I’ve always loved numbers. As a CPA and entrepreneur, spreadsheets and ledgers came naturally to me. I grew up in a Christian home where we talked openly about money and stewardship, and I learned early on that managing finances well was part of honoring God. For a long time, I approached giving the same way I approached everything else—methodically, with precision. I tracked every tithe, every donation, every decimal.
But somewhere along the way, I realized something was missing. When I realized that I was being legalistic in my giving, I quit trying to measure everything and tried to become more freehanded in it.
A Shift Toward Spirit-Led Giving
The real transformation began when my husband and I found a community of generous, faith-filled people who gave with joy and freedom. Their example challenged me. I began to see generosity not as a duty, but as a response to God’s goodness—a way to partner with Him in what He’s doing in the world. It doesn’t matter what I have because it’s not mine; I’m just a steward. That shift changed everything. It changed how we gave, how we talked about money, and how we lived out our faith.
Helping Women Talk About Money
One of my greatest passions now is encouraging women to have honest, meaningful conversations about money and generosity. I know it can feel intimidating, but I believe every woman—no matter her background or bank account—can live generously.
Start where you are, even if you’ve only given a tiny bit before. You can start anytime to be generous with your time, your treasure, or your talent. It all matters. Whether I’m mentoring, speaking, or investing in impact-driven ventures, my message is simple: generosity starts with one step of faith.
Growing in Generosity Together
My husband and I have grown so much in this journey together. We’ve learned to pray, to listen, and to give with open hands. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
As you know what your purpose is, then you can figure out where your passions align.
We’ve discovered that Spirit-led giving brings joy—not just to others, but to us as well.
The Joy of Giving
Generosity isn’t about the size of the gift—it’s about the posture of the heart. I’ve seen God’s faithfulness over and over again, just like He promises in Malachi 3:10:
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
My journey from “tickled-tithing” to joyful, Spirit-led giving has been one of the most freeing experiences of my life. I’ve learned to hold my resources loosely, trust the Giver, and live with open hands and a full heart.
*This blog post was thoughtfully adapted from Leigh Ann Horton’s interview on The Finish Line podcast. In it, Leigh Ann shares how her journey from precision-driven giving as a CPA to Spirit-led generosity transformed her understanding of stewardship, purpose, and joy. You can listen to the full podcast interview here.
