Cultural Wealth: Your Roots Are Richer Than You Think

Scripture:

“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” — Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIV)

In a world where worth is often measured by financial assets or social influence, it’s easy to overlook the wealth embedded in your culture, heritage, and story. Cultural wealth isn’t about your bank account it’s about the values, history, traditions, and resilience that have been passed down to you through generations.

You come from strength. From innovation. From survival. And even if no one handed you a trust fund, you were still given something sacred: the blueprint of endurance, faith, and creativity wrapped in the narrative of your people. Your roots are richer than you think.

Whether you grew up in the city, a small rural town, or an immigrant household full of traditions, you’ve been shaped by a legacy that taught you how to adapt, navigate pressure, and rise with limited resources. That’s cultural capital. That’s spiritual inheritance. You don’t need to mimic someone else’s path to success. You can build from what you already carry, your story, your struggle, your survival.

I would like to offer you some action steps to help you realign yourself. Start a personal audit of your cultural assets. Ask yourself:

• What values did my family and community instill in me?

• What traditions taught me resilience or faith?

• What stories or sayings shaped how I view the world?

Write these down. These are not just memories, they’re tools. They’re seeds. Use them to plant new things in your life.

This week, engage in a conversation with an elder, parent, or community leader. Ask them to share a piece of wisdom or a story that shaped their life. Then reflect on how that insight can influence your next decision. You are the product of perseverance. The next chapter you write will either reflect borrowed culture or the rich inheritance you’ve been entrusted with. Remember Cultural wealth doesn’t depreciate. It multiplies when you honor it, speak it, and build from it.

Keep the Pace.