Growing up, I didn’t have a complete understanding of what the Bible says about money and wealth. Like many of us, I carried unspoken beliefs and phrases about money that created unconscious limiting beliefs. Being raised by a single mother, my family struggled to make ends meet. Scarcity was a constant theme in our lives. Then, as a believer, phrases like “money is evil” was spoken out of context, further reinforcing a negative relationship with money.

It wasn’t until I began examining my money story that I realized how much my upbringing, experiences, and cultural influences had shaped my beliefs and attitudes about money and how it needed to change.

What is a Money Story?

A Money Story is a set of beliefs and attitudes that a person has about money, shaped by their upbringing, experiences, and cultural influences. It includes thoughts and emotions about earning, spending, saving, and investing money.

For women in the Grit & Virtue community, our Money Story may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as our faith, gender roles, family values, and societal expectations.

Why Understanding Your Money Story Matters

Our Money Story has a significant impact on our financial decisions, as well as our overall well-being and sense of fulfillment in life. By examining and shifting our Money Story, we can learn to make healthier, more empowered choices around money that align with our financial goals, values, and calling.

The Story of Joanna in the Bible found in Luke 8 1-3

After Joanna was healed by Jesus, she was compelled to give back to Him out of love and adoration. When we think of Jesus’ ministry, we often think of His twelve disciples who followed Him. But there were also women who played a critical role in witnessing the life of Jesus and who helped fund the work of His ministry.

Joanna was a wealthy woman, married to a high-ranking official in the court of Herod Antipas. Her financial resources likely allowed her to dress in fine clothing and adorn herself with jewelry, as was befitting of her status. We can also imagine Joanna’s physical appearance being that of a Jewish woman in the first century, Joanna likely had dark hair, dark eyes, and olive-toned skin.

She used her resources to support Jesus and His disciples. Her boldness and generosity are truly inspiring, especially because her contribution came with risk.

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, (2) and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; (3) Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. (Luke 8:1-3)

As women on a mission today, we can learn a lot from Joanna’s example and how she used her resources to positively impact the world. Joanna’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when we use that wealth to make a difference. Her generosity helped to lay the foundation for the early Christian church. Joanna’s willingness to step outside these societal norms and use her resources to support Jesus’ ministry was groundbreaking.

A Role Model of Faith and Entrepreneurship: Madam C.J. Walker

Another inspiring role model is Madam C.J. Walker, the first woman millionaire in the United States, entrepreneur and a devout Christian.

Born in 1867 to formerly enslaved parents, Madam C.J. Walker faced numerous challenges in her life. However, she overcame adversity and transformed her Money Story through her faith, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Facing limited opportunities as a woman of color during her time, Madam C.J. Walker embarked on a journey to create her haircare products specifically designed for black women. She not only recognized a need within her community but also seized the opportunity to empower other women economically.

By founding the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, she not only achieved remarkable financial success but also became the first woman millionaire in the United States. Madam C.J. Walker’s incredible achievement shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs.

Her journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and using one’s resources for good. Learning from Madam C.J. Walker’s example encourages us to take bold steps in our own lives, regardless of the challenges we may face. Her story serves as a reminder that with faith and determination, we can transform our Money Story and positively impact our communities, just as she did in her time.

Now that you understand what a Money Story is and have explored the stories of Joanna and Madam C.J. Walker, how can you start to shift your mindset about wealth and resources?

Coaching Exercises for Awareness:

Reflective Journaling: Take quiet time for introspection. Journal about your earliest money memories, significant financial experiences, and messages received about money. This helps uncover foundational beliefs that have shaped your Money Story.

Guided Visualization: Imagine your ideal financial future through visualization. Explore emotions, thoughts, and actions in an abundant state. This exercise helps you tap into desires and visualize a new, empowering Money Story.

Identify Limiting Beliefs: List limiting beliefs about money. Question their origins and reframe them into positive statements. Challenge beliefs holding you back.

Money Vision Board: Create a vision board representing your financial goals and dreams. Use images and quotes that resonate with your desired financial future.

Shift your mindset by examining your money story and identifying limiting beliefs. Seek role models, mentors, and resources for inspiration. Prioritize financial education and take control of your financial decisions. Remember, your journey to transforming your Money Story begins with awareness and action.

Let’s Take a Moment to Pray:

Abba Father, guide me as I navigate my relationship with money. Shift my mindset from scarcity to abundance, fear to faith, and complacency to action. Help me view financial resources as tools for making a positive impact in the world and to steward them in a way that aligns with your will. Thank you for the examples of Joanna and Madam C.J. Walker and how they used their resources to support worthy causes. I ask for wisdom, courage, and boldness to increase and use my resources to support missions and initiatives that align with your will. In Jesus name, Amen!

An Invitation to Join The Grit & Virtue Membership

There is so much more to this topic, and we can’t wait to teach, coach, and guide you on this journey. As women in the Grit & Virtue community, we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to be a woman of wealth and impact, adding to the stories of women in history for our daughters.

If you need coaching and more resources to help you shift and rewrite the narrative of your Money Story and support on your journey to wealth, then I invite you to join us.

Enrollment closes on August 18th, 2023. Take the first step in transforming your Money Story and apply today!