Unfinished Conversations with Sharon Epps

Dec 18, 2024

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We sometimes regret the things we say, but often, words left unsaid can bother us just as much.

We’ve all had the thought, “Oh, I wish I’d said this or that.” You had more to say, but for whatever reason, time ran out. Sharon Epps has some things to say about unfinished conversations today.

Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.

The Power of Unfinished Conversations

The end of the year naturally becomes a season of change. Whether through unexpected interruptions or shifting circumstances, we often find ourselves in the middle of conversations that feel unresolved. These “unfinished” moments can leave us longing for closure or clarity, especially when circumstances prevent us from completing the dialogue.

Unfinished conversations can be deeply personal. A sudden change at work, a shift in a relationship, or even an unexpected goodbye can leave us wishing we had said more—expressing gratitude, offering encouragement, or simply saying, “I appreciate you.” Unresolved words can linger in our hearts, creating a sense of loss that extends beyond the situation itself.

Reclaiming Conversations and Relationships

Some unfinished conversations need to be revisited. Reaching out to express what was left unsaid can bring healing to others and ourselves. Even after the fact, a kind word or a heartfelt message can be a powerful way to rebuild relationships and bring closure to unresolved moments.

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple step to bridge the gap. For example, an email or a phone call that begins with, “I didn’t get a chance to tell you this, but…” can make a lasting impact. Thoughtful, intentional communication can transform lingering regrets into meaningful resolutions.

When Conversations Can’t Be Reclaimed

Of course, not every conversation can be recaptured. Death, distance, or circumstances may make it impossible to say the words we long to say. When faced with these situations, we can take comfort in surrendering those conversations to God.

A meaningful practice for releasing unresolved conversations is to journal them as prayers. Writing down the words we wish we could say and giving them to God can bring peace and closure. As we do this, we can trust that God finishes what we cannot. Just as Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished,” we can rest in knowing He brings completion to even the most challenging parts of our lives.

Applying This to Finances

Unfinished conversations don’t just affect relationships—they often spill over into how we handle finances. Here are a few examples of financial conversations that can remain unresolved:

Avoiding Money Goals: Spouses can get caught up in the daily whirlwind of life and neglect setting realistic financial goals together.
Estate Planning: Families often avoid discussing inheritance or end-of-life plans, which can leave loved ones with uncertainty.
Family Debt: Outstanding debts between relatives can create tension, especially when conversations about repayment are avoided.

In these scenarios, it’s important to ask two key questions:

Does this conversation need to be recaptured? Some situations call for a direct, honest discussion to resolve lingering uncertainty or tension.
Does this conversation need to be released? Other situations may require surrendering unresolved feelings or conflicts to God and trusting Him to bring peace.

A Challenge for This Season

As the holidays bring moments of togetherness and reflection, take time to consider the unfinished conversations in your life—whether relational or financial. Ask God for wisdom to know whether to recapture or release them.

This season is a unique opportunity to bring closure where it’s needed and peace where it feels impossible. Trust God to finish what you can’t, and step forward into the new year with a heart that’s open and resolved.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I'm 39 now, and I've never saved for retirement. I have a job where I'm able to, but I don't know where to start. I have a lot of money lying around, but my company doesn't offer a 401(k) or anything like that. What should I do to start saving for retirement?
I've been using a credit card to charge our monthly groceries and then paying it off to earn travel rewards points. Is this a good approach, or should I just take the money directly from our budget instead of charging the groceries?
We've been trying to sell our house for 11 months, but the market has slowed down. My wife wonders if we should rent out our house, move to a new place, and then sell it later when the market improves. What do you think about that plan?
I have a small pension that would be taxable if I took the lump sum. I could roll it to an IRA or take the $200 per month annuity. I don't need the money now, so what's the wisest financial decision—take the lump sum, roll it to an IRA, or take the annuity payments?
We put some money into an indexed annuity a few years ago, but I've noticed it hasn't earned anything, even though the market has done well. I have a penalty to withdraw the money. Should I just leave it or try to take the penalty and move it somewhere else?

Resources Mentioned:

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