$80,000 in Debt—Paid Off in Two Years

“I just knew I was made for something better. But there was nothing that told me. . . even the schoolteachers didn't see my potential.”

Dr. Shirley Clark’s childhood bears no resemblance to her life today. Raised in poverty and illiteracy, she graduated from high school barely able to write. Then a church message promising a better life filled her with hope.  

“So, I gave my heart to the Lord at the time. I went down just for that,” said Shirley. 

“I became a student of the word I wanted out of my situation. And the Bible told me that when I tithe, God is going to open doors, give and it shall be given unto you. I knew that I had to do the principles, at least the tithing.” 

She got a job in a library and started tithing on her small income.  Shirley became an avid reader and in time her world began to change.

She said, “And all of a sudden, I had this appetite to read and I said, I’m going to try it. And it never stopped.”

At the library, as she earned promotions and raises Shirley increased her tithes. In 1985 she married Thurmon, also a generous giver. She was able to stay at home with their two children and enrolled in seminary. At that time, Shirley wrote a book on spiritual warfare and launched her business - Clark Graphics and Publications.

Shirley said, “Coming from poverty to that American dream, if you don't have financial literacy, and I didn't, you are going to find yourself from one extreme to the next extreme.”

A lesson Shirley learned the hard way. The Clark’s still tithed but they were funding Shirley’s business travel and events with credit cards. By mid 2009, their debt had amassed to $80,000.

“The shame for me is that I thought I was okay because I knew the Lord before and He heard my prayer,” said Shirley. “How did I get here?”  “I was giving, I was tithing, got in debt. what was I missing?” 

In November 2009, the Clarks were advised to declare bankruptcy.

Shirley said, “I just didn't feel like it was God. And the next day I went into my room, my prayer room, and I heard God speaking my spirit. That He reward those that diligently seek Him. And I said, oh my God, you want me to soak?” 

“And that's what I did. I said, okay, I’m going to get up at 2:00 am just lay in your presence because my words don't mean nothing anyway. I’m too broke. I’m broken and broke. I need to hear from the One that can change me.”

And she did. The Clarks negotiated with the credit card companies to avoid bankruptcy and continued to tithe and pray. Shirley’s business quadrupled while Thurmond earned bonuses and raises allowing them to pay off their debts within two years. 

She said, “It felt incredible. The best decision is always to obey the Word.”

Today, Shirley is an author and businesswoman focusing on marketplace ministry and coaching. She leans on God’s wisdom and gives away 30% of her income. 

“One of the things I’ve learned about God about this is that He really does want to bless his people,” said Shirley. “But we have to understand that we also have to get in the game, decide what you want to give away in your life and then watch God bless you. Tithing and giving works every time.”
 

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