An unexpected Debt-Free Scream

Imagine you are running a marathon. You’ve been training for months – waking up early, eating a strict diet – and all your hard work is paying off because you are winning.

Each time you lace up your shoes you’ve imagined what it would feel like to stand on the winner’s podium, high above the crowd as they cheer you on.

As you are running, your heart begins to beat a little faster because in a few short hours, your dreams will become a reality. 

Now imagine as you are running this marathon, dodgeballs begin to pummel you from every direction. They knock you down, and you get back up. They knock you down again, but you get back up.

You continue this routine for the rest of the race. You are determined to finish. You are destined to have your moment on the podium.

Despite all the barriers, you cross the finish line. You won! The dodgeball fire has finally ceased, and you are ready to celebrate your victory.

There’s just one problem. There is no podium, and no one is watching. You are at the finish line alone.

~

Tom and Liz have been running a marathon of their own. They have paid off over $150,000 of debt in the last several years, and recently, they finished the race by paying off their mortgage.

This summer Tom and Liz transitioned into retirement as everyday millionaires.

Their race, like the one described above, had quite a few dodgeballs and an unexpected ending.

Tom and Liz live a humble life. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandbabies. Liz is a retired teacher’s assistant with a huge heart for kids. Tom served in the Air Force and retired as a government employee.

I first met Tom and Liz three years ago and since then they have become good friends. They have an undeniable love for Christ that motivates all that they do, which is evident by how they love each other and how they serve their community.

Tom and Liz overcame several hurdles while becoming debt free, but the one I find most touching was their dedication to tending to their ill parents. If you’re looking for an example of a sacrificial life, look no further.

Despite not having a lot of money of their own, Tom and Liz sacrificed their time and resources to take care of their parents, which meant frequent trips out of state and purchasing a vehicle that could accommodate those with limited mobility.

Taking care of their parents meant seriously slowing down their financial goals and putting pause on their own wants, but they did it with glad and sincere hearts.

Somewhere along their debt-free journey, Tom and Liz were introduced to Dave Ramsey’s teachings. His radio show in particular helped Tom stay motivated and focused on their family goals. Tom loved listening to other families share their stories of becoming debt free and he dreamed of one day being a guest on Dave’s show to share his story and be an encouragement to others. He clung to hope that one day he could stand on Dave’s stage and give his “Debt Free Scream.”

For those who are unfamiliar with Dave’s show, a Debt Free Scream is a very special moment reserved for those who have paid off all their debt and get to declare in front of millions of listeners, “I’m DEBT FREE!”

This was the quintessential podium moment that kept Tom motivated for so many years.

Tom and Liz got hit with more dodgeballs…. Liz had multiple surgeries and Tom began to lose his hearing. But they continued to get back up. Tom and Liz saw firsthand what it looked like to be elderly struggling under a mountain of debt, and they wanted to leave a different legacy for their kids. So, they persisted.

More dodgeballs came, aka “life” happened. Cars broke down; house repairs were needed. But Tom and Liz got back up.

After a very long, hard-fought race, Tom and Liz crossed the finish line. They paid off all their debt including their mortgage! Ready to take his place on the podium, Tom applied to be a guest on Dave’s show to give his Debt Free Scream.

The podium moment, sadly, never came.

~

Tom and Liz had finished the race, but sadly, felt alone. They didn’t get to share their story; they didn’t get to encourage others; they didn’t get the moment of glory they had hoped for.

Disappointed and a little confused, Tom began to pray. Here’s what he had to say afterwards:

“Reflecting on my Debt Free Scream, God revealed to me the bigger picture. It is fun and exciting to listen to all those who have paid off their debt and became millionaires, but the ultimate Debt Free Scream was made by Jesus. He paid the price for my debt, and that is something I can never repay. The Lord is rejoicing for all those who listen to him and accept him as their Savior.

No amount of money will make it into heaven.

I have struggled with this for a long time. I worry that I have made too many mistakes to enter God’s kingdom, but Jesus paid my debt in full.

My new Debt Free Scream is this: Hallelujah I am saved by Jesus my Lord and my Savior!”

~

Tom and Liz have run a long race, but their journey is nowhere near complete. They know God has big plans for them, and they feel blessed to be a blessing – guiding others both financially and spiritually.

You may feel like you’re currently running a marathon while getting pummeled by dodgeballs. You are not sure what is going to happen at the end of the race. Tom and Liz want to encourage you to remain faithful, stay close to Christ, and continue getting back up.