Rogue Reverend

The New Economy, What Do You Need?

Are you feeling the pinch of this new economy?

As a minister, I’m constantly thinking, “What do people need?” Do you need opportunities to network? Encouragement? A new outfit for an interview? Resume help (or even just to figure out what keys fix the word resume). Or do you just need to know that you’re not alone?

I know, I know, you’re all thinking, “I just need money.”

Well, you’re not getting that. So, what exactly do you need?

What Does Money Mean?

The worst part about the new economy: if money determines our worth, then we’re all in trouble!

I love this post from Chelsea G. Summers at pretty dumb things. And, by the way, if you’re not reading her blog, you really should. She rocks.

Chelsea writes:

Reviewing my past week, my feelings of wafer-thin vulnerability, my spiraling feelings of loss, my cringing self-doubt, and my choices on how to take care of myself, I wonder what it is I think I’m worth—or not. I feel a tremendous burden of shame over screwing this money poodle so badly, a burden that’s probably disproportionate to paying $135 in overdraft fees. That’s because money, how much there is, how easily I make it, where it comes from, and what I spend it on is such a potent symbol for how I view myself. I’m probably not much different from anyone else in that respect. It’s one of the reasons why we are so reticent to share the crunchy numbers with others, and why we ask what something costs in lowered voices, the voice we usually reserve for sexually transmitted diseases and madness.

I’m going to be a Pollyanna and see my willingness to show my shameful pecuniary panties in public, my choice to air them out and scrutinize my financial skid marks, as a sign that maybe I’m starting to change. Maybe I’m becoming someone who can see herself as being both worth more and more worthy of better care.

I’m going to follow Chelsea G. Summer’s lead, and recognize that my worth is not in my checkbook. And that I am successful regardless of what’s in my savings account. I’m going to remember that I value something more than money.

And I hope you do (will!) to!