Debunking 5 Popular Lies Could Be Key to Your Family’s Future
Lying is bad. We can all agree on that.
But, we should own that there are some fibs we tend to let slide. See if any of these ring a bell:
“I’m fine.”(when I’m not)
“I’ll be there in a minute.” (a personal favorite)
“No, that outfit doesn’t make you look fat.” (a favorite of my hubby)
“Your call is important to us.”
Classic.
We could have an ethical or theological discussion about these, but let’s not. Instead, we’re looking at several popular lies that are much weightier. How you approach these in your family, and especially with your kids, can lead to success or chaos in the future. That’s why we’re debunking them here.
Lie #1: There is Good Debt
Starting with a controversial one, I know. But I’m going full Dave Ramsey on this.
Debt is bad. It is an easy trap to fall into, and a hard one to escape. It can lead to a years-long struggle to finally break free. Some almost celebrate the idea of debt, claiming the dubious wisdom of earning airline points or using “other people’s money.” In the end, you will pay a high price for these supposed perks. You may disagree; however, if you’re feeling financial pressure bearing down on you right now, hear me out.
Most of us have a mortgage, and that’s debt, of course, but that loan is on an asset that increases in value every year. Whether you pay it off in 30 years, 15, or 6, most would consider a loan necessary for such a massive purchase, and those who own often improve their net worth as the mortgage balance decreases and the property appreciates.
I chuckled at an online article from one of the largest banks in the US, which celebrated “good debt,” claiming wisdom in using “financial leverage,” calling it “a really powerful tool.” Only, most who follow that advice will find themselves smothering beneath an overwhelming debt load. Good debt, to this bank, includes student debt. As someone who has felt the compounding sting of large educational loans, I now take issue with characterizing that type of debt as good. It’s important to note that as Americans borrow and go deeper into debt, banks offering this sort of advice prosper.
The Bible has a lot to say about money. Proverbs 22:7 cautions, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Ever feel like you’re in bondage to those bills?
You may not share my low opinion of debt, but allow me to point out a few facts:
- Adults in the US who have debt carry an average of almost $67,000 (per person)
- Many households carry $38,000 in car loans
- Student Loans in the US are at $1.8 trillion
- Americans have 1.21 trillion in credit card debt at an average 23% interest rate1
- About half of our fellow citizens live paycheck to paycheck and worry daily about money2
My husband and I made plenty of financial mistakes during our three decades of marriage. When we finally did the work needed to change our habits and embrace the ideas of spending less than we earn, saving, being generous, and honoring God with our finances, everything changed.
Mamas, teaching your kids to manage money early, to spend, save, and give, will equip them to avoid mistakes you may have made through the years. They can experience more stability and confidence if they learn to avoid the debt trap. As young adults, their friends may be leveraged to the hilt with all that “good debt,” but your kids will be free.
The best way to get ahead is to use your paycheck for those three things: spending, saving, and giving – not in payments to Chase, Wells Fargo, and Capital One. When the question arises, “What’s in your wallet?” you can confidently answer, “Cash.” (Or your debit card – same as cash!)
If you are looking for a way out, check out CrownFinancial.org or RamseySolutions.com. They want to help.
Lie # 2: Kids Need College to Find Success
We once believed that college was the only path to success; however, more graduates are finding themselves woefully underemployed – unable to find jobs with salaries commensurate with what they spent on their education.
Doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professions require four, eight, or even more years of schooling. Not every career lends itself to skipping the university.
That said, a growing number of young adults are entering business and the trades, becoming entrepreneurs, and avoiding massive student loan debt through determination and hard work. Even independent study can sometimes provide what’s needed for a healthy salary and bright future. In a previous blog, we shared some promising information about potential career paths. Besides avoiding the liberal/Marxist indoctrination at most universities, we found that you can also make some serious bank. Here’s a sampling from the list we shared then:
Certified Associate Constructor careers (Entry level $55K, Experienced 70-82K)
Plumbers (Average to high salary $60-100K)
Electricians (Average to high salary $60-100K)
Elevator Technician (Median salary $66 – 99K)
Power Plant Operator (Median to high salary $100-132K)
Building Inspector (Average to high salary $65 – 92K)
Journeyman Welder (Average to high salary $50-100K)
There are plenty of American success stories of those who bypassed four-year degrees, like Walt Disney, Henry Ford, and Steve Jobs. Then there’s a beloved cultural icon, an American hero and founder of Turning Point USA, which brings in more than $80 million each year. Charlie Kirk not only skipped college but wrote a book about it, The College Scam.
If your child wants to attend college, that’s fine, just be clear-eyed about the price and whether it makes sense for their chosen career.
Lie # 3: Victimization, Trauma, or Mistakes Define You
Ever heard the old story about the two men raised by an alcoholic, abusive father?
One grew up and rose to success in business, while the other became a destitute alcoholic. When asked to explain his achievements, the wealthy businessman replied, “My father was an abusive alcoholic, so I determined I would not follow that path.” Similarly, when the homeless, addicted brother was asked what led him to his miserable state, he explained, “My dad was an abusive alcoholic, what did you expect me to become?”
It’s a poignant parable, especially since, in recent years, the word “victim” has taken center stage in public discourse.
In our cultural climate, one may achieve victim status by race or ethnicity, by social or financial circumstances. Some may feel marginalized as part of the LGBTQ community, or because of their immigration status. And if you fit several categories, according to DEI thought, your victim status reaches a higher bracket.
