$$ Money $$

Merriam-Webster defines, money, as 1) something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment such as money in an account or paper money. 2) Wealth reckoned in terms of money or an amount of money. 3) A form of denomination of coin or paper money. 4) Prize money or phrases used like “in th money”, or “out of the money.” 5) Persons or interests possessing great wealth.

As we mature, many of us depend on money to live by working full time or retiring that includes depending on retirement funds, social security and investments to live. Money is the tool that allows us to eat, sleep, work and recreate.

Money allows us quality of life so we value as a tool but not necessarily the end means. Being a victim of a robbery at my former employment, I believe that the persons involved saw money that “being rich” will solve their problems instead of working though them and growing. Unhealthy attitudes of having abundant amount of money can solve all of one’s problems is unhealthy. Money earned from hard work of doing a job well done adds value to one’s life such as being able to purchase a home for your family to grow in or to take a trip of a lifetime to somewhere you have always dreamed about.

The O’Jays sung, For the Love of Money, because of its effect on human behavior. Read the lyrics below and decide for yourself.

Money money money money, money [Repeat: x 6]

Some people got to have it

Some people really need it

Listen to me why’all, do things, do things, do bad things with it

You want to do things, do things, do things, good things with it

Talk about cash money, money

Talk about cash money- dollar bills, why’all

For the love of money

People will steal from their mother

For the love of money

People will rob their own brother

For the love of money

People can’t even walk the street

Because they never know who in the world they’re gonna beat

For that lean, mean, mean green

Almighty dollar, money

For the love of money

People will lie, Lord, they will cheat

For the love of money

People don’t care who they hurt or beat

For the love of money

A woman will sell her precious body

For a small piece of paper it carries a lot of weight

Call it lean, mean, mean green

Almighty dollar

I know money is the root of all evil

Do funny things to some people

Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime

Money can drive some people out of their minds

Got to have it, I really need it

How many things have I heard you say

Some people really need it

How many things have I heard you say

Got to have it, I really need it

How many things have I heard you say

Lay down, lay down, a woman will lay down

For the love of money

All for the love of money

Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money rule you

For the love of money

Money can change people sometimes

Don’t let, don’t let, don’t let money fool you

Money can fool people sometimes

People! Don’t let money, don’t let money change you,

It will keep on changing, changing up your mind.

Source: LyricFind

The O’Jays April 1974

Teach your children and grandchildren wisely how their attitude and knowledge of money.

Thank you,

Leslie Elizabeth David.