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HomeAn Irish Easter Blessing 2012
Posted by Larry Doyle on April 7th, 2012 4:44 AM |
There will be time to continue navigating the economic landscape but this weekend is a time for family, friends, and faith. In fact, wouldn’t it be great if we could always keep our proper focus and perspective when it comes to our family, our friends, and our faith? The world would be a better place if we could.
I hope for today and this weekend you have the opportunity to be with loved ones. In doing so, for those who share my faith let us reconfirm the greatest of all our beliefs,
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered died and was buried.
On the third day he rose again, in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
For those celebrating Passover this weekend, and for those of other faiths, I wish for you real peace today and everyday.
For those who cannot be with family, please let me share this beautiful Irish blessing with a melodious accompaniment so God will watch over you and all of us.
After visiting with my fabulous Uncle Charles a few years back and prior to his passing in early 2010, I encouraged him to “keep the faith.” He responded, “No, Larry, no, do not merely keep the faith, spread the faith.”
Here’s to you, Charlie, and all the Doyles and other family and friends whom we remember today, tomorrow and throughout the year.
As I asked a year ago and will repeat again today, Charlie and my dear, departed loved ones, if you get a chance please put in the good word for us. A couple of the Doyle boys might need a little extra help getting through purgatory!!
On that note, for all those who visit and frequent Sense on Cents, I thank you for your interest and support of my work. However and wherever you may worship, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Can anybody in the crowd tell us the name of this beautiful and blessed spot in Ireland? For those who would like to know more, I am happy to provide this link.
Larry Doyle
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I have no affiliation or business interest with any entity referenced in this commentary. The opinions expressed are my own. I am a proponent of real transparency within our markets so that investor confidence and investor protection can be achieved.
Lessons from Charlie Doyle, An Honest Politician
Posted by Larry Doyle on December 16th, 2009 6:37 AM |
Charles Robert Doyle
“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when nobody is looking.”
Charles Robert Doyle, my uncle and a true champion of the people, passed away this past Saturday evening. When thinking back on the life of Uncle Charles, the above quote quickly comes to mind. Is it mere coincidence or the power of providence that in sourcing that quote, I see it attributed to another true champion and an individual recently highlighted here at Sense on Cents, the great John Wooden. I was thrilled to write “Lessons From Coach Wooden”:
The measure of real value is whether something can stand the test of time. While certain individuals, products, or principles appreciate over time, others dim as time passes. Society also has a funny way of embracing new and valued concepts in an attempt to market and materialize definitions of happiness.
In the midst of the noise and volatility of our current financial market and economic landscape, I treasure those principles which are often overlooked and under-appreciated. These principles include: discipline, simplicity, selflessness, loyalty, drive, humility, relationships, integrity, love. While without being judgmental it is not difficult to identify individuals or situations lacking these timeless traits, how often are we able to identify individuals or situations embracing these characteristics?
This morning, I witnessed just such an individual. Who might that be? My favorite coach of all-time, John Wooden.
In the same spirit, Charles Robert Doyle also embodied the true greatness and essence of these aforementioned principles.
Charlie, a long time state representative, dedicated himself to serving others, especially the youth and elderly of his district in Boston. Over and above serving his constituents, Charlie also dedicated his life to protecting the unborn. Pandering? Self-dealing? Political gamesmanship? Sacrificing principle? All common traits amongst too many of our current politicians, but foreign concepts to Charlie.
What do they say of this giant? Let’s take a look and you can read the stuff of legends. The Boston Globe reports Charles Robert Doyle, 84; Represented West Roxbury in Massachusetts House:
Arthur Lewis, who served Jamaica Plain as a state representative and as a state senator, said Mr. Doyle was “a very honest politician’’ who was a good debater and well-liked in the Legislature.
“There were some guys that talked the talk; he walked the walk,’’ said Joseph F. Timilty, who was a state senator from 1972 to 1984. “He did his homework every day. He was very much misjudged as a one-issue guy because of his position on right to life. That was not the whole Charlie Doyle.’’
Ray Flynn, the former Boston mayor who also served for a time in the state Legislature, remembered Mr. Doyle for his religious faith and for his love of sports.
“Charlie was a very devout Catholic who was very loyal to his faith and his values,’’ Flynn said last night. “Charlie was a very committed, very strong national prolife leader. I don’t think there has been anyone else like him in this country.’’
Charlie fought tirelessly in defense of his principles. He fought no harder battle than defending the life of the unborn.
Regardless of your political viewpoints, my admiration for Charlie and men of his ilk is that they never sacrifice principle for personal gain. How many of our current politicians can make that statement?
I was unaware of all the particulars of Charlie’s fight for the unborn, but a smile crossed my face this morning as I could picture him in the legislative arena. The Globe highlights:
During a debate on the bill in September 1977, according to a report in the Globe, Mr. Doyle likened then-Governor Michael S. Dukakis, who was opposed to the measure, to a modern King Herod of Judea, who ordered that infants under age 2 killed in an attempt to eliminate the threat of Jesus becoming the king of the Jews.
Charlie, thanks for the memories and the inspiration. You walked with giants and cast a very long shadow. We are all better for having known and loved you.
Rest in peace.
LD
