When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.
-- Billy Graham
But, it seems strangely more significant, in light of the events of these days, including those today (Georgia senate-seat runoff vote, among the many). Character is something bigger, more profound—than simply what is or isn't technically legal. It has to do with a deeper sense of what is fundamentally right or wrong, for the greater good of all things—our fellow-man, the earth, our sense of God.
While it has everything to do with the person, character is primarily focused on others, rather than simply oneself. It seeks the power of love, rather then hate; of sacrifice, rather than advantage; of acceptance, rather than judgment.
I can't stop hearing an echo of MLK's perspective on the quality of character....
What character is after is something that legislation can never fully get to. Because, in the end, without a base of character, nothing really works—and all may just be lost.
