Tuesday, June 02, 2009

A pause in the battle


I haven't really figured out my plan for blogging yet and I've been doing it for years. I guess I like to keep it real--whether it be about my writing or the people who are part of it.


But I have to pause today to mention something that struck me sad again yesterday. Another group of people who used to work with my husband lost their jobs. Our own journey into this surreal world I wake to every day started in August of 2007. The few remaining workers who were sent away yesterday are now joining us in the search for worthwhile employment.


And it isn't over yet.


Until someone gets to the place in life where you question everything you once believed, empathy is laughable. Before this happened to us, I thought I understood how the people felt who my husband had to let go.


Now I know how it feels and my heart breaks for this new set of people who had to empty their desks and leave.


Here's where I get to the point. I don't know how many of the people who are losing their jobs know Jesus as their Savior.


I don't know how deep their faith is.


I don't know if they are praying and are being prayed for daily.


But I know this. They need all of the above if they are to survive. Because even with the armour of God, they will be attacked day in and day out.


It's a battle.


But it's a battle I intend to win.


Please pray today for the man or woman who is being told right now, " I'm sorry. You're through." Because really, they aren't. It's just the beginning.



32 comments:

Great Grandma Lin said...

good thoughts and a thoughtful response.

Unknown said...

With Christ as our general, the battles are always ours to win. Thanks for the reminder.

Angie Ledbetter said...

Sometimes prayer and faith are all that stands between us and complete despair.

Tana said...

Oh dear, it is so tough out there, I will pray for sure.

LisaShaw said...

Powerful message and I indeed pray and I'm praying for you and your husband.

Bless you Terri.

Pat's Place said...

I just had that conversation with my husband last night. I had talked to someone yesterday who is mired deep down in family problems and sees no answers. After the conversation, I wondered how often she asks the Lord for help???

Amy DeTrempe said...

My heart goes out to those who have lost their jobs. Several friends are in that position. I can't imagine how someone gets through it, especially if they have a family to support, without faith. I've seen a lot of depression and am powerless to do anything but pray and be there.

Kara said...

What a difficult time! Faith plays such an amazing role during times like these. I am reminded of when my husband was laid off and at times all we could do was pray. Pray through the tears and despair. But you are right, this in not an ending, but maybe a glorious beginning!

KelliGirl said...

Terri,
Great thoughts. I think of all the times I've offered kind words and empathy to someone going through something I have never personally experienced. Sometimes it feels inauthentic because I've never walked in their shoes. Jesus, however does know. He has suffered. He has been rejected. He has experienced great loss. We can never go wrong pointing our friends to the true source of comfort and peace that passes understanding.

This world sure doesn't make sense a lot of the time. And it is certainly not fair. I lift up those workers who lost their jobs today.

Blessings,
Kelli

Krista Phillips said...

Ahhhh, yes, this is SO difficult. I'm thankful everyday that I have a job that *knock on wood* is stable at the moment. It's easier said than done, but as my husband reminds me to my chagrin more often than I'd like, GOD provides for us, not a job, not money. He is our providor and as bleak as things may look, we need to hold tight to him!

Anonymous said...

Terri, you have already found your niche for your blogspot...you help those in need with your words without even knowing it.

I would like to add my daughter to the prayer list. She was told today by her boss that she was dismissed until they needed help this summer. Her husband works for the same company and we are praying he is not dismissed as well. They have a one year old son and are expecting their second child in November. They live with his mother in hopes to save money to rent or purchase a home before the new baby arrives. Maegan didn't seem upset when she called me just already on the hunt for another job.

At the college where I work, I see many people (mainly fathers/husbands) coming in looking to further their education waiting on that phone call to return to work. They come in with their heads held high and hope in their voices. I pray for them each and every day.

Thank you for posting this blog.

Ang

Eileen Astels Watson said...

I'll join you in that prayer, Terri. Amen!

Jennifer Shirk said...

So true. Will definitely be praying.

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Awww, that is rough. My husband is a pastor and we had started a church 3 years ago and disbanded in March. What a faith journey we have been on. My husband will find out this Sunday if he has a new job! The Lord opened the door to a lovely church and it looks to be a perfect fit. God is good and he is faithful, and I don't know how I would have done it without Him! Seriously, how do people do it without the hope and without the knowledge that God is in control?

