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Jewels in His Crown
Lu Dunbar
More and more often it's women who influence charity. A recent article in Time Magazine (May 19, 1999) entitled "The Power of the Purse" points out women's increasing role
and opportunity to impact giving and stewardship of their treasure, time and talent. Research recently released gives us a glimpse into the many places women are having a major impact - as
donors, as managers of major foundations, and as beneficiaries of a growing number of women's foundations. Women 18 years and older now control about half of the investment wealth in the
United States. Women own 43% of stock portfolios valued over $50,000 and 45% of investments in other markets.
Do you think of yourself as adequately prepared and confident to
steward these resources well? Many women are much more competent than they realize. Both Ron Blue and Larry Burkett have indicated that they truly believe a woman who has run a household and
raised children has skills such as relationship building, time management, budgeting and organization that prepare her to be a wise steward.
Perhaps the biggest concern is getting the
discussion of wealth transfer to be a priority within the family. There are at least four good reasons why every family should discuss financial matters.
It prepares for the future
- the average age of widowhood is 52 and women have a longer life expectancy than men. During times of vulnerability such as a recent bereavement or major life change we can all be
susceptible to being taken advantage of, even by a friend.
It teaches how to make wise investments - when offered a lump sum of $1.5 million or $40,000 for life, one woman took the
$40,000 because she did not know what to do with the $1.5 million. (Many other women would do the same.)
It demonstrates love - when the necessary papers, telephone numbers, and all that
your family would need for estate management are in one place, there is an overwhelming sense of being loved and cared for.
It enables wise stewardship - Many women recognize that the
money really all belongs to God who has blessed them with abundance. They would like to know how to steward it well. What confidence is gained when giving decisions have already been
discussed with those you love!
It is our goal at Royal Treasure to provide you with the tools, network and environment in which you can grow into confident and competent stewards for
the Kingdom. If you are having problems or questions in the area of stewardship, a call to Royal Treasure can probably put you in touch with those who can help, since we are developing many
more resources and contacts than we can publish in this newsletter. May we each pass on a godly legacy to those who follow.
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