Those of you who follow my blog know that I do not use it as a journal but more of a picture-posting medium. That changes today, as I have to mention this experience I just had. I was at the daily grind, folding laundry on my bed, and flipped on the TV, not even paying attention to what was on or taking the time to change the channel. As it happened, it was the Glenn Beck show and he was interviewing Jon Huntsman Sr.
The story that stopped me in my tracks and had me bawling on the bed was about what happened to his company after 9/11. His company was hit very hard and he was nearly close to losing it. Nevertheless, they did bounce back and were looking like they were going to be alright. Huntsman quickly made it a priority to approach his bank for another (I would assume quite hefty) loan. When they remarked that his company was looking like it would be alright, he said that he didn't need the money for the company; it was a personal loan he was seeking. They asked if he was starting a new company with it and he said that no, he needed it to fulfill all his charitable obligations. He went on to explain that when the economy is hit the hardest that charities suffer the most. He told the man that if he did not get this loan and continue to donate to the charities he had commitments to, people would go hungry. The bank responded that they had never seen a customer take out a loan for "charity". Oh, the tears.
No amount of writing could begin to capture the feelings of honor, integrity, respect, and love that this man evokes. What a true message of Christmas this man portrays of giving over receiving.
So forget the Michael Jordans, the Brad Pitts, the Oprahs (gasp!). Jon Hunstman is MY true American icon.
.JPG)
1 comments:
that is an awesome story, and it shows that people like that do exist!! It says A LOT about him, and encourages me to be better!! thanks
Post a Comment