The kitchen was quiet except for the low hum of the refrigerator. My mother stood in front of a thinning pantry, trying to stretch what remained until payday. Grocery prices had climbed again, and the latest bill on the counter felt heavier than the paper it was printed on. When my dad mentioned a small purchase he had made the day before, her concern quickly spilled over into sharp words. My dad felt blamed and responded with frustration. My brother, hearing the argument and seeing that he was eating only toast again for breakfast, sheepishly asked, “Mom, are we still poor?” Suddenly, the purchase my dad made hit home. He understood that the disagreement wasn’t really about groceries. It was related to fear. Could he and my mom provide for their family? This occurred in the 1970s, but many households today are living under similar strain. Rising costs and economic uncertainty can make tomorrow feel unstable and threatening. When financial anxiety settles into a home, it shows up in restless nights, strained conversations, and constant pressure to solve every problem at once. Before long, worry can begin shaping attitudes and decisions more than faith does. A family may care deeply for one another, yet slowly drift into negative patterns caused by stress instead of ...