A Woman’s Welfare is Worth more than Wealth

Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly Wednesday blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of spirituality and sport.

The Limitations of Wealth

“Better is a little with righteousness than large income with injustice”-Proverbs 16:8

The Priority of Women’s Welfare

The story of the apparent temporary disappearance of Chinese tennis star, Peng Shuai, has gripped the global sporting community over the past few weeks. After she made allegations that a senior political figure in China subjected her to sexual assault in the past, she was not seen in public for the days that followed.  Concern grew quickly and in many quarters.

While recent videos and media releases suggest that she is alive and well, speculation is still rife as to whether she is speaking freely and of her own volition. She is well known in the tennis community and is also well loved. Her home country, China, is arguably one of the world’s leading superpowers with vast economic and financial resources.

Against this backdrop it is hard to ignore the courage of Steve Simon, the head of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) who stated, unapologetically, that he was willing to break lucrative sports contracts in China, if proper assurances were not given regarding Peng Shuai’s wellbeing. For him, the welfare of women in his sport took priority over any revenue to be generated from tennis. Excellent.

In reflecting on Proverbs 16 above, the perspective is clear: Justice and righteousness have greater worth than wealth. You are better off if you have limited resources but are filled with a depth of conviction for what is right and fair. In the long run, a large income with injustice is destined for failure.

We pray for Peng Shuai’s physical, mental and emotional health and for whatever is hidden in darkness to come to light.

The Worth of Right Choices

Money cannot buy good character. Be committed to doing the right thing-always.     

If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.