Continuing on with what has turned out to be a revealing Lenten season, I keep thinking back to what someone said to me, when I announced I was undertaking this course of action.
When I shared with her it was my intention to “give up” something different everyday for Lent, she exclaimed without hesitation, “are there 40-things you can give up?”.
The answer apparently is yes. With less than 10-days to go I have not had a lack of issues I’ve found to address. On this edition of “Becoming Today” I’ll examine my need to release lack from a different perspective.
Dear Rochelle,
I know over the past few days you have had many discussions about lack and the perceived scarcity of certain commodities and resources.
You have stood firm in belief, in the fulla assurance of faith that while others are scared and concerned for you, you have not wavered. Yet still I know better than anyone that you have had to bolster and encourage yourself through these decisions.
So I thought today since you have taught before about the “UnLearning” process of a scarcity mentality, that maybe we could just talk it out and allow you to revisit some of the lessons learned and wisdom shared.
So I have to ask you, are you ready to let go of what for far too many has been a multi-generational issue, scarcity and lack?
Yes this query also deals with being afraid of those concepts, but we know all can be overcome.
Again like fear and doubt these are battles we all fight in our minds. However they can be won and we can work towards becoming healed and relieved of their negative holds.
I recall you sharing that Web MD defines this fear of lack as “A scarcity mindset is when you are so obsessed with a lack of something — usually time or money — that you can’t seem to focus on anything else, no matter how hard you try”.
The medical science also presents evidence that not “UnLearning” these behaviors can lead to physical and mental health ailments.
“Focusing on something you don’t have can take a toll on your mental health. You can get “tunnel vision” when all you think about is the unmet need. Scarcity mentality also has other impacts on your brain and can even cause it to work differently.”
Not something I want to deal with and I know you do not either.
Still it’s something that has existed for centuries as flipping through the Bible you can read, in Genesis 50:21, God saying, “So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.”
Plus the promises found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
He has been, is and will always be faithful to HIs promises, so why worry? Why doubt? Why live in fear?
There is no reason to, you simply need to make the decision to change your mind. You can do that at any moment in a given day, so are you willing to do so now?
We say we are ready for things.
Ready for things to get better. Desiring for more. Even claiming to be ready for change.
But are we really? Are you ready to ask?
You can not receive something if you don’t ask for it. Conversely we are assured that if you ask your needs will be met.
The Bible is full of examples on this step, and receiving assistance, guidance, support, recompense and even zeal are all among the more than seven thousand promises God makes to us that are recorded there.
As it is written in Matthew 7 verse 7, ““Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”.
And the promise is further emphasized in the next line, “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened”.
Any doubts?
For most of us yes, but you have been declaring otherwise. It is motivating yet scary to many you speak with.
Now I also know that you have expressed when committing to such a decision, that we need to make sure you are also asking with proper intention or as James 4 verse 3 notes, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”.
So how should you ask? That too is revealed in the word:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
With an attitude of gratitude present your requests and do so with tenacity.
That’s something you previously discussed in depth in a conversation we shared called, “Tenacious On Purpose”.
To be purposefully tenacious is acting intentionally. With reason and uncommon determination in a consistent, dedicated manner.
Not being swayed, continuing forward in spite of any obstacles or perceived challenges.
Remaining steadfast, persistent, assured, affirmed and forbearant until we successfully fulfill our goal or objective. Then,…
“You just thank the Lord!”
Sounds like a plan to me and we’re waiting to hear your new testimony,
Rochelle
Fear of scarcity is a common problem that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It is the fear of not having enough, or of losing what you have. This fear can be caused by a variety of factors, such as financial insecurity, trauma, or even just a lack of trust in the world.
If you are struggling with a fear of scarcity, there are a few things you can do to overcome it. First, it is important to understand where your fear comes from. Once you understand the root of your fear, you can start to address it.
If your fear is based on financial insecurity, there are a few things you can do to improve your financial situation. You could try to get a better job, or start a side hustle. You could also create a budget and stick to it.
If your fear is based on trauma, you may need to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand and process your trauma, and to develop coping mechanisms.
If your fear is based on a lack of trust in the world, there are a few things you can do to build trust. You could try to volunteer in your community, or get involved in local politics. You could also connect with people who share your values.
Overcoming a fear of scarcity is not easy, but it is possible. By understanding the root of your fear, and by taking steps to improve your situation, you can start to overcome your fear and live a more fulfilling life.
Here are some additional tips on how to overcome a fear of scarcity:
- Challenge your negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking about scarcity, challenge the thought. Ask yourself if it is really true. Are you really going to lose everything? Are you really going to be left with nothing?
- Focus on the present. The past is gone and the future is uncertain. The only thing you have is the present moment. When you focus on the present, you can start to appreciate what you have and let go of your fear of scarcity.
- Practice gratitude. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for. This can help you to shift your focus from scarcity to abundance.
- Help others. When you help others, you are not only making a difference in their lives, but you are also making yourself feel good. Helping others can help you to overcome your fear of scarcity by reminding you that there is enough for everyone.
- Be kind to yourself. It takes time to overcome a fear of scarcity. Be patient with yourself and forgive yourself for any mistakes you make. Remember that you are not alone and there are people who care about you.
I am actively dealing with some issues that are causing me to address the idea of lack and our preconceptions towards it. I don’t have all the answers, though I remain committed to seeking the one that I need at this time.
I continue to pray and ask that you be willing to join me in it.
Even though we’ve got less than two weeks till Resurrection Sunday, it’s never too late for you to decide to take part and “give up” something for Lent.
Think about it. Pray about it. Meditate on it. Consider it and then decide to join us tomorrow on our next edition of “Becoming Today”.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 