Have trouble sleeping? Find your hope

The financial crisis in our country and our personal lives has people stressed out more than ever. And we Americans are popping pills in order to deal with our personal financial crises more than ever, but why is that? Isn't there a better way? It seems that a lot of the problem is the paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle and the lack of simple budgeting.

Your personal story is likely not as bad as a lady I currently have the privilege of working with. She was married at 16 and has been a stay-at-home mom all her life. Tragically, her daughter died of cancer, leaving in her care two elementary-age children. Following this, her husband of 35 years walked out on her. And she still has a daughter at home finishing high school! As you might expect, this has caused tremendous stress in her life.

When I met her a couple of weeks ago, I learned that she is on 100% disability, has no education, and is on medications to help with blood pressure and sleeping problems. Despite this, due to the fear of becoming homeless, among other things beyond her control, she still had been unable to sleep for weeks. As she is a Christian woman, I asked "Has there been a time so far where God hasn't provided for your needs?" She acknowledged that all their needs have been met even while times were tough. I worked with her on a budget, gave her some assignments, and asked her to follow up with me.

I talked to her this week, and she has wonderful news. She has submitted an IRS Spouse Relief form to address some back taxes from her deadbeat husband, Habitat for Humanity is offering to work with her to provide them a house, and she has slept soundly for the last three nights! Her budget is still very tight, but their needs are being met.

How tough is your financial situation? Maybe you need to find hope. Turn off your TV, develop a plan, and make things happen for you.