As one of fifteen children, Brian grew up in a large, close-knit family. Over the years, he became the one everyone could count on. “I’ve always been that guy,” Brian said. “I always want to help my nieces, my nephews, my sisters. I’ll give the shirt off my back, and have zero left. That’s how much I love my family.”
But in recent years, his giving spirit was tested by personal hardship. Brian battled multiple chronic medical conditions, which left him bedridden and in constant pain. Alongside physical suffering came depression and weight gain: “I was just existing before, not living,” he said. “I was 50 pounds overweight, stuck in a dark cloud, and had lost vision for my life.”
t was during this time that Brian met Ralph Glover, a Financial Wellbeing Coach with Operation HOPE. What started as a conversation about money quickly became something much deeper. Brian shared, “when I met Ralph, his spirit and energy gave me clarity. He helped me understand the true definition of hope.”
It was during this time that Brian met Ralph Glover, a Financial Wellbeing Coach with Operation HOPE. What started as a conversation about money quickly became something much deeper. Brian shared, “when I met Ralph, his spirit and energy gave me clarity. He helped me understand the true definition of hope.”
When they began working together, Ralph knew Brian’s needs extended beyond numbers on a spreadsheet. “Money is tied to emotions,” Ralph explained. “If someone isn’t well mentally or physically, it’s hard for them to make good financial decisions. So we talked about more than savings—we talked about health, peace, and purpose.”
That shift changed everything. “Ralph has this magical spiritual energy,” Brian said. “It’s uplifting and powerful. He’s genuine, and his belief in me made me believe in myself.”
Together, they created a plan that blended financial and personal goals. They tackled debt, built savings, and worked on daily routines that promoted both fiscal and physical health. Brian explained that one of the things that stuck with him was Ralph’s advice “to be disciplined and to focus on what matters most.”
Over time, with Ralph’s guidance, Brian’s credit score rose by more than 100 points to over 650. His debt that previously had ballooned to over $14,000 was reduced by $6,000, even while living on a fixed income. He has even been able to save an extra $1,500 during this time. “My next goal,” he said, “is to walk down the aisle of my church to tithe. I’m not rushing it—I just want to get back to 80% of my life. Right now, I’m at about 45%, and I’m grateful for that.”
The lessons Brian learned about money transformed other parts of his life, too—most notably his health. “Being overweight costs money,” Ralph said. “You spend more on food, on medical care. When Brian changed his habits, he didn’t just save money—he saved his health.”
Brian agrees. “I became disciplined with my eating habits,” he explained. “I lost 50 pounds. I went from a 3X to a size X. It’s not just about the weight—it’s about getting my life back.”
Brian has also reimagined his relationship with his family. Deeply committed and family-oriented, Brian takes pride in being a source of strength and inspiration in addition to helping loved ones financially. “I care about each soul,” he said. “Even when I’m hurting, I try to be that leader. I thank God I have a spiritual glue that helps me inspire us to keep moving forward.”
For Ralph, watching Brian’s progress has been nothing short of remarkable. “When I first met him, he was bed bound and couldn’t sit up,” he said. “Now he’s sitting, standing and walking. He’s saving money, improving his credit, and inspiring his entire family and community. If he can do it, anybody can.”
Brian hopes his story will encourage others to keep going, even through pain and uncertainty.
“Ralph is a blessing in disguise. If I hadn’t met him, I don’t know where I’d be right now. Operation HOPE gave me back my faith—in life, in myself, and in the future.”
For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.