True Wealth: A Heartfelt Story of a Rich Life Without Riches

 I grew up “poor” here in the mountains of my home. Yet, we always had enough to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over our heads—except for a few days when my Nana’s house, where I first lived, burned down. But above all, our home was filled with love, laughter, and joy.

Still, society constantly reminded me how “poor” we were. Commercials, magazines, and TV shows all showed me what the “Good Life” looked like—fancy homes, shiny cars, and expensive things. I decided then that I would graduate from college, land a high-paying job, and buy all the things I never had. I even cut out pictures of a Mercedes-Benz and a mansion from a magazine and taped them to my wall.

But God had a different plan. 

Finding a job after college was harder than I imagined. Life was tough. Money was tight. Then, one by one, two of my children were diagnosed with autism and mental disabilities. In the years that followed, I slowly realized I might never have that big house or luxury car. I would never be “rich” or admired by the world’s standards.

               And yet, when I look back on those years, I find myself looking up to the sky and whispering, “Thank You.”

Because now I understand: material wealth was never what I truly needed. 

If I had chased riches and success, I might have lost my soul. Instead, I learned the real meaning of a rich life—a life filled with love. I realized that in God’s eyes, we are all rich, all priceless, and all deeply loved.

        Author Robert Fulghum once said, “Living the good life and living a good life are not the same thing.”

Now I know how true that is. God led me not to a mansion or a Mercedes, but to a life full of meaning—a life of laughter, kindness, and joy. In truth, I have never been poor, not even for a day. I have always been rich in what matters most.

And that, dear reader, is my wish for you too.