to be able to do without is power.
How’s that for messing with the categories? It certainly messes with me. I often confuse the two – and I doubt I’m alone. More often it seems that those with riches are those with power. The converse is also often true – or at least it seems so: the less money, the less power.
I’m wondering today what it would be like to redefine both of these words; certainly for myself, but in other contexts and on behalf of others, as well.
What if wealth was not something to be attained, but something willingly done without? What if wealth was something I chose to not worry about so much? OK: obsess about. What if my letting go of this category of meaning or significance for my life was actually what ushered me into more wealth, albeit of a different kind, and power – also of a different kind?
What if power was not something grabbed; something that just goes with the territory of wealth, influence, gender, privilege? What if power was something I intentionally chose (and experienced) by seeing wealth in a different way? What if power was more available the less I desired such?
I think of the story in the New Testament of the Widow’s Mite. While seeing contributions/offerings made by rich men, Jesus highlights how a poor widow donates only two mites, the least valuable coins available at the time. She gave everything (if not more) than she had while others (those with power?) gave only a small portion of their wealth. Who was esteemed? Who had the most “power?” Who had the most riches? Clearly, she did.
A woman. A widow. Poor. Shunned. Ignored. Silenced. Unseen.
Pretty powerful stuff!
A postscript: When I come across Biblical texts like this – and the beautiful upside-down way in which Jesus sees life, and particularly women – I wonder why I don’t spend more time in it. ‘Might just be more riches and power in there than anyplace else I could find – if I wanted either…
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Interesting thoughts, particularly when, for the past month I’ve been pondering Rev. 5:12: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth… Earlier in that chapter it states “You are worthy…because you were slain.” Because you gave it all away. Hmmm. As you pointed out, seems like that’s what the “widow” did and what Jesus exemplified when he washed his disciples feet. His kingdom truly is upside-down in our way of measuring things. If only I could grasp that and live it.
Such a good reflection Ronna…thank you. I know of the journey which you speak…ugh. It’s such a tricky thing to navigate… your thoughts also provoked me to wonder about how the ‘power’ that comes from having money is different than the ‘power’ that comes giving it away or knowing contentment no matter your situation. Richard Foster said that “mammon is the power that seeks to destroy us”. Outside of the God’s kingdom that kind of talk is ridiculous. It’s like Frodo and the ring of power – such an apt analogy and one that, I know, you would be particularly passionate about
(I just watched the trilogy again this past week with Julie and the kids) And, you knew you’d get my attention with this reflection.
Blessings friend…