By Rev. Dr. Dawn Darwin Weaks
Pastor, Connection Christian Church
Did you know that this year marks the 50th anniversary of women in the United States being able to have credit cards in their own names? The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was introduced in 1973 by Representative Bella Abzug and was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on October 28, 1974. Only in my own lifetime have American women become able to build up credit in order to develop their own financial health and independence.
It is no secret to my readers that I am a passionate proponent of the full equality of women. Too many people assume that Christianity teaches the subordination of women. On the contrary! Jesus Christ lifted women out of oppression and into abundant life on multiple occasions. After all, he chose a woman to bring the message of his resurrection to the world. Mary Magdalene is known as the apostle to the apostles. Though too many women still experience oppression in the name of religion, Jesus sets women free to their full potential.
So, about those credit cards now accessible to women as well as men. Too many have found increased burden in their lives due to their credit practices, rather than increased empowerment. Let’s do something about that, Permian Basin! Basic financial literacy is essential to overall well-being. Have you had a conversation, especially with the young women in your life, about the precious gift of credit and the way it can burden or bless them? Have you talked about developing positive financial habits to keep them free to live the life God intends for them?
Our church will hold a free seminar for anyone interested in Basic Financial Wellness on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Connection Center at 4241 Tanglewood Lane. It will be taught by one of our leading financial coaches in the Permian Basin, Lezlie Veach, the Chief Lending Officer for My Community Credit Union. A follow-up session will be held for those willing to take the next steps to keep becoming financially healthy.
When I was 18 years old, I opened up a mailing with an offer to take out a credit card. I wish back then someone had taught me about how to use credit to build up your life, rather than stress your life. But no one did at that time. After all, women had only been able to even have credit cards for 15 years back in 1989! It took me a few years to learn about financial health on my own. I hope you’ll also learn for yourself or reach out to others who need some coaching. Let’s help each other to be financially well, and to live a life that is a credit to God!
