“Growing up, I was aware of my family’s struggle with money and the stress it created,” said Stacia Chandler. “At 11 years old, I got my first job as a babysitter, and the small flow of cash began to create in my heart a false sense of security and control. I learned if I worked hard, I could earn more, and it wasn’t long before every house in the neighborhood had a babysitting flyer attached to the front door.
“After graduating nursing school, I moved to Dallas and continued to pride myself on being autonomous and driven. That mindset had me working full-time plus part-time in two separate hospitals to maximize income. I didn’t realize it, but I was hoarding money. Worldly advisors at the time encouraged and motivated me to continue. My goal was to be as independent as possible. But as my net worth grew, so did anxiety and discontentment. I was isolated and exhausted. (Proverbs 16:25)
“In 2011, a neighbor befriended me and invited me to Watermark. I would have called myself a Christian, but I had no relationship with Christ. I didn’t understand my need for a Savior because I was self-sufficient; I thought I could figure life out on my own.
“A few months later, I heard a sermon about biblical stewardship and how God owns the world, and everything is His (Psalm 24:1). We are called to trust Him with the resources He has given us to steward. I remember thinking, ‘Lord, I don't even know how to trust you, but I want to.’ I knew I couldn’t keep up with the way I was living and that my beliefs around money were keeping me from completely trusting Him. I finally realized my desperate need for a Savior and understood that God desires a relationship with me.
“Eager to grow, I started Equipped Disciple and Moneywise, biblical training classes at Watermark. It was a process, and with time, trust grew, and my heart changed. I learned spiritual disciplines, how to study the Bible, and how to have a biblical view of my finances. As God continued to peel back the layers of my self-reliant heart, I was met with His care and comfort. He continued to give me opportunities to trust Him as my Provider as I stopped viewing wealth and success through the world’s lens. My life began to look radically different. I moved out of my studio apartment and into a house with girls who loved Jesus, building in community and accountability.
“I wanted to serve on a consistent basis at church, but with how much I worked, that was difficult. So, I quit my second job. A couple of years later, I left the hospital setting completely to become a school nurse. With my new schedule, I was able to serve the church body more, leading in Moneywise and abroad during summer breaks with Watermark’s ministry partner in Haiti, Mission of Hope. After a few years working with the school, God opened a door for me to accept a full-time role as a charge nurse with Watermark Health.
“I never imagined I would manage other nurses or work in full-time ministry, so this was again an opportunity to trust the Lord. In my time working with Watermark Health, God has given me divine appointments to share with patients about his love and mercy, that He is a good Father, and that He can be trusted. Often, people have no idea that Watermark Health is connected to a church. They come in sick or injured, and we care for their physical needs, but more importantly, we share with them the hope and healing available through a relationship with Christ (Psalm 103:2-5). It is a privilege and encouragement to see God pursue people every day through this ministry.
“Trusting the Lord has gone from something I avoided to something I desire. And He is faithful. My life is full. Joy and peace abound even with another decrease in pay. I now have wisdom and purpose in how I give, spend, and save. I know my savings will never satisfy my need for a Savior. True peace and security are found in Christ alone. I am grateful the Lord intervened and changed my path (Proverbs 3:5-6).”