FergusonPoetryProject LLC

Sermon: The Value of a Penny—Finding Worth in What the World Discards

Introduction: The song “One Penny Away” offers a profound reflection on the value of things that are often overlooked or discarded. It tells the story of a woman who, despite her wealth, gradually loses everything, only to find hope and purpose through an unexpected encounter. This narrative invites us to consider how we measure worth and what we truly value in life. By exploring these themes through Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and Scripture, we can gain insight into the importance of faith, humility, and the transformative power of seemingly insignificant acts.

The Fall from Wealth: Understanding the Fragility of Earthly Riches The song begins with a rich woman who, despite her wealth, finds herself slowly losing everything—”gravity made the rich girl poor.” This imagery reflects the biblical truth that material wealth is fleeting and cannot bring true fulfillment. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This passage reminds us that earthly riches are temporary and that our true wealth lies in our relationship with God and the treasures we store in heaven.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values the freedom to pursue personal success and wealth, but it also recognizes the limitations and potential pitfalls of materialism. The song’s portrayal of the woman’s fall from wealth challenges us to reflect on what we truly value and to consider whether we are placing our trust in things that ultimately cannot satisfy. It invites us to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly rich, not in terms of money, but in terms of love, faith, and purpose.

The Power of Small Acts: A Penny’s Worth The repeated refrain of “one penny away” underscores the significance of even the smallest acts. In the song, the woman tosses pennies down a well, an act that may seem insignificant but ultimately leads to her transformation. This echoes the biblical story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus praises a poor widow who gives two small coins, saying, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” This story teaches us that the value of a gift is not in its size but in the heart and sacrifice behind it.

From a modern human perspective, small acts of kindness, generosity, or faith can have a profound impact, far beyond what we might expect. Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to give and to serve in ways that are meaningful to each individual, recognizing that even the smallest actions can contribute to the greater good. The song’s emphasis on the value of a penny challenges us to consider how we can make a difference in the lives of others, even with what little we may have.

Redemption Through Encounter: The Transformative Power of Love The turning point in the song occurs when a man, walking through the desert, encounters the woman and offers her something far more valuable than money—love, compassion, and hope. This encounter transforms her life, leading her from despair to a new purpose as “the captain of this fishing ship.” This narrative is reminiscent of Jesus’ encounters with those in need, where He offers not just physical healing or material relief but a deeper spiritual renewal. In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her “living water” that will satisfy her deepest thirst.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values individual freedom, but it also recognizes the importance of relationships and the impact of meaningful encounters. The song’s portrayal of the woman’s transformation through love and compassion challenges us to seek out opportunities to connect with others, to offer hope and encouragement, and to be open to the ways in which these encounters can change our own lives. It reminds us that redemption is often found not in material wealth but in the relationships we build and the love we share.

The Journey from Rags to Riches: Finding True Wealth in Humility The song concludes with the woman’s journey from “riches to rags, to riches, again,” symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the potential for renewal and redemption. This journey reflects the biblical principle that true wealth is found in humility and faith, rather than in material possessions. In Philippians 4:12-13, Paul writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This passage highlights the importance of contentment and reliance on God, regardless of our circumstances.

Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to pursue one’s goals and dreams, but it also emphasizes the importance of humility and gratitude. The song’s depiction of the woman’s journey challenges us to reflect on our own lives, to recognize the blessings we have been given, and to find contentment and purpose in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to seek true wealth in our relationships, our faith, and our commitment to serving others.

Conclusion: “One Penny Away” is a song that beautifully captures the themes of value, redemption, and the transformative power of love. It reminds us that true wealth is not measured in material possessions but in the relationships we build, the love we share, and the small acts of kindness that can change the world.

As we reflect on these themes, let us be encouraged to seek out opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. Let us remember that even the smallest gift, given with love and sacrifice, can have a profound impact. And let us trust in the power of love and compassion to bring about transformation and renewal in our lives and the lives of others.

May we all find the courage to live lives of humility, generosity, and faith, knowing that true wealth is found not in the riches of this world but in the treasures we store in heaven. And may we always be willing to offer our “pennies”—whatever they may be—to make the world a better place.

One penny away, oh I sing one penny away, then you sing one penny away
Then I sing one penny away, then you swing. It’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right
Hey, hey, hey, hey. She threw a penny down to where she dwelled, where she was a secret she
Could never tell. And every day she would toss one more, gravity made the rich girl poor

The last day came, to where she went, the last bit of change was all but spent
She’s waited forever and yet again, she needs some change that’s heaven sent
Penny away, oh I sing one penny away, then you swing one penny away, then I sing one penny away
Then you swing. It’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right

A man came by a day, he’d been walking through the desert sand. He stopped by the well and asked her
Why she had been crying all the night. She speaks to him, empty stares, faithless men, greed and fear
He spoke of loves, out they went, aboard a sea of fish. A man, penny away, then you sing one penny away
Then you swing one penny away, then you sing one penny away, then you sing

And it’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right
A long story short, 20 years go by. My hair is long, my head’s still high
She’s my captain of this fishing ship. Riches to rags, to riches, again
Penny away, oh I sing one penny away, then you swing one penny away, then I sing one penny away

Then you sing. It’s all right, it’s all right, it’s all right
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson