The "Widow's Mite"

 During the recently concluded  2014 session of the West Virginia State Legislature, I joined seventy-four other Delegates in sponsoring various and sundry legislative proposals on a number of issues.

 

 This session, in particular, was one of conscientious concern about our individual and collective Mountaineer well-being, that occasionally even careened into contentious calumny.

 

 The principles of individual liberty, personal accountability and personal empowerment were uppermost in my thoughts then, as well as now.

 

 During this legislative session and as the filing deadline approached for the 2014 election cycle, the multitude of candidates vying for voter approval in various government offices also were a matter of deep reflection for me.

 

 Thinking about my own bid for re-election and doing my best to resist the clamor from some politicos, who were urging me to "fudge" my political principles and pander to the lowest common denominator, an envelope arrived in the mail.

 

 Enclosed therein was a personal check for two dollars on behalf of my re-election, including a personal note from a lady in my district.

 

 She apologized for the amount of her  contribution, explaining that it was "all that she could afford" from her limited budget but wanting to do all she could do to support me and my efforts.

 

 This "Widow's Mite" from this lady of most infinite worth is, and always will be, my personal "Pearl of Great Price".