DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?

Were you raised in the church like me? Do you have biblical scriptures memorized? Have you heard countless sermons on one particular passage in the Bible to the point where you can preach it yourself?

Now, for the million-dollar question, do you really believe what you have committed to memory? I ask because I have found the answer to be not really. When I was a child, there was one scripture that my mother had me recite over and over again. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME.

This scripture was ingrained in my brain. Nevertheless, I still found myself saying, "I can't." I'm not alone because I hear those around me saying it to themselves and me. When I decided to leave my six-figure job and move to Los Angeles because my eleven-year-old son decided he wanted to be on television, many questioned me. My mother encouraged the move because she believed that my son and I could do anything. When I arrived in Los Angeles, I discovered how much the homes were. I thought I could never own a home here, especially a 2500 sq ft home like the one I left in Florida. I had faith that I could make it in Los Angeles without a job, but not that I own a home.

I'm glad to tell you that God dealt with my unbelief about homeownership. Unfortunately, it took me ten years to stop looking at my shortcomings and to begin to trust the Christ consciousness that I have unlimited access to. I began to desire to purchase a home, and then I decided that I would. Desire and a decision are always the first steps in achievement. To help push me, God sent an angel in the form of my then landlord. She gave me the shove by asking me, "Don't you believe in God? Didn't God promise that we could have the desires of our heart?" All of those things led me to purchase a property with two homes that equaled 2250 sq ft.

I do not share that story to brag about myself but to encourage you to really believe that you can do all things. June is National Homeownership Month, so I am focusing on homeownership. In June, the United States shines a spotlight on supporting the American Dream of homeownership. It's also a time to recognize the organizations that help homebuyers make their dream of homeownership a reality, like realtors, mortgage brokers, financial and housing counselors, and down payment assistant programs. Are you ready to purchase your first home? Do you have a millennial child who needs encouragement to become a homeowner? Then I suggest that you ask God to help your unbelief.

It would be remiss of me to only focus on the spiritual and not discuss the practical. I wholeheartedly believe that God provides. I know that while God can give me a house without me doing anything (inheritance). However, most of the provisions from God come because we follow the still voice inside of us to do what is necessary to receive what God has for us. That voice may be telling you to improve your credit score, save more money, enroll in a first-time home buying program, or add another stream of income. Part of believing that you can do all things is to stop searching for miracles and start exercising your faith by doing.

A great way to begin to exercise your faith around your finances is to learn more about money. We offer FREE virtual Money 101 workshops and webinars to educate people about how to grow and protect their money. Go to the event page on my website to find the workshop or webinar that fits your schedule.