Vulnerability Needed
Do you have people in your life with whom you can be transparent?
People experience loneliness when going through financial stress. They wrongly identify as failures and tend to withdraw from the very people who could help them. Social media adds to the stress. It creates anxiety to see the happiness and success of others while one’s own world is falling apart. It multiplies the pain when feeling like a failure. Financial stress is not uncommon. It takes humility to open up about it, to seek and receive help. Connecting with real people in the Body of Christ is essential. This step opens doors of communication that can minister and heal in ways beyond your imagination. True friends in the Body will stand by you and walk the journey with you. You’ll discover that you’re not the only one who’s suffered financial pain.
C.S. Lewis said, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You Too? I thought I was the only one!’” If you need encouragement and strength, do not withdraw. Ask God to bring people alongside you. Then, go to church, join a small group or a Sunday School class. Fill your mind with truth so you can fight the attacks of the enemy. Be vulnerable with people you know you can trust. Ann and I are in a small group of 3 couples. We share our burdens and pray for each other because we all want to finish well. We’ve seen God work in miraculous ways. They have been such a blessing to us. He can work in your life too! Crown also has budget coaches to come along side of you.
Now if credit card debt is causing you significant stress, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan that works for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.