Happy Sunday! Welcome back to another edition of our Sunday Legacy Letters. If you’ve been following along with Operation T.A.G., you know that this series is all about more than just the "business" of real estate or mortgage lending. It’s about the heart behind it: the values we pass down and the stories we leave behind for the next generation.
Today, I want to pull back the curtain on a personal journey of mine that started a few years ago. It’s a journey of ink, paper, and late nights that eventually led me to a much deeper realization about what "wealth" really means in our modern world.
The Three-Year Marathon and the Three-Week Sprint
I recently discovered a passion I never knew I had: writing. It hasn’t always been easy, though. My first book, Living Life by Design, was a labor of love that took me three full years to complete. I labored over every word, every chapter, and every concept. There were moments where the process felt incredibly challenging, almost like I was trying to run through waist-deep water.
But once that first book was finished, something shifted. It was as if a dam had broken in my mind.
Surprisingly, right after finishing that three-year project, I was able to write two companion workbooks in just three weeks. The speed at which the words flowed amazed me. It wasn't a struggle anymore; it was a conversation. Since then, I’ve been on a bit of a roll. I’ve written 12 books and counting, and most of them have been completed in about two weeks each.
The subjects vary wildly. I’ve written technical books for the mortgage industry, self-help books to help people find their footing, children’s and young adult stories to inspire the next generation, and faith-based books that reflect my own walk with the Lord. Whether I'm writing about VA loan limits or spiritual growth, the goal is always the same: to share knowledge that helps someone else live a better, more intentional life.
The Mirage of Modern Wealth
Through all this writing and researching, I couldn't help but notice a recurring theme in our society. If you turn on the news, scroll through social media, or listen to the "experts," one topic dominates almost every conversation: money.
We are a culture obsessed with wealth, riches, and financial status. We celebrate the "rich lists," idolize entrepreneurs who hit billion-dollar valuations, and treat professional athletes like modern-day royalty solely based on their contracts. There is a prevailing idea that if you have enough money, you’ve "made it": that success is guaranteed by the size of your bank account.
However, as I spent more time in the Word and writing my faith-based books, I realized that the biblical perspective on finances often stands in direct contradiction to the values of our modern culture. We see the wealthy as the "winners," but the Bible offers a much more nuanced, and frankly, more humbling view of prosperity.
Victory and the Lord
It is crucial to remember that success in life cannot be guaranteed by the amount of money or resources one possesses. We see this clearly in Proverbs 21:31:
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord."
You can have the best equipment, the most capital, and the perfect plan, but ultimate success belongs to Him. In the mortgage world, I see people stress over every penny, thinking that the perfect financial strategy is their only hope for security. While being a good steward is important, our ultimate security doesn't come from our strategy: it comes from our Savior.
Our society tends to disregard the needs of the hungry and the homeless in our own communities while focusing on the glamour of the elite. We create tiers of humanity based on net worth. But Proverbs 22:2 reminds us of a fundamental truth that levels the playing field:
"Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all."
In the eyes of God, the veteran struggling to find a home and the billionaire in a penthouse are equal. They are both created in His image, and both are in need of His grace.
Defining Ultimate Riches
So, what are "true" riches? If it’s not the gold in the vault or the equity in a home, what is it?
True and lasting riches come from humility and the fear of the Lord. Interestingly, the Bible says this mindset can, at times, bring material wealth, but more importantly, it brings honor and a fulfilling life. The New Testament takes it a step further, emphasizing that the ultimate riches are found in a relationship with Christ. This is a wealth that transcends earthly possessions because it cannot be taxed, stolen, or lost to a market crash.
When we prioritize God in our lives, our perspective on money changes. We stop seeing it as a scorecard for our worth and start seeing it as a tool for His work. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This allows us to test and approve what God’s will is: His good, pleasing, and perfect plan.
Tangible Acts of Gratitude
This belief is exactly why we do what we do at Operation T.A.G. We believe that gratitude shouldn't just be a feeling; it should be an action. If the "ultimate riches" are found in our relationship with God and how we treat others, then helping a military family find a home is a way to store up those true riches.
We know that the transition from military to civilian life can be tough. We know that the housing market can feel like a "battle" where the odds are stacked against those who have served. That is why we provide a tangible way to help through the Hometown Hero Credit.
How the Hometown Hero Credit Works
As part of our mission as a non-profit organization and partnership with PRMG, we offer a 2% credit: up to $21,000: to help military families, veterans, and Gold Star families buy or refinance a home.
This program is our way of seeking God’s wisdom in finances: using the resources we have to bless those who have given so much for our freedom. It’s about more than just a mortgage; it’s about providing stability and a place for families to grow.
Seek His Guidance
Today, I encourage you to look at your own "ledger." Are you prioritizing the world's definition of wealth, or are you seeking the ultimate riches found in Christ?
Remember, Proverbs 21:30 tells us: "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."
Trust in His guidance. Seek His wisdom in all matters: including your finances, your career, and your family. His plans for you are better than anything you could design for yourself.
If you are a veteran or a military family looking to find your way home, or if you know someone who is, reach out. We are here to turn gratitude into action.
Stay blessed,
Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit, a program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), and 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF.
Websites: www.OperationTAG.org and www.HometownHeroCredit.com
Phone: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)
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