When Trust is Broken
"Seeing From Within" -When Something Is Legal but Still Feels Wrong
I have possessions in my home that are fifty years old. Some may laugh and say, “Are you a pack rat?”
No.
I was raised with the understanding that when something has value, you care for it. You repair it. You preserve it. You do not waste what has been entrusted to your hands.
Perhaps that is why, when I sit in a public meeting and hear of an asset being sold, my heart naturally asks:
“Help me understand the stewardship behind the decision.”
Not because I know there is wrongdoing.
Not because I believe someone has bad intentions.
But because everything purchased by a community represents years of sacrifice from people who paid their bills, trusted their leaders, and believed those resources would be cared for.
A water tank is not merely plastic or fiberglass.
It represents ratepayer dollars, planning, labor, maintenance, and years of public trust.
A tank may be worth less today than the day it was purchased. It may cost money to remove, transport, and reinstall. A lower sale price may be completely reasonable.
And yet, a citizen may still ask:
How was the value determined?
What was the original investment?
What costs are involved in moving it?
Where will the money from the sale be placed?
How will those funds continue to serve the community?
These are not questions of accusation.
They are questions of stewardship.
Father God,
Grant wisdom to those who lead and humility to those who question.
May leaders remember that what they manage has been entrusted to them by the hands of many.
May citizens seek truth without cruelty, accountability without accusation, and understanding before judgment.
Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts willing to work together for the good of all.
A government action can meet the letter of the law and still leave citizens with a feeling of concern.
Ethics often asks a higher question:
“Would this decision withstand the light of public understanding?”
Transparency is not only about proving innocence.
It is about allowing citizens to understand:
Why decisions were made.
How money was spent.
Whether alternatives were considered.
Whether relationships or interests were disclosed.
Transparency and disclosure are tools that help the public maintain confidence that decisions are fair and not driven by private benefit.
With Love,
Carlene🌿
“If this spoke to you, feel free to share or reflect quietly. I’m holding this space gently.”