Finances: Face Your Fears

There’s an old saying that goes, “You can run, but you can’t hide.”  Trust me when I tell you that nothing better describes my relationship with my finances for most of my adult life.

In my college years and mid-twenties, I spent money like water trying to soothe the problems only Christ could solve.  In my thirties, I finally woke up, but it was only to do the bare minimum of giving, paying my bills on time and saving for retirement.  However, as I tip toe toward my forties—I’m facing down my financial fears.  

For years, my financial goals were stalled.

I recently realized that my failure to set and achieve goals in this area of my life was not reflective of a lack of ambition, but rather a loss of confidence in my ability to qualify for my dreams.  In short, it was a fear of insufficiency.  A part of me didn’t really believe that I could qualify for the privilege of home ownership and financial freedom.  This qualification couldn’t come from a bank or mortgage company; I’m talking about my belief in my ability to handle the task.

Regardless of how far my actions may have separated me from the mistakes of my past, my mind still lived in a place of fear.  (I felt like the foolish college girl when it came to handling my money.)  But in keeping with my one resolution to change the things I can, I’ve finally mustered up the courage to put it all down on paper!

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You Are a Role Model

I watched with pride and a love-filled heart as my 16 month-old niece flipped through her storybook.  She turned the pages and squealed “Hi-Ya”—mimicking the sounds her mother makes when she normally reads her the book.  One would have thought she could actually read, the way I was carried on as I told my sister the story over the phone.  But, I knew my niece was simply imitating what she’d seen done.  

A few days later as I walked through the house, I quoted a random silly phrase from a popular comedian and within seconds she was parroting the same words right back to me.  She is learning through imitation.

It struck me that because she is listening and watching…I need to be more careful regarding the things I do and say when I am in her presence.  And to ensure that I am the best role model possible when I am with her, I have to pursue the same level of excellence when I’m away from her as well.

As believers, we must not lose sight of the fact that we are role models to those around us.  It doesn’t matter whether or not we like it, or think it’s right.  When you profess to be anything, others look to you to model the behavior it represents. We expect accountants to know math, hairdressers to have nice hairstyles and doctors to take care of themselves. And for good or bad…when we say that we are Christians, people are expecting us to live and behave a certain way.  Beyond that…so is our Redeemer.

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In His Image: Do You Look Like Your Daddy?

Two summers ago I attended my family reunion on my father’s side.  Many of us stayed at the same hotel and on the first day there, I passed one of my great aunts while getting into the elevator.  When she saw me, she smiled and said, “I don't know who you are, but I know who your daddy is. Your daddy is Willie James!"  She knew my father and despite not seeing me for years, she was able to see him reflected in me.

Throughout my life, I've often been told that I look or act like one parent or the other.  In my younger years, I fought the comparisons—viewing them as an infringement on my own identity.  But now, I am touched when anyone sees them in me. 

Despite how much this pleases me, the image I truly desire to reflect is that of my Heavenly Father.  Just as a relative who hadn't seen me in years could so easily find my natural father in my features, I want others to find my Heavenly Father in my actions.  In a crisis, I want to respond with His wisdom.  When afraid, I want to reflect His strength and when crossed and forsaken...I want to reveal His love.

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