Timeless Values--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Timeless Values

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

Tough economic times can teach us great truths. They give us opportunity to reflect on our values and what’s most important in life. One columnist observed that tough times raise important “questions about our … priorities; our habits of the heart; our measures of success; the values of our families and our children; our spiritual well-being; and the ultimate goals and purposes of life—including our economic life. … We don’t want to miss the opportunity to rediscover our values.”1 It may seem unusual to call economic hardship an opportunity, but many people are finding that it’s true. They’re learning that while financial security doesn’t seem that secure, certain moral values are. One man who struggled to find employment said, “I’ve learned . . . who I can count on and how much I love my family; I’ve learned to live more modestly, that integrity and honesty matter, that when everything seems dark, there’s always hope.” Periods of financial difficulty remind us of the value of thrift, or the ability to be frugal and live within our means. When we’re feeling the effects of someone’s dishonesty, we see more clearly the importance of integrity, or the alignment of our beliefs with our actions. When the outlook seems bleak, that’s a good time to rediscover hope, to believe that things will get better. Timeless values like these don’t go out of fashion or change with the shifting winds and changing fads of the season. Like giant granite boulders, they stand strong and true in all generations, places, and circumstances. But sometimes we don’t recognize their importance until we have to rely on their strength. Tough times come and go, but these timeless values do not. They keep us steady and hopeful. Now might be a good time to seriously consider again, to discover anew, the values that stand the test of time. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover what matters most. 1. Jim Wallis, “Good News about a Bad Economy,” AARP Bulletin Today, Mar. 1, 2010, http://bulletin.aarp.org/opinions/othervoices/articles/opinion_good_news_about_a_bad_ economy.html. Program #4205 Musical Selection 1. Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah John Hughes, arr. Mack Wilberg; Jackman Music 2. Ave Verum Corpus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Public Domain 3. Fidelis (Organ solo) Percy Whitlock; Oxford University Press 4. Let Us with a Gladsome Mind Alan Ridout; Stainer & Bell 5. Spoken Word 6. Look to the Day John Rutter; Collegium Music 7. Ride the Chariot Spiritual, arr. Wm. Henry Smith; Max T. Krone 8. Bring, O Morn, Thy Music! Howard Helvey; Alfred Publishing