Thought for today...

World institutions must control untruths, like Catholic Archbishop Vigano

The road to truth is not straight. (Outside car window in Hawaii)

OPINION:
There's something dangerous and ungodly about controlling truth. I for one think our biblical interpretation of the knowledge of good and evil is corrupted and that the Universe revolves on truth. 

It's always better to be truthful, upfront, and trustworthy although it's not easy sometimes. But there is a benefit, although sometimes short-lived, from telling the truth and unmasking untruth. It is very important to not abuse authority by abusing the truth.

Two personal experiences bring this to mind.

After talking to a businessman about a racial incident at his home and how I would like to interview him about it, he told me, "We have to control the message."  That meant controlling the truth!

I also talked to a policeman about departments not reporting the truth about police misconduct before it was reported by media. He informed me that it's important for military and law enforcement to keep "secrets" because it helps in fighting crime.

It all boils down to trust. If you can't trust your husband, your parents, your neighbor, you doctor, your Congressman, your president, your pope or priest, fair dealing becomes an ideal and not reality. 

And a circle of lies starts with one lie.

I had the opportunity to read testimony of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano which gives a blueprint on how world institutions should handle truth. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4786599-Testimony-by-Archbishop-Carlo-Maria-Vigan%C3%B2.html

If we could apply what he said to all institutions, the world would be a better place.

The American College of Financial Services names George Nichols, III pres./ceo

The Board of Trustees of The American College of Financial Services has named George Nichols III president and chief executive officer, beginning November 1, 2018. Mr. Nichols comes to The College after a 17-year career with New York Life, most recently serving as executive vice president in charge of the Office of Governmental Affairs, which encompasses all state, federal and international legislative, regulatory and public policy issues at the company. 

Mr. Nichols' extensive career serving the financial services profession, both in the public and private sectors, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the country's largest accredited, non-profit educator dedicated to the financial services profession. 

"George is one of the nation's most highly regarded and influential leaders in our industry," said James Meehan, Chair of the Board of Trustees at The American College. "His entire career in the profession has been dedicated to advancing financial services for the benefit of society."  

Mr. Nichols joined New York Life in 2001 and during his first five years held a variety of principal roles including special assistant to the chairman supporting strategic initiatives related to international marketing and regulatory policy; senior vice president in the Agency Group; and head of New York Life Direct, the company's Tampa-based direct sales unit. He joined the Office of Governmental Affairs in 2006, assumed its leadership in 2007, and was subsequently named to the company's Executive Management Committee.  In 2017, Mr. Nichols also developed an executive leadership institute for the top leaders of the company.

"New York Life is an institution known for living its core values and doing business the right way, qualities I embedded into my career there and which I intend to carry into this next phase of my journey," said Mr. Nichols. "The commitment of The College to fostering the industry's highest ideals of professionalism, trust and service is one that I am honored to continue. I welcome the opportunity to share my leadership, values and dedication for the benefit of future generations of financial professionals, to help them fulfill their calling and further their pursuit of lifelong learning." 

"In welcoming George to The College, we look forward to his leadership and expertise as we continue on a path of success in leading financial services education," said Meehan. "We have a shared vision to help professionals and companies reach their full potential through relevant learning opportunities that raise expectations and standards, build sustainable advantages for our clients, and influence the industry and the general public for the common good." 

Prior to joining New York Life, Mr. Nichols was the commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Insurance, where he regulated the state's $10 billion insurance industry and was recognized for his expertise in health insurance reform and financial services integration. Before that, he was the executive director of the Kentucky Health Policy Board, vice president of marketing for Athena of North America, executive director of product development of Southeastern Group, Inc. (dba Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky), executive officer of Central State Hospital in Louisville, and executive assistant to the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services. 

He was Kentucky's first African-American insurance commissioner (1995), the first African-American president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (1999), and the first African-American elected to New York Life's Executive Management Committee (2006). 

