Retirement, Family Support, and Faith: A Real Talk from My Heart

Y’all, let me talk to you for a minute because this been weighing heavy on my mind. I’m out here trying to save every little bit I can because, baby, I’m planning for retirement! Yes, I said it—retirement. But let me tell you something... it feels like the more I try to save, the more expensive everything gets. I’m sitting here thinking, “Now how in the world am I supposed to make this work?” Because let’s be real—I don’t want to just retire, I want to retire comfortably, living the lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to build.

People think when you start making more money, things get easier. No, baby. It don’t work like that. The truth is, the more money you make, the more responsibilities come with it. You got to keep the flow going. You got a whole life that you’re used to living—your bills, your commitments, your family... it all adds up. And I’m not trying to spend my golden years as a greeter at Walmart. No shade to anyone doing that—some folks got to do what they got to do—but me? I done worked too hard to end up back at square one. One day you’re living good, and the next thing you know, you’re standing at that front door saying, “Welcome to Walmart.” And you be wondering, how did I even get here?

It breaks my heart sometimes when I see older folks struggling through their retirement years, especially when they have grown kids who could help but don’t. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying you’re obligated to do anything. Ain’t nobody forcing your hand. But baby, if you got the means, and that love in your heart, then why not? Why not give your mama or daddy a little help? They raised you. Even if you can’t do it financially, your time and presence matter too. Come see them. Check on them. Make sure they’re okay.

See me? I’ve been taking care of my mama for years. Paid her rent, her phone, her cable, bought her a car, keep the insurance paid—everything. And not once has she asked me for any of it. She’s not that type. But I do it because I love her and because I can. That’s my mama. I honor her that way.

Same goes for Nate’s parents. We’ve been covering their bills too. Been doing that for a long time, and it feels good in my spirit. You don’t even understand how blessed you are when you can bless the people who raised you. And what makes it even more beautiful is they don’t ask for anything. They don’t call us for money, don’t put pressure on us. But we give anyway, because that’s the kind of heart we got. And I truly believe that’s why blessings keep coming our way.

But y’all... don’t be out here trying to be like MC Hammer now! Y’all remember him? He was out here paying everybody’s bills, buying cars and houses for folks, and where did they go when he lost it all? Nowhere. They vanished. That’s why you have to be careful. Don’t stretch yourself thin for people who only come around when they need something. I’ve seen that too many times—folks who only call when they want something. That’s not love, that’s convenience. Call me just to check on me, not just when you need help. Show up for people when they’re up and when they’re down.

Let me be clear—I’m not about to beg anybody for help. If I’m going through something, baby, I’m taking that to my prayer closet. That’s between me and God. Me and my husband, we gonna get on our knees and pray. And when I say “prayer closet,” I’m not talking about a physical closet—it could be anywhere. Your bedroom, your car, your kitchen table. Wherever you meet with the Lord, that’s your space. That’s where we go when things get heavy.

I talk to God every single day. I ask Him, “Lord, what should I do today? Where should I go? How should I move?” And let me tell you—He answers. Not always in the way you expect, but baby, He shows up. And as I get older, that relationship with God has become the most precious thing in my life. I can’t make it without Him.

No, I ain’t perfect—none of us are. But I’m striving every day to be the best version of me. I’ve been working on the fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, kindness, all of that. Because I want my latter years to be full of peace and purpose. I want them to be better than my former years. I feel like I’ve grown so much. I’ve learned so much. And you know what? I’m proud of myself. I really am.

That might sound strange to say, but I’m gonna say it out loud—I’m proud of who I’ve become. I’ve come a long, long way. And more than anything, I know God is proud of me too. He’s been so good to me. His favor stays on me, and baby, I don’t take that lightly. I’m so thankful. I really am.

So to anybody out there trying to figure it all out—retirement, family, money, faith—just keep going. Keep praying. Keep giving. Keep loving. And never forget where your help comes from. ‘Cause at the end of the day, God’s got you. He really does.