Proof that tithing pays

“Give, and it will be given to you…”

Photo by Leiada Krozjhen on Unsplash

I had a call about a freelance job for a magazine Wednesday.

I’m barely comfortable sharing. It’s not official. But it was our second conversation, and we’re in agreement. I’m expecting the contract to arrive by the end of the week.

The pay: $3,000.

The assignment: an essay on Chicago house music from a sports perspective.

It’s not exactly my wheelhouse. I’m no music critic. I’m still not sure how the publication even found me. I’d like to say the opportunity came out of nowhere. But I’d be lying. I know exactly where my blessings come from.

Back in May, I shared with you that I’m a cheerful giver — a reformed and faithful tither. I said then it’s the best money move I can make. I stand by that. And as the end of the year nears, I’m showing receipts to illustrate why I can’t help but to believe in the power of giving back.

I’ve been blessed this year in ways I cannot fully explain. I credit my faith and my commitment to giving God what I believe I owe Him.

I’m proud to say I paid my tithe in all 12 months, on the first morning of every month. I didn’t stop when tax season came. I didn’t pause when I purchased a new car. Whatever storm came, I honored my commitment.

My goal is to do the same for 2024.

Here’s a timeline of how God blessed me in ways I did not anticipate in 2023.

Jan. 12: I was paid $500 for a television appearance. I was one of four panelists discussing various sports topics. It was a live, 30-minute show, which might sound terrifying to most. But I’ve grown used to it. It was easy money – and fun!

Jan. 13: I received the fourth and final, $5,000 deposit from my mother as part of a $20,000 inheritance. I used much of that windfall to invest into the stock market. It was a mistake. I should have built my freedom fund first. But the money became the backbone of my long-term stock portfolio.

Feb. 8: I was paid $500 for another television appearance with the same program/network from January. I haven’t been called back since, and I think it might be because of a disparaging comment I made that some might perceive as controversial. It was a pivotal moment in my financial journey. It gave me an early taste of deciding between money and my morals. I don’t regret my comment. It was factual. Sometimes I wonder if I’d have been called back by now if I didn’t say what I said. But I never want to compromise my morals for money. If my comment is the reason I haven’t been called back, I don’t need to be a guest on that network.

July 14: My raise from my day job kicked in! It was a smaller percentage increase than it should have been. But, hey, I’m biased. Honestly, I’m thankful for any bump. It always could be bigger. But I’ll never take an increase for granted.

Aug. 6: I received the first installment of a repaid debt from my mother, which again will total $20,000. This deposit was $9,000. I’ll receive two more $5,500 lump sums, one in January and one in February. They will be funneled to my freedom fund, effectively shoring up my foundation and allowing me to dedicate the bulk of my income after bills to investing. It was my biggest blessing of the year and one my mother didn’t have to provide. But she gets her grace from the same source I get my gratitude.

Sept. 1: I received our first payment from Advance Ohio, a $2,000 lump sum. Our partnership with the parent company of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and cleveland.com adds a hefty five figures to our income and makes Money Talks a profitable, family-owned company. It also put Parker on the fast track to wealth.

Oct. 16: A publisher of a different magazine emailed me asking to run a Money Talks column in his publication. I wasn’t compensated for usage of my column. But I’m fine with that (for now). Exposure is the blessing. People are appreciating our journey and resonating with our mission. It could open doors to places I can’t fathom.

Nov. 2: I can’t make this up. This is the date my $3,000 opportunity for the freelance magazine essay landed in my inbox. My birthday. Thank you, God.