Hebrews 12:11 Newsletter

Good morning Reader,

Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NLT

What do you dream about for your future? Not just wishes — but the real desires you think about often.

This past week, I had the honor of speaking at my high school. I shared something personal — my disappointment with my ACT scores. I'm 40 now, and I can tell you with full confidence, I am not disappointed anymore. But for a season, it weighed on me — and I mean really weighed on me.

It held me back mentally. I questioned myself more than I should have. And I won't pretend like one day I just woke up and got over it, because that's not what happened. It was a process. It took time. It also took having the right people in my life who spoke into the things I struggled to see in myself. Because honestly, it wasn't just me. There were people who saw my potential before I did, and their words helped me get there. Slowly, I came to the realization that I was enough — that my worth and my capability were never defined by that score.

And I had to make a choice: stay stuck in that disappointment or do something with what I had.

My score was enough to get accepted. It was up to me to work with what I had instead of grieving what I didn't.

The same thing happens with money.

When I meet new clients, one of the first things we have to work through is disappointment — in past decisions, in where they are financially. Maybe you have a lot of debt. Maybe there's no savings. Maybe every paycheck is already gone before it starts. That feels heavy. But it doesn't have to stay that way.

Ecclesiastes 7:11 says wisdom is even better when paired with money. But notice — it doesn't say a lot of money. Just money. If you have income coming in, you already have something to work with. The question is: are you using it wisely?

Don't let the wisdom God has given you sit on a shelf just because your bank account isn't where you want it to be.

Here's a simple shift in thinking:

• Instead of "I'm so disappointed in the mistakes I made" → "Now I know what I don't want to repeat."
• Instead of "I always get caught off guard by emergencies" → "I'm going to start setting money aside so I'm ready."
• Instead of "I can never do the things I want" → "How can I start saving — even a little — for the things I enjoy?"

The opportunity is still in front of you. Don't let a past you can't change keep you from a future you can build.

Reflection Question​
What opportunity can you focus on instead of dwelling on a past circumstance?

Prayer of the Week​
Dear God, I've been disappointed in myself and where I am. Help me stop dwelling on a past I can't change and start moving toward the future You have for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If this spoke to you, share it with a friend who's been carrying the weight of a past mistake.

Have a great week,

-Latrisa

Stewardship Highlight

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Worship Song of the Month

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Let's Just Praise the Lord (feat. The Potter's House Mass Choir) - T.D. Jakes

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