Then, there are those with more tangible pain, who were abused growing up or suffered violence in adulthood. Real loss has devastated many. A parent, spouse, or child dies, an alcoholic husband beats and abuses his wife, or a neighbor sexually molests a child. A close relative of mine lost her home and all of her belongings to a sudden fire, just five days before Christmas. Traumatic events and abusive relationships can leave a lifelong mark.
These are traumas not to be minimized. They must also not be allowed to hold you captive forever. You don’t just “get over” some things, so we’re not suggesting you can just flip a switch to mental or emotional health; however, too many believe their victimization, or even their own mistakes, will forever prevent them from having a healthy, happy, or whole life. That doesn’t have to be true for you.
Grief over our mistakes, a deeply felt loss, or trauma is a real part of life. Grieving is a healthy response to loss. Through it, we embrace what’s happened and what has been lost, and, through mourning, we can work through pain, guilt, and shame. No one can tell you how long a season of mourning or regret should last; however, we urge you, when you can breathe again, to take some action.
Get Help – Find a Christian counselor to work through the pain and find a path toward mental and emotional health. If you are grieving a death, consider a Grief Share group, or if you’re dealing with addiction, Celebrate Recovery could help.
Seek True Friends – Stick with your ride-or-die friend who will say the hard things and love you no matter what. Identify friends who truly believe you will one day overcome what you’re going through. They are the ones willing to share truth, whether you want it or not. They will help as they can and pray faithfully.
Press Into Faith – God is the one who holds the power to help you overcome. Don’t be afraid to say whatever you’re thinking and feeling to Him. He cares about all of it, and promised to never leave you – no matter what. As you pray, read the Bible as well. The promises in there are true. It’s filled with stories of those who overcame unbelievable odds. When you are weak, He is strong.
Lie # 4 Religion is Toxic
It seems a long-time goal of certain groups and individuals is to remove religion from the public discourse entirely. Thankfully, our Freedom of Religion protects us from government infringement thanks to our wonderful Constitution.
Still, the haters hate.
There used to be a live and let live culture in the US, where Christianity was welcome, as were other religions, and even those who reject faith altogether. In recent years, that hasn’t been enough. Left-leaning activists have taken aim at faith, specifically Christianity and Judaism.
Though our founders built the principles of our nation on Judeo-Christian concepts, critics claim Christianity promotes violence, hate, oppression, and even harm to children (for not supporting gender ideology foolishness). They accuse us of being anti-science, too.
However, it’s simply not true. Scientific discovery quite often points to faith and has never been able to disprove a word of the Bible. Jesus was a revolutionary figure in a culture that oppressed women and endured brutal domination by the Roman Empire. Far from violence, hate, or oppression, he taught his followers to love. He insists that we forgive. It’s just that Christian mindset and conviction that we saw in Erika Kirk when she courageously forgave her husband’s assassin.
A proper study of the scriptures reveals a loving God who guides people into richness in relationships, honor of others, care for those in need, along with forgiveness, grace, and peace for all who embrace the Truth.
The accusations of toxicity are an ongoing fabrication from angry leftists who define “love” as sex-rejecting procedures for our most vulnerable young citizens. Female athletes overcome by men invading women’s sports, and the defense of violence over the plight of the peaceful. Who’s toxic? Certainly not religion.
Lie # 5 Patriotism Breeds Racism
Another leftist lie. This one is far-fetched and deeply insulting.
They accuse patriots of being white supremacists. Even those who are not white – what?
Without a shred of actual evidence, the claim is that all who vote for Republicans are racist. The Miami Herald ran the headline “Racism is part of Republicans’ ideological DNA. It’s just that simple.” 3 And that is a common claim among mainstream media and leftist politicians. They all agree, but we know better, and it appears you can say pretty much anything in the throes of Trump Derangement Syndrome, and they lap it up!
We don’t have to tell you, mamas, what the truth is, but we will anyway. Patriotic Americans are the lifeblood of this great nation; they:
Honor the flag
Help their neighbors
Wear and fly the Red, White, and Blue proudly
Protect our Freedom
Love our nation’s founders and their vision
Honor those who fought and died for our freedom
Love their children
Care about their schools and communities
Believe in the sanctity of life, marriage, and family
Live the motto on our currency, “In God We Trust”
As patriotic fervor swells amid a growing economy, a thriving military, young adults turning back to faith in droves, and hope blooming once more for a great American future, I can imagine it’s tricky to figure out which part to criticize. So, instead of real critiques of issues we may disagree on, the left attempts to shut down conversation with a blanket and entirely unfounded accusation of racism.
Mamas, teach your kids to be grateful and proud Americans, instilling the confidence and character they’ll need to lead our nation into the future.
The Truth About Being Counterculture in 2026 and Beyond
In 2026, it is the patriotic Americans like you who are countercultural.
We are willing to stand for the Truth against any and all lies. We will admit our mistakes and own our shortcomings – but we will not shrink from the truth that history is on our side. As we prepare to celebrate our 250 years as a nation, our “Super-Centennial” as some are calling it, we will hold to our stance for justice, freedom to worship, safety for our communities, parental rights, fair and honest elections, and, most of all, liberty.
So, mamas, embrace your counterculturalism. It looks good on you!
Podcast Note: Mike Rowe (TV producer & host, mikeroweWORKS Foundation) has championed the trades through his 20-year reality TV show, Dirty Jobs (with its spin-offs, Dirty Jobs Down Under and Dirty Jobs: Rowe’d Trip), and is an advocate for American workers and entrepreneurs. We had the opportunity to talk with him recently and learn more about his fascinating life and career. Don’t miss it!
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