Have you ever been so broke that it pushed you straight into creativity? So broke that your account balance is basically “God when?” in numbers? Well, that’s exactly where I am right now.

Yesterday, I spent the entire day hoping—no, praying—that like the Israelites, manna would fall from heaven. If it happened before, why not again, right? But sadly, no manna fell. Not even a crumb. Hunger was squeezing me like a debt collector, so I went to bed early because I couldn’t stand my own growling stomach. I closed my eyes, forced myself to sleep, and hoped tomorrow would be better. Morning came… and hunger woke me up before my alarm. My stomach growled again, louder this time, like it was protesting for human rights. I dragged myself to the kitchen, opened my pots and cabinets like someone expecting to find miracle food, but reality slapped me: I live alone. What miracle food was I expecting? Since food wasn’t forthcoming, I decided to dress up for class. At least school would distract me. Maybe if I stared at PowerPoint slides long enough, I’d forget I hadn’t eaten. But guess what?

After waiting for over an hour, the class rep walked in and announced that all classes for the day had been canceled. It felt like someone pressed “refresh” on my hunger. I picked up my bag and began my journey back home. I had assignments waiting for me, but how was I supposed to think with an empty stomach orchestrating a whole orchestra inside me? As I walked, an idea hit me—almost like God tapping me on the head.

I remembered I had taken a few graphic design classes. A friend had asked me days earlier to design a flyer for him. I had dismissed him immediately, telling him I wasn’t good enough. He even messaged again saying he trusted me to do a great job, but I didn’t open the message. I didn’t know what to say. Now hunger was giving me clarity. Creativity by fire by force. I rushed home, grabbed my phone, and messaged him: “Is the offer still open?” He replied almost immediately: “Yes, of course!” Within minutes, I sat down, focused like a surgeon, and designed the flyer. When I sent it to him, he was impressed—like genuinely impressed. And then he paid me instantly. And even added a little extra as a “thank you.”

Just like that… food money entered my account. For the first time in two days, I smiled like someone who had just been granted visa to eat. And you know what? I’m now taking my graphic design skills seriously. Because if being broke taught me anything, it’s this: Sometimes hunger is not a punishment. Sometimes being broke is not the end. Sometimes it’s just life pushing you into creativity. If you have a skill, use it. Don’t downplay yourself. Don’t wait until hunger starts giving motivational speeches. That broke moment may just be the push you need.