Mr. Nichols has been named twice to the list of "Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America," (2018 and 2012) by Savoy, the leading African-American business and lifestyle magazine. Mr. Nichols received an M.A. degree from the University of Louisville, a B.A. degree from Western Kentucky University, and an A.A. degree from Alice Lloyd College. He and his wife, Cynthia Jean, have three adult children: Courtney, Jessica and George IV.  

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE

The American College of Financial Services was founded in 1927 and is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated one in five financial advisors across the United States and offers two master's degrees in management and financial services and prestigious financial planning designations such as the Retirement Income Certified Professional^® (RICP^®), Chartered Life Underwriter^® (CLU^®), Chartered Financial Consultant^® (ChFC^®), Wealth Management Certified Professional^®(WMCP^®) and education leading to the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP^®) certification. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders of the financial services profession.  For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu. http://TheAmericanCollege.edu

NACA plans mortgage event in Atlanta Sept. 13-17

NACA

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE CORPORATION OF AMERICA
WWW.NACA.COM

Here's how you can be approved for a home mortgage loan the same day if you have all your paperwork in order.

The NACA "Achieve the Dream" event tour hits Atlanta beginning Thursday, September 13 through Monday September 17th. This one-stop homeownership event provides on-site pre-approval for NACA’s Best in America Mortgage (no down payment, no closing costs at a below market fixed rate). The event takes place at AmericasMart, Building 2, 4th Floor, 230 Ted Turner Dr. NW, Atlanta from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. each day.

"Achieve the Dream" events have already demonstrated extraordinary success with thousands of pre-approvals. While no appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome, go to www.naca.com or call 425-602-6222 for more information. 

Full Documentation is Required. Make Your Best Efforts to Bring the Below Documents Not Already Submitted:
• Identification (photo ID)
• Paystubs (most recent 30-days)
• W-2s (2017 & 2016)
• Tax Returns (most recent two years)
• Bank Statements all accounts (most recent 90 days)
• Credit Card statements for all open accounts (most recent statement)
• Self-Employed – 12 months of bank statements
• Other documents and information on your Action Plan or identified in your workbook

Faith and Community Forum to be held by Cobb County, Ga. police

Leaders and staff from institutions of faith and all community members are invited to attend the Cobb County Police Department's 5th Faith and Community Forum. It will be held Monday, Sept. 10 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  at the Cobb County Public Safety Training Center, 2109 Valor Drive, Marietta, Ga.

Community safety will be the focus as participants discuss crime and gangs, provide safety tips, and share how all can work together to respond. Participants should come prepared to ask questions, give input, and facilitate discussion. 

Police Chief Mike Register has been hosting these forums in order to develop results-oriented relationships with the community, have candid discussions, partner to find solutions to issues and needs, and be a catalyst for improvement.

Please R.S.V.P. to Darcy Sibilsky at darcy.sibilsky@cobbcounty.org by Wednesday, Sept. 5.

Alice Johnson celebrates 85th birthday

The 85th birthday celebration was held for Alice Johnson Saturday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. in Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church's Social Hall in Greenville, S.C.

Donna and Sherman Johnson came from New Jersey, and Thomasena and Kurk Johnson came from Metro Atlanta to help celebrate their aunt's birthday.

Ms. Johnson, who grew up in Greenville but lived many years in California, was treated to food, music, gifts and kind words given by 15 speakers. Mrs. Johnson retired several years ago from  Woolworths, described by Wikipedia as "the most successful American and international five-and-dime business, setting trends and creating the modern retail model that stores follow worldwide today."

"You guys roasted me real good," said Ms. Johnson after the ceremony.

Sister Hattie Massey celebrated with Alice Johnson

Attributes that Ms. Johnson possesses, according to her contemporaries, are grace, wisdom, beauty, kindness, service, love, and strength.

As far as her age, her nephew, Kurk Johnson, said all time is relative. Quoting Einstein, he said, "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once."

Poem for Alice

by Viola Williams

What makes a woman beautiful? 
The way she inspires with her kindness,

the way she encourages dreams into reality, 
the way she carries herself as she moves through the world changing lives and hearts with her love.

Hope you know what a beautiful woman you truly are.