I grew up in a humble home. We did not have a lot of money, but my parents still provided and cared for my brother and I. Though some years were better than others, I did not ever feel unprovided for. Though I remember one year where, despite my parents working very hard, we were financially struggling as a family. That year our church provided some food for our family until we got on our feet again. I personally loved the food they gave us. For they always gave us these smiley-faced, big yellow gumballs. Some Christmases were bigger than others, but there were always gifts under the tree. I remember they saved for a trip to Disney world and then life happened. I remember my mom being so sad when she had to break the news we would not be going. My brother and I smiled and said that it was okay, we understood. For even though we never took the trip, they provided other ways of fun. Camping was a family favorite of ours, for it was always within budget. I have many great memories of doing fun things; I do not feel like I missed out on anything. My favorite thing about not having a lot of money in my childhood; is that it has always made me frugal with my money, taking care of what I have, appreciating hard-work, and the worth of a dollar. It most of all taught me that memories are not built with a pocketbook, but by something money cannot by; nurturing love. Though I do not like knowing my parents struggled, there was value to be found in those seasons of little, when I was young.

  I do believe that you do not have to be low on funds to learn the valuable lesson of frugalness, hard-work or the worth of a dollar; but I do believe even if you have little, you can still have much. God has been kind to my family and I financially. Though we maybe do not have as big of a house as some or can afford big trips; God has been faithful in His provisions for us. Though I hope my children do not struggle financially someday; I want them to know these same valuable lessons. For we live in a world that places so much value on what money can buy. Though I know, that you can be rich, in ways that have nothing to do with money.  

  For those years and other times in even my adult life have taught me that the riches of those among us have nothing to do with financial richness. For to be rich is to love and to be loved. The biggest treasures are not in things, but a love that nurtures us. God nurtures us with the richness of His love every day and when we are blessed to love others and be loved by them, that my friend, is real richness. So, no matter how much we do or do not have financially, what we do or do not own, trips we do or do not take. If we have love, that is the sweetest of richness.

Erin Fitts-Brower

1 Timothy 6:6-12 NIV

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of thee eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.