Releasing the shame!

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead," (Philippians 3:13 NKJV)

Before I continue with any further blogs, I first want to deal with the issue of shame from our past mistakes. It was shame that took me over a year to start this blog. Shame paralyzed me and in the process, kept me from being a blessing to others. I kept putting it off and putting it off and putting it off. I told myself that I'll start blogging once the debt was completely paid off. And then a good friend told me to stop waiting. That is wasn't about ME. That is why I referenced the above scripture to encourage all of us on this journey. The past is the past! Most of the poor financial choices I made were years ago and because I didn't know any better.

I know I am not alone because I remember as I worked on the Stewardship Committee at my church , all the people in need during the housing crisis but many would not come forward because of shame. Most people could have gotten help sooner but because of the shame, didn't get help. They didn't want their peers to know they had fallen behind on their house note and needed help.

In order for us all to grow during this process, your honesty is needed as well as mine. Once we stop focusing on ourselves, we begin to bless others by sharing our story. Our past is only to be used to help others avoid our mistakes. So, as you comment, don't be ashamed to share your story because we are now moving FORWARD!

I have been blessed to meet Patrick Haas, who will be featured and provide tips to us on how to save, etc. Patrick has had 30 years of experience handling his money responsibly so I want him to bless us with his knowledge.

Kristine Lynn

"I hate debt"

About 2 years ago I came to grips with the amount of debt I had accumulated over the years. I had spent most of my life buying, shopping and spending like there was no tomorrow and like most americans, it caught up with me. I could NOT believe I became one of the statistics. You know, the ones who bought into the lies and deceit. I believed I had to have things to define me. It was a gradual and frustrating process understanding the mess I had created but as I began to learn more about money and wealth, I literally began to HATE debt and started making greater sacrifices to speed up the process of getting out of the mounds of debt I had created.

I am writing this blog because I don't want to take this journey alone and I know there are others out there who will commit to taking this walk with me. We will encourage one another, hold each other accountable, share our victories and educate one another as we learn how to become wealthy and completely debt free. Each week, I'll discuss where I am, what I have learned so far. I'll provide recommendations on books to read, etc. If you or someone you know is in the process of becoming debt free then please join me on this journey.

And by the way, last week I paid off a credit card with a $3500 balance. How about you?