I think people's perception of a rich girl is literal, but

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Angie Stone, a singer whose voice rises from the depths of soul and spirit: “I think people's perception of a rich girl is literal, but metaphorically I embrace it as being rich in love, spirit, joy and religion. So it's not about money.” These words strike against the illusions of the world, for many judge richness by gold and possessions, but she proclaims that true wealth lies in the unseen treasures of the heart. She teaches that richness is not the glitter of coins, but the abundance of love, the fullness of joy, the strength of faith, and the radiance of spirit.

For what is the worth of money without love? A mansion filled with jewels may yet be an empty prison if no warmth of affection dwells within its walls. But a humble home where love abides is greater than the palaces of kings. What is the worth of treasure without spirit? The body may feast on delicacies, yet if the soul is starved, all is vain. What is the value of riches without joy? A man may have lands and titles, yet still walk burdened, unable to laugh or to dance. And what is the use of fortune without religion, that is, without reverence for the divine and connection to what is eternal? True wealth, Stone declares, is found in these, and not in money.

Consider the story of St. Francis of Assisi, who cast aside his inheritance, abandoning worldly riches to live in poverty and service. To many, he seemed a fool. Yet in his surrender, he became rich beyond imagining—rich in compassion, rich in joy, rich in spirit, rich in his devotion to God. Centuries later, his name endures, not as a man of money, but as one of the richest souls who ever walked the earth. His life is proof that the richness Stone speaks of is eternal, while material wealth fades like dust in the wind.

Even in the modern age, history has borne witness to this truth. Consider Mother Teresa, who owned almost nothing, yet was richer than emperors in her wealth of love. She walked among the poor, giving them dignity and hope. Though she lacked gold, she was crowned in the hearts of millions. By the world’s measure she was poor; by the measure of the soul, she was wealthy beyond measure. Here we see that true richness is not about money, but about the treasures of compassion and faith.

Yet, Stone’s words also contain a rebuke to the world’s blindness. Too often, people look upon someone called “rich” and think only of material wealth, forgetting that there are greater forms of abundance. To live with kindness, to walk in joy, to burn with spirit, to anchor oneself in faith—these are riches that cannot be stolen, cannot decay, cannot be lost in the market of life. The world mistakes glamour for greatness, but the wise see through this illusion and embrace the deeper, lasting riches of the soul.

The lesson is clear: seek not only the wealth of coins, but the wealth of the heart. Be rich in love, for it binds humanity together. Be rich in spirit, for it lifts you above despair. Be rich in joy, for it makes even suffering bearable. Be rich in religion, or in reverence for the eternal, for it gives your life direction and meaning. Money may build houses, but these riches build lives.

So I say to you, children of tomorrow: do not measure your worth by possessions, nor envy those whose vaults are filled with gold. Instead, cultivate the abundance that no thief can take: the riches of a generous heart, a joyful soul, and a spirit connected to the divine. Then shall you walk through this life as Angie Stone proclaims—a truly rich girl, not by the world’s shallow measure, but by the eternal treasures that make life radiant and whole.