What Does Your Dollar Say About You?

     In Karen Kingsbury's latest release, The Bridge, the well-regarded author weaves details of the changes that face independent bookstores throughout the love story plot. As an independent Christian bookstore owner I have often been frustrated by the disconnect well-meaning people have when it comes to how they choose to spend their God given resource of money. A case in point: last Sunday, a local pastor shared a message. At the conclusion he wisely provided examples of titles that the congregants could purchase for further exploration of the topic. So far, so good.... I realized as I looked at those titles that Amazing Grace Bookstore carries them and I was planning to make sure we had copies in stock on Monday. I am also confident that the other two Christian retailers in Gloucester County -the Joshua Tree in Woodbury and The Way Station in Elk Township - also carry them. What I heard next was truly astounding. Instead of suggesting that these resources be obtained locally, the pastor advised that they could be purchased online at "CBD" or "Amazon". Ouch. I wonder if he knows that Amazing Grace has an online store in addition to our "brick and mortar" location. Here's hoping that 2013 is the year folks recognize the bigger picture and shop locally- after all, there are three fine Christian bookstores to choose from in this area. Yes, we are retailers- that is how we pay our bills- but first and foremost we are the Lord's ambassadors. We pray with our customers, sometimes we even cry with them..... Can the same be said about big box retailers like Walmart or warehouse clubs? Or behemoth Amazon? Choose wisely whom your dollars serve. As for me and the staff at Amazing Grace, we will serve our guests with genuine care and Christ-like compassion.