HELLO!

They sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds as any had need. Acts 2:45

I have a peculiar relationship with money and other kinds of financial assets. Likely, this view is coloured by my privilege. I was raised in middle class family, two parents who grew up in working class families that needed to “scramble” to make ends meet. My maternal grandparents lost their dreams of education and careers they desired when the depression hit, grandfather worked for Morse’s Tea, and for extra income he drove the owner around in a fancy car (he was also Robert Standfield’s driver during campaigns). My maternal grandmother got a job at grocery stores, sitting in aisles with new products, trying to get customers to give them a try. My paternal grandfather got a job at 16, working for CN as a carpenter, later the supervisor of fixing all rail cars that came to Halifax in need of repair. It paid well enough to support his family, my paternal grandmother cared for her two sons and the extended older relations (Kenways) that came to Halifax from Flat Island (Placentia Bay) in Newfoundland. Money was tight, but with thrift and low maintenance, they survived. My parents took note, unlike many of their friends they were frugal and never allowed themselves to ever go in debt, cash for everything. My mom’s Christian faith made her a generous giver, for those in need, not herself or her family. I believe my “triage” philosophy of my money, public money, was informed by this. Make sure bills are paid, have enough for a rainy day, share with those in need. That remains my vision as a minister, a husband and father, a citizen. Privilege plays a part in this philosophy, but so does faith and experience and awareness of how others view the same challenges. I have never been impressed by wealth, those that inspire me are persons who express their faith in action, not words but deeds, who walk what they talk. That consistency has been my goal.

As I fill out my tax forms these reflections come to mind. In polite society we can, and do, talk of many things, including our health, our likes and dislikes, some even venture into very private matters. But money is taboo. And yet…Jesus spoke more about money and what it is for than most other things. I call myself a champion of the frugal nanny state (very frugal). I believe God wants everyone to have dignity, a place to call home, green space to thrive, community to come to life. I also know the stress debt can bring, when we promise more than we can deliver. We have enough, we need to share. And we need to make sure there will be enough on rainy days too. There is what we want, and what we need.

We all need love. We all deserve dignity, respect and hope. Peace, Kevin