What’s In Your Wallet?

Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Garner have been asking for years,   “What’s in your wallet?”  Nothing against Mr. Jackson or Ms. Garner, as they are providing star power to a credit card company,  but with all due respect Sam and Jen, really?

If the content of our wallet or the type of credit card we carry determines our value in the societal hierarchy, we are in trouble. Wallet content should not define who we are.  It does not enhance character, integrity or worth and to imply even in a veiled way it could is deception.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman had a full wallet when he died of a heroin overdose. Elvis, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson  had full wallets when they died of prescription drug cocktails.  Robin Williams had a full wallet when he took his own life due to depression a few years back. What was in their wallets had no bearing on their joy, contentment or fulfillment.  What was in their wallets did not give them hope.   While their wallets were full, they were bankrupt in soul.   This is not to imply they were bad people.   On the contrary.  These amazingly gifted folks needed triage.  They were bleeding people and bleeding people aren’t healed by wealth or possessions.   Their wallet content couldn’t save them.

Years ago I would periodically be the dinner guest of an extremely wealthy man.  I knew him only casually, but well enough to know he was rich by anyone’s standards. What was in his wallet was the Black American Express card.    Invariably,  when the waiter or waitress was presented with this little black card,  the service improved. Whether the black card is still limited to high rollers I can not say, but what I do know is that though my wallet paled in comparison to his,  he was one of the poorest men I have ever known.

People were moved by what was in his wallet.  Attractive and charming,  he never lacked for female company.   He went with one – but slept with many. The one he dated reveled in her trinkets and would proudly and repeatedly display them.  He referred to himself as a social drinker,  yet frequented the local watering hole nearly every night,  usually alone.  He professed to have many friends,  but those closest to him spoke of him with disdain and anticipated his betrayal.   I have thought of him over the years and wondered how he fared.   I pray he came to realize what constitutes true wealth and is enjoying his wife of many years and their grandchildren.  I pray.

What is in my wallet?   A couple of credit cards, an insurance card, business cards, and some cash. I still carry pictures of my twins in middle and high school.   I love reflecting on how they have grown and evolved into young women and  I am reminded of what truly makes me rich.   My husband, daughters, friends, extended family and others whose paths I am graced to cross.   People.  People make me rich.

What’s in YOUR wallet?