Dave Ramsey's journey from financial ruin to a life grounded in faith is a testament to Jesus' transformative power. Born on September 3, 1960, in Maryville, Tennessee, Dave built a real estate empire by the mid-1980s. By 1986, he had amassed a portfolio worth over $4 million. However, his world came crashing down in 1988 when he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at just 28, losing his wealth due to the banks calling in promissory notes.
From Bankruptcy to Brokenness
Amidst this crisis, Dave and his wife Sharon faced marital stress and personal brokenness. Reflecting on this period, Dave said, "What I had to do is just what Sharon and I did. We just took inventory. We said, 'OK, what about us personally and what about our behaviors and our habits and our decisions and our values was wrong that brought us to this moment?' Because we weren't victims...I mean, we caused it."
When God Intervened in Faith
During this challenging time, Dave encountered God in a profound way. "I had met God on the way up, but I absolutely got to know Him on the way down," he shared. It was at Christ Church on Old Acre Boulevard that Dave began his Christian journey, realizing, "I'm no longer Lord of my life, he is." This surrender marked a turning point, leading him to embrace biblical principles of finance.
Building a Faith-Based Financial Ministry
In the early 1990s, Dave started offering financial counseling sessions at his church, sharing insights drawn from his study of the Bible. By 1991, he founded the Lampo Group, now known as Ramsey Solutions, and in 1992 self-published his first book, *Financial Peace*. Through these efforts, Dave's teachings have helped millions achieve financial peace, rooted in debt-free living.
Dave Ramsey's transformation is a powerful story of how Jesus intervened in his life, turning financial disaster into a mission of helping others. Through his books, radio show, and Financial Peace University, Dave continues to honor God, attributing his success to the divine guidance he received during his darkest times.
