26 and Broke, a Revelation.




Hello, my name is Amy, I’m 26 years old and I’m broke.

Not too broke to pay the bills, mind you.
But after they’re paid every month, it is a stretch to make other things happen.
Like the whole foods my somewhat delicate allergy and health issues demand.
Or gas money.
Or a surprise run for cold medicines, vitamins that ran out and household supplies.
I can’t afford branded goodies unless they’re pre-owned.
I can’t afford to buy a house.
I can’t afford a brand-new car.
In fact, mine was given to me. And my rented condo came with some assistance
From my parents on the deposit and on the lease.
But before you feel sorry for me,
Let me tell you this:

I have more than I could ever need.
Sure, the stuff in my closet is a mix of leftover fashion from college,
pre-owned items and a few nicer pieces of clothing that my mom bought for me.
Sure, my apartment is decorated by the most affordable things at Target or Walmart
and a lot of gifts. (The bedspread, a majority of the wall hangings, lanterns, etc…all gifts).
Sure, I sometimes survive off meals cooked at friend’s houses.
My extensive collection of holistic supplements was funded by my parents. By myself, I’d just have to cope with health issues.
But for myself, I have what matters.
Jesus.

And because I have my faith, I don’t see the things I do own as something to hoard.
I like to think of my house as a trading post.
And that would make me a sort of self-titled “Trader Jane”.
I am always receiving stuff either from family and friends or because people
want to get rid of theirs and ask me about it.
But I am always giving it away.
Regularly, a large bag or bin of clothing will go to a friend with less than I.
Sometimes, it goes to a clothing drive or a yard sale to raise money to help someone.
My food gets turned into meals that go out to help someone in need.
Random household objects get offered up to people who say they need them or to people I know need them just from knowing the situation.
Sometimes, I could have still used whatever it was.
I don’t mind.
In fact, if a truly needy person asked for something of mine that is a little more
Important to me- like my cozy bedding or my better clothes or my wii,
And I knew it was God’s will,
I would give it to them.
(Though why an impoverished person would need a Wii I don’t know. I’d probably just sell it and use the $100 or so to buy them food.)


My mom raised me to believe in giving to others, and to trusting God to provide.
But it wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that I started
Looking at my condo as more of a storehouse,
and a generous portion of my things as “temporary.”
(Though before you go thinking my condo looks like a messy storage unit, remember that I have a touch of what is probably OCD and it always looks organized and clean, ready to entertain say… a bible study if they wanted it for the evening.)
Becoming a trading post is probably the fruit of either a spiritual gift
or it could be just the kinder side that comes with people who decide to walk by faith.
As far as I can tell, I will always be this way.

Remember, it is better to give than to receive.
Happy Holidays.


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