Kristen Henderlong

Financial freedom.  Doesn’t that sound like a dream?  Who wouldn’t want that?  Everyone is striving for some kind of success or financial goal.  Whether it’s driven by straight greed, fear or by the will to provide for a family— it’s real and it’s difficult.

I don’t want to get into the state of the economy or bore you with my opinions about how the government handles the situation.  I simply want to offer an idea that has had me excited and motivated to let loose a little and stop beating myself down striving to make ends meet.

I cannot speak to every situation because I know there is desperation out there.  I know some of you may be really struggling to put food on the table.  I know there are injustices done everyday regarding money.  I cannot say I have ever been so desperate, so forgive me for my ignorance.  However, I have been in need several times in life and God has provided for me time and time again, not only with money but in so many ways.

Something I have observed is people who have “financial freedom” still don’t always live in true freedom.  I know some people who make so much more money than I have ever seen in my lifetime and they are still living paycheck to paycheck… or they are unhappy… they are stressed or overwhelmed… they seem to always need or want more.

I am guilty of wanting more.  I have been known to get stuck in a forward mindset… the daily “make that money” grind.  I have been greedy and selfish with money.  I have been inconsistent with frugality and senseless spending.  I am guilty of it all.  But I want to be different.  I am trying to be different.

I believe true financial freedom is not about having a lot of cash.  I believe it’s about not being bound by its power.  I do not want to be controlled by my bank account.  I do not want to live in fear, either.  I believe we don’t have to.

Hear me out… I know we all have bills to pay.  I know it’s been tough lately with everything spiking in price… but don’t you want to be free?

I am thinking maybe it starts with the mindset.  One thing that helps me is to focus on what I DO have.  I like to write down things I am grateful for.  Try something for me right now.  Think of the top 3 things you are most thankful for.  What are they?

At the end of the day when I think about the things I am MOST grateful for it’s never materialistic.  When push comes to shove and life is on the line, what’s most important is not stuff.  I only have one life to live.  The most fulfilling part about it is the people and experiences I get to have with them.

I do believe in hard work.  It’s rewarding and builds character.  Money is not a bad thing.  It’s a very useful tool to do a lot of good.  But maybe the freedom we all seek most is not financial freedom.  I think the freedom we want most starts on the inside.  It’s all perspective.

I have been challenged to try living with less so I can experience more.  I have felt convicted to give more because there are so many people who have less than me… not only less money or things, but less opportunity, less family, less hope, less love.  In my experience, giving is freeing.  It’s a special kind of freedom to be able to give without reserve.

Giving without reserve is not about having a lot of money.  It’s about having the courage and the faith to believe God has your back no matter what.  That’s true freedom.  That’s the kind of freedom I want.  So I can keep on giving whatever I have— money, time, materials, attention, wisdom, knowledge, etc—because the God of abundance has my back.

And He has YOURS, too.

Remember: You are Loved.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Cor. 9:7-8).

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10)

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38).