Age: 25Hometown: Harlem, NY, NY
Phrase that describes my relationship with money: Concerned
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Careless
My 21-day goal: To spend and save more responsibly
My weakness: Buying things I don't need
My fear for these 21 days: Not being able to follow through
What I will miss most: Dining out/fast food)
Okay, so here we are entering our final week of the financial fast and I must say this has been a revealing task for me. Why? Because I have realized my relationship with money and food are jacked up!
I have spent money over the years on frivolous things that I didn't to make me happy. I have gone shopping when I didn't need to go. I have gone out to the movies when I knew that I should have stayed at home. Yet, I would spend that money anyway. I have even gone to the ATM and withdrawn money not caring that my account would overdraft, because - as I saw it - I always knew the money would get replaced...eventually.
As far as food goes...it's basically like a "comfort" for me. Don't get me wrong: I love to cook for family, friends, and church events. Yet, during this fast, I have realized that sometimes I eat out of boredom, or because I'm out with friends. I have also realized that there are times that I go out to dinner and eat...even though I am not hungry. As I said last wee, I also buy fast food when I'm just too lazy to cook at home...although I have the same ingredients at home in my kitchen.
I'm sharing all of this because I want to be transparent. The love of money is the root of all evil. Yeah, I know it sounds like a cliche and churchie. Yet, if it weren't the truth it wouldn't be in scriptures and we wouldn't be participating in this fast. Our focus needs to be on the one who is, and should be the most important in our lives, God! Instead of relying on God, we instead sometimes turn our focus to other things and seek those things to fill, hold, steady, increase our complete us...things like money and food.
As Rev LaKeesha said last week at bible study, we tend to sweat the small things a little too much and tend to forget the bigger picture at hand. With God we can do all things...that's ALL things! Yes, your bill is late, but it will get paid if you learn that pair of heels isn't more important than having electtricity at home. Also, your relationship with money will improve when you recognize that the night out with your friends for drinks isn't a necessity when you know that you haven't tithed in two weeks...OR...when you acknowledge that you can cook at home instead of going to buy that 2-piece from Popeye's. Put that money toward paying off your debt.
Let's focus on God a little more, because when we are in line with what GOD needs from us, we can be obedient to what He requires of us...such as being good stewards over money and tithers.
This final week, my focus is on God and what He needs me to do.
Frugally confused signing off!
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