Rhapsody Phoenix said...

Blessings.....the blog will evolve, i have a couple and found that it just shapes itself, i don't like labeling or restricting myself so i just go with the flow and that allows me to think and move outside the box. Take care and stay blessed.

BeckyJoie said...

Yes, it is definitely a time for prayer when so many are in that place. It is also a time to remind ourselves Who is our Provider.

Andrea said...

AMEN!!
My husband was one of those guys last November. His company could not believe how well he took it. His calm attitude spoke volumes to the owners and other businessman/women in his company. Though we have made adjustments and are still making them, we feel fortunate, b/c he was old enough to draw social security. He doesnt want to touch his retirement as long as we can make it b/c of the loss in the stock market. We had a choice..complain that we could NO longer live the lifestyle we once lived or rejoice that we had choices and little debt. We still praise GOD to this day. Better for it to be my husband who had choices than the man who would lose his home or the single mother.
Thank you for posting this blog..the pain is real and there are so many who have NO choices and could be homeless, etc.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Love and prayers, andrea

Jody Hedlund said...

We can certainly empathize better when we've walked in the pain and problems ourselves. Perhaps that's one of the reasons God has allowed you to experience the pain--so that you can better reach out to others.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

you are amazingly real. And you have an awesome heart for the Lord. I love what you said, it's not the end for those people, but a new beginning. I'm agreeing in prayer too for God to touch them. Sarah

Beth in NC said...

It really hurts when you've walked in that place. Praying with you.

Linda Hoye said...

It is a crazy time right now. I know that those of us who have faith are still making an impact on those who don't have that peace. I was in a conversation today about one of our long time co-workers who is leaving this week. She has the peace that passeth all understanding, and it is something that others pick up on. We have a unique opportunity to be witnesses in this horrible time. Remember....He is still in control!

Carmen said...

Wow Terri. That's an excellent post. My husband came home the other day and told me that there's a possibility that our local Mill (his employer)may shut down. There's a few telltale signs that aren't looking good. We're obviously hoping for the best, but you never know. All I do know for sure, is that nothing happens to us as christians that God has not allowed...so I put my faith in Him. Thanks for being such a blessing!

Greg C said...

Well I thought I knew how they felt but now I am not sure. We actually hired several people this week but I really don't think they realize just how fortunate they are.

Unknown said...

Amen to that! I've always know that God doesn't close a door without opening a window. I too often wonder how people who don't know Jesus Christ handle the difficult times, loss of a loved one, loss of job, illness, etc...they definitely do need our prayers!

Thanks for posting this Terri.

Nancy said...

I don't know how anyone can get through life without The Lord. It's so painful to think of people in need, trying to comfort themselves when The Comforter is available. My prayers go out to you and the people you mentioned. You are so right about your final thought, God does have new beginnings. He is our hope and that is what He offers us.

Jill Kemerer said...

Terri, this really struck home with me. I think when people who are directly affected by this economy look back on this time, they will be amazed at how they survived. It's tough. I'm praying.

Robin Lambright said...

Well said my friend. It is so wide spread at our curch. I don't think there is family in our congreagtion that has not had a family memer impacted by this recession. It is so difficult for everyoene.

I pray for the economy, our personal finances and the protection of my husbands job as well as everyone I know who are in similar circumstances all the time.

It just is so very hard.

Blessings
Robin

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I'm right there with you, Terri. Since March of 2008, I've been a part-time temp. I know what it's like looking for a job in this economy.

The Lord has provided. I'm trusting Him for my future. Like the man said, "Why should I stay up and worry when God is awake all the time?" (Not sure that's a completely accurate quote, but it gets the point across.)

Blessings,
Susan :)

Warren Baldwin said...

I think your plan to keep your blog real is a good one. This is heart-rending story. So far most of the people I know who have lost jobs recently have been able to find new ones, but not all. Yes, they will need spiritual resources to keep their lives and families together, and one of those spiritual resources is prayer from the rest of us. Thanks. wb

Jessica Nelson said...

I can't imagine going through all that.
I'll pray for all of you.

Melissa Amateis said...

Powerful message, Terri. Thank you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

No, we're not through! Such a powerful word of encouragement and hope, Terri. Thanks for allowing God to speak through you, despite the personal pain that you feel.

peace~elaine