Financial loss

 

I was preparing to teach a group of senior adults in the study of the book of Job. This can be a very difficult book to teach. As I pondered how I could engage the class in connecting those ancient teachings with real life experiences, I decided to conduct a survey. The survey consisted of one question: Which of the following situations that Job encountered would be the most difficult for you to endure? 

1. Loss of child/children

2. Loss of financial security

3. Loss of personal health

4. Loss of spouse

5. Loss of friends

Those being surveyed were ranking these conditions in order from the most difficult to the least. I submitted the survey to the class and then decided to survey the teenagers and young adults who met in other classes.  It was interesting to see the response based on age. Loss of friends was high for the teenagers and the loss of a child was high on the list for young adults. The senior adults listed health and loss of a spouse.

I decided to give the one question survey to my mother, who at that time did not attend Wednesday night Bible classes because of failing health. Her ranking was a surprise to me. She listed her most difficult situation to be the loss of financial security. I questioned her--why this answer?  She indicated that she would never want to be a burden on others because of her poverty. She had already lost a spouse and her health. She had moved away from her hometown and friends of many years to be near my sister and me.  I argued--but surely the loss of my sister and me would be more difficult for her. She agreed that as difficult as that would be, she knew where we would be--with the Lord. But the loss of financial security would subject her to becoming a burden on her family or others.

Understand that she went through the Great Depression and World War II. She knew what it was like to live with less. In her day people were expected to pay their bills and live within their budgets. Integrity was very important. Your word was your bond. You did not expect to live on handouts or be supported by the government, church, or other family members. She had saved for this time in her life when she could no longer work.  

I am older now and I can begin to see her viewpoint. She was always gracious in helping others and her family. She never had the best of things. She believed in hard work. My mother was the financial manager of our family and her general philosophy was to manage and live within a budget and save for a rainy day. This is good timeless advice even today for leaders or for anyone.