### Why did I have to lose my business, my identity, and my savings?
#### A Loss of Identity and Purpose
When we lose our business, our identity, and our savings, it can be a devastating experience. It's as if we've lost a part of ourselves. Our business was not just a means of making a living; it was also a source of purpose and identity. We poured our hearts and souls into it, and its failure can make us feel like we've failed ourselves. This loss can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy.
#### The Importance of Humility and Learning from Mistakes
As Jerry Falwell's story illustrates, losing our business, identity, and savings can be a humbling experience. However, it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning. When we take responsibility for our mistakes and acknowledge our ignorance, we can begin to see that our failures are not the end of the world. In fact, they can be a stepping stone to success. As Falwell notes, his financial mistakes almost put Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University out of business, but God was gracious, and their ministry became stronger because of it.
#### A New Perspective on Identity and Purpose
When we lose our business, identity, and savings, it can be tempting to blame external circumstances or other people for our misfortunes. However, as Falwell's story suggests, it's often our own actions that lead to our downfall. When we take responsibility for our mistakes and learn from them, we can begin to see that our identity and purpose are not tied to our business or our possessions. Instead, our true identity and purpose come from our relationship with God and our commitment to serving Him. As Falwell notes, his identity is not routed through the carefully chosen brand images of multinational corporations but through the Christ who died for him and loved him. This perspective can give us a new sense of hope and purpose, even in the midst of failure and loss.