I am a Tattle-Taler

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Hi friends!
I recently got a call from a bill collection agency who said they were collecting for a bill I didn't know that I owed. I've been on this journey for a few weeks now trying to investigate if this debt is real. Talking with the collector, talking with an attorney friend, digging up some things on the internet about this company, etc... As much as it would hurt, I want to honor the debt and pay it- if in fact, I truly owe it.

I have to admit I have been so very stressed about this. This call came out of nowhere just when I've been working diligently to handle my finances better. I've been going through Dave Ramsey's book, "The Total Money Makeover" and trying to get a handle on things in a way that would honor God. Honestly, it's just hard paying a mortgage and all the expenses with it, when you're single. And besides, managing my finances is not my spiritual gift. :)

So tonight, I called the collector back and asked for a copy of a certain letter that I needed to confirm that they were authorized to collect for this debt. The manager got on the phone and proceeded to argue with me and tell me that flat out, they would not send the letter because by law they didn't have to. I kept my cool at first, but the conversation got more and more intense and he got more and more scary, threatening me with saying he'd just report me to the credit agencies.

In a few minute conversation, I, Tracey Tiernan, a 45 year old professional woman with a fairly good head on her shoulders and confident in most social situations.. I, who have traveled around the world, and spoken to thousands of people on the radio and from the stage.. I... became a little girl. I cried. I knew what I was asking of this man at this agency was reasonable. I knew I was asking graciously and I knew that I truly wanted to do the right thing, but I needed some proof that they were legit. To have my request flat out refused and to be talked to so rudely, just undid me.

I was so upset I wanted chocolate. You know what I mean? Something to soothe me. But instead I went to the word of God.
2Timothy1:7 says, "For God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. This man really rattled me and in that moment, it felt like he had the power to hurt me, to hurt my reputation, to hurt my financial security. But this verse of scripture says that actually, I am the one with the power. Why doesn't it feel like that?

I believe it's because there are a lot of barking dogs in the world today that make a lot of noise and try to intimidate people like us. You know those voices in your own life, don't you? Manipulating, loud voices that can't be reasoned with. We all deal with them. But please, hear me.. Don't be intimidated! Refuse to give in to fear. Don't let someone else who's out of control, bring you down with them. When I read 2Tim. 1:7, I was instantly reminded of my position. I am the King's daughter. I don't have to be afraid. And I am going to tattle on that man to my Heavenly Father. People who mess with me are going to have to answer to Him.

Who's messing with you right now? Who's speaking junk into your life and trying to get you to do what they want through intimidation? Who has made you feel afraid? Speak 2Tim.1:7 into your situation, and go be a tattle-tale. Daddy will help you through it.

Forever the Tattle-Tale,
Tracey