It’s true what Jesus told us. We cannot serve God and Money, spelled with a capital "M", because he recognized the power of money. He knows how easily we can be fooled into thinking money is the answer to all our problems. Fran finds herself in this mental trap.

At work this day the money worries are heavy on her mind, and she really doesn't want to listen to Jesus. She's into self-pity and sometimes it's hard for Fran to leave her pity party behind.

As she sits at her desk worrying and feeling sorry for herself, her phone rings. "Mrs. Langley," the voice says.

"Yes," Fran replies.

"Mrs. Langley, I'm calling for Dr. Carrow. I was just calling about the bill for Alice's dental work. It's past due and we were wondering when you might be able to pay it?"

Fran is stunned as she realizes what this is—a collection call. "Uh," she mutters, very embarrassed, "well, I know it's a little late, but I'll try to pay right away. I'm sorry, it's just that so many bills have come due this month. I’m sorry."

"Are you saying then that you'll get a check off to us soon? When can we expect it, Mrs. Langley?" the cold voice asks on the other end of the phone. Fran can't believe how pushy he is.

"Uh, well," Fran tries to think, "I'll try to get a check off this week."

"Then we can expect full payment this week, is that right Mrs. Langley?” he continues.

Fran is starting to get irritated. "I'll do the best I can."

"Well," the voice continues, "I'm sure you realize this is already 60 days late, so we'll expect your check in the next few days."

"You know," Fran replies, "you shouldn't be calling me here at work. Don't call me here anymore please."

"Well, Mrs. Langley, if you pay your bills on time, we won't have to call you again at all," he says with emphasis.

"I don't believe that guy," Fran says as she slams the phone down. She has never been so humiliated in her life. The rest of the day is pretty much a wipe-out. Fran can't think of anything else, and she gets angrier and angrier.

Several times during the day, Jesus tries to get her attention, but Fran chooses to ignore him. She knows what he'll say: Fran, you're feeling sorry for yourself. Fran, you're letting your imagination run away with you. Fran, I'll take care of you. She doesn't want to hear it.

Fran stops at the station to fill her car on the way home. Johnny says to her, "Mrs. Langley, do you realize your tires are real thin? Those two on the back, well there's hardly any tread left. You oughta get some new tires soon, I think."

Fran looks at Johnny and then at the tires. How dare he suggest that she needs to buy new tires—today of all days. She's so upset she can't even respond to him; abruptly she pays for the gas and drives off.

As she arrives home, Drew rushes up to her. "Mom, what happened? We can't get the kids channels anymore?"

"Oh, Drew, I canceled the cable service today," Fran replies.

"You canceled cable? But why?" Drew demands to know.

"Because we can't afford it, that's why," Fran replies with a raised volume in her voice.

"What do you mean we can't afford it? We've always afforded it before," Drew asks.

"Drew, we don't have money like we did before your father died. You kids have to realize that," Fran replies.

"Oh, we realize it all the time. That's all you talk about," Drew throws back at her with anger.

"Now, listen to me son," Fran grabs him by the shoulders, "I'm doing the best I can. I have to cut our costs, and we can do without cable television, that's all there is to it. Furthermore, we're probably going to have to sell the house and move to a cheaper place.”

As soon as she says it, she knows she said the wrong thing. "Move to another house? Mom, we can't leave this house. Mom..." Drew looks at her with fear in his eyes, and tears start to roll down his cheeks. Fran is ashamed of how she has upset him unnecessarily. This was no way to tell him this bad news.