"The church only wants my money, not my heart or wisdom."
How it sounds in your head: Every sermon ends with giving. They never ask my opinion, but the pledge card comes like clockwork. I've lived 75 years—I have something to offer besides my checkbook.
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You."
-- 1 Chronicles 29:14Religious fundraising culture that commodifies members, reducing relationship to transaction.
The budget talks ARE constant. Leadership IS younger and doesn't seek her counsel. The only 'contact' IS often financial campaigns. She feels like an ATM with a pulse.
Everyone giving large amounts out of abundance. She gave two copper coins—all she had. Jesus stopped everything to honor HER above mega-donors, declaring she gave more than all. He saw her HEART, not her portfolio.
I REFUSE the lie that I'm only valued for my checkbook. IT IS WRITTEN that all things come from God, and of His own I give back—this is WORSHIP, not obligation. My worth is not my wallet; it's my SONSHIP. I have 75 years of wisdom, intercession, and Kingdom insight that the body NEEDS. IT IS WRITTEN that the righteous bear fruit in old age—I am flourishing and fresh, not obsolete. The BARAK blessing means I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath—not because I give, but because I'm IN COVENANT. I declare my generosity flows from joy, not manipulation, and my value is measured in HEAVEN'S economy where widows outgive millionaires.
Your Father isn't counting your checkbook—He's counting the hairs on your head. While broken systems see dollar signs, He sees a daughter whose wisdom is worth more than gold and whose prayers move mountains.