Use Money To Change Lives
Is it o.k. to want a brand new Mercedes?
Is it bad to dream about a million dollar home in Palm Beach?
Should you feel guilty about spending thousands on your latest vacation?
I just finshed up a coaching session with Paul the champion from Kansas City. He asked me about when too much is enough, it was an awesome question. He wanted to know how high to shoot for his goals and how much to spend on himself versus his “toys.” Those of you who know me, know that I am a devout Christian. I don’t say that to impress you or act holier than thou, but I need to say it because it has much to do with the answer I gave Paul.
Paul invested in my top coaching program to live the life he loves. He was intrigued enough about the story of an ex-stutterer, college drop out who now lives life on his terms, that he sent me an email to find out more. I explained to Paul that I am just getting warmed up and believe without a doubt that if the student is ready the teacher will appear. He asked if I would teach him how to live life on his terms - I said yes.
So here we are today discussing the power of money and what it can do for you as well as what it can do to you. I relayed a story to Paul that changed my life and I will share it with you today.
Most of you already know I left my job in May 2005 to follow my entrepreneurial dream. I won’t go into detail on this post but the short version is my dream turned into a nightmare and I lost everything. Through determination, hard work, positive mental attitude and most importantly, prayer - I rebounded in amazing fashion. The summer of 2006 found me better off than I had ever been in my life, unbelievable when you consider 12 months prior I had lost everything.
I went to lunch with the worship pastor from my church and asked if there was anything I could do over and above my normal tithing, I just felt so thankful for how blessed my life was that I wanted to help others less fortunate. He mentioned a mission trip that was coming up and a few people who really wanted to attend could not because of of the cost of the trip.
I spoke to Angela about it and it was a no brainer. We donated enough money to cover the cost of three people to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua for seven days. That random act of kindness changed their lives but not nearly as much as it changed ours. Do you know how good it makes you feel to use money to bless people less fortunate? Those three families equate a life-changing spriitual trip with my wife and I. All the photos and memories they have for the rest of their life, they associate with us. All the children who bathe themselves in creeks who were blessed by meeting these people, have no idea about how they got there, but there lives were changed because of meeting the families we sponsored.
I could have bought alot of “toys” with this money. I could have invested it in the market and received my 5-8% return. But no, we chose to invest it in something much bigger than that.
Paul then asked me what drives me. What will I be doing with all the financial success of EverydayIsSaturday.com? That was an easy question to answer. Angela and I have a vision of helping children who have been victims of child abuse. We discuss it often and understand it is a tall order, but we’re up for it. We envision the ground breaking and the $10 million check being presented to get the project off the ground. Money is just a tool, it can be used for good as well as evil. Think about a child who has been abused going home to a safe, secure environment. Enjoing a peaceful night of rest never having to worry about being abused again. That is our WHY. Your why has to be just as powerful.
Paul was silent on the phone. I said “Paul, are you with me brother?” He was silent and than just said “Wow.” He said his goals were always of a material nature. I told him so are 95% of everyone elses, but that’s o.k. because sooner or later people come to the realization that it’s not about them, there is more to life. You cannot tie a Uhaul to your hearse. I explained to Paul that it’s o.k. to have money, but when money has you it becomes a problem. I challenged him to build his vision around helping others. I told him to focus on making a difference versus making money, as a result of shifting tht mindset, you will have everything you need.
Have the Mercedes, the home and the vacations are fine. Just be sure they are purchased after you make a difference in someone’s life.
Do you have a similar story of how you helped someone and the positive feelings you felt as a result? Did you donate money, time or something else that changed the life of someone? If so, click on the title of this blog and leave a comment. Sharing your testimony will empower others.
You are a champion.
Sam Crowley
