Rich at 95

"I am rich," proclaimed James.

This was his response to receiving many calls and visits from friends and family for his 95th birthday. For almost a century, James has been building his wealth. He is indeed very rich, but his type of wealth is often discounted by modern society.

"True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire” (César Chávez). James' wealth is not in any bank on earth, but it's stored up in heaven. 

Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

James' wealth and happiness are built on the faith of Jesus Christ. His life story captured in the book, Providence In Peril, is a testament to his faith as well as God's grace, mercy, and miraculous power. Due to God's constant presence in James' life, he is described as:

James is a jubilantly jolly fellow

An amazingly insightful person

Meticulous

Energetic & very elegant (even at 95 years old)

Sophisticated, selfless, sweet, smart, and scholarly

Tenacious, thoughtful & trustworthy

Unafraid, unyielding, and unaffected by terror

Remarkably radiant and ravishing

Admirable man with an abundance of affection

Young-at-heart and youthful

James' heavenly storehouse is overflowing as he celebrates 95 years of life. His family and friends are blessed to have him in their lives. As Alhaji Amara Denise, James' nephew says, "He is a man like all other men, and yet perfect amongst men.” This is what it means to be rich at 95.

• Submitted by BB