Recommended Reading


As I was reading at my favorite bakery, another patron stopped by and took an image of my selection.  We chatted and she recommended this non-fiction book:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-King-of-Diamonds/Rena-Pederson/9781639366057

My hand would not normally reach for this, but since Rena Pederson was at the Dallas Morning News when I also penned commentary for the organization I made a trip to the library to obtain a copy.  She has my respect.

Easy to read - it is a fascinating story of what we call "The Dallas Bubble" - the wealthy inner circle of older and wealthy members of Dallas society who find their habitat within the prestigious neighborhood of Preston Hollow.  This is also the area where former President George W. Bush chose to live after leaving the White House.  On my birthday the year the Bush family returned to Texas a former editor of an oil and gas journal took me to view the home's exterior.  My comment?  "My God, Tom!  It looks like a dental clinic!"

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/photos/preston-hollow-dallas

Some of the homeowners had removed the "Welcome Home, George and Laura" signs which had been placed by the homeowners association and were seated on lawn chairs selling the signs for one dollar. Apparently, some were not enamored with their new neighbors.  But it was my privilege to later assist our former POTUS with his book signing at Brook Hollow Golf Club.

But back to the book!

I have just finished reading the chapter on Clint Murchison, Sr.   The reading is merited  for this chapter alone.

Years ago, I attended a pool party at the home of his son,  Clint Murchison, Jr.  His wife Anne,  was an acquaintance of mine because we attended the same church.  Because of Anne, Clint Murchison, Jr. embraced Christianity later in life.  Our church hosted his funeral.

So when reading about Clint Murchison, Sr. - I was unaware the man was such a scoundrel.  And I was reminded again how power shakes hands with wealth; wealth rewards the powerful; and the powerful assure the wealthy never pay for their crimes.

Has anything changed?  In Dallas?  In Austin?  In Washington, D.C.?

Another thought floats across my psyche.  The power of law can be diluted with wealth. But there is no deficiency nor dilution with the grace of Jesus Christ.  Nor can that grace be purchased.  That purchase, came with the blood of Jesus.  The grace is there for the acceptance:  of the Son of God, belief in His sacrifice and Resurrection.

Romans 10:9-10 

Do consider adding "The King of Diamonds" to your stack of books lined up for winter reading. It is a pleasant departure for me.

Tammy Swofford

https://thelastenglishprince.wordpress.com/

swoffordwrites@gmail.com






 

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