Chapter 1: From Hoarding to Sharing

Reflecting on my childhood, I remember a time when I was fixated on accumulating money. One vivid memory is from a garage sale where I sold my collection of Bratz dolls for $75. I felt proud of my earnings until the heartbreak of realizing I had sold my beloved Yasmin doll. Was it truly worth it?

During my preteen years, while my friends received money from their parents without a second thought, I had to work hard for every dollar. I spent countless hours doing extra chores to earn $20, which left me on the sidelines when it came time to buy matching bags during our mall outings.

In my family, sharing money was rare. If someone borrowed cash, it was expected to be repaid, leading to constant reminders of debts owed. I watched my father accumulate wealth while my mother struggled to pay bills. By the time I reached high school, I had a job year-round, sometimes juggling three at once during the summer. We had to provide for our own needs, from clothing to hygiene products, with my parents only covering food and holiday gifts. It wasn't until college that I recognized my unhealthy relationship with money.

The envy I felt towards my friends was palpable. Most of them didn’t start working until college and seemed to enjoy a carefree attitude towards spending. In contrast, when I entered college, I exhausted my savings on necessities while receiving no financial assistance from my parents.

This mindset of saving everything I earned led me to a hoarding mentality. While it taught me to live frugally, the heavy workload of my teenage years left me exhausted in my twenties, a struggle I still face.

Despite my adult responsibilities, I found myself still worrying about money. I had trouble asking for help and always sought ways to earn it independently. As I matured, I began to understand my flawed relationship with finances. My encounters with friends who spent freely, despite having limited resources, nudged me to reconsider my approach. I realized that money is transient, which prompted a necessary shift in my mindset.

As I continued to earn, I saved diligently. I quickly accumulated wealth, but after transitioning back to a lower-income lifestyle working at a nonprofit, I found myself adjusting again. However, fortune smiled upon me when I secured a job at a marketing firm, doubling my income within weeks and leaving me with minimal expenses. Inspired by the lessons I gleaned from friends and my favorite book, I embraced the practice of giving generously, which brought me immense joy.

I began contributing to my church and community, sending money to family members in need and assisting friends facing hardships. This newfound generosity felt liberating, and I no longer sought repayment for the help I offered. I discovered the joy of using my finances as a tool for uplifting those around me.

However, when I left my job due to mental health challenges, I felt a sense of depletion, as if I could no longer support my friends. My fear of expressing my struggles led me to quit abruptly without seeking help, leaving me unemployed for nine long months.

As a single mother, I faced criticism from my family for my choices. Despite having a safety net, watching my savings dwindle was painful, and I was back to living on a tight budget. Yet, I remained grateful that I had saved enough to ensure my bills were paid.

Recently, I experienced a moment of realization: "God doesn’t allow the birds to go hungry," and I began to see the fruits of my efforts. After a hefty legal fee drained my savings, panic set in. My anxiety escalated to the point where I struggled to breathe, and I felt overwhelmed by my decisions.

The following day, I confided in a friend about my despair. Hours later, I received a call informing me that my story had touched others, and they wanted to gift me $1,500—almost half of my legal expenses. This unexpected act of kindness was a true blessing.

Now, I’ve returned to work, earning less than before but in a role that aligns with my true self. Daily, I remind myself that my worth isn't defined by my bank account balance. I am grateful for the understanding that money is a resource that comes and goes. I appreciate the lesson of earning all you can to give and save wisely.

While I acknowledge that my relationship with money still has room for improvement, it is undoubtedly healthier than it has ever been.

Thank you for journeying through my story! How have you cultivated a better relationship with money in your life?

Section 1.1: Embracing Generosity

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned Through Experience

In the video "John Wesley's Simple Rules Earn All You Can," we explore foundational principles that guide us in our financial journeys. Discover how earning and giving can transform your mindset.

The sermon "Earn, Save, Give - If You Could Ask for Anything" emphasizes the importance of balancing financial responsibility with generosity, offering insights into creating a fulfilling financial life.