The preparation for my involvement today at a community resource fair with another member of my community for those unemployed, brought back the memories and feelings of what it was like to become one of those stats mentioned on a monthly basis in the media.
Though it was 17 years ago at this time, the feelings are still remembered and experienced.
It was a part-time position in property management at the apartment complex where my wife and I lived at the time. On Friday of Memorial Day weekend my supervisor’s supervisor let us know that the complex had been bought by new owners and new management would be coming. Bankruptcy re-organization of the current management company (for which I worked) was part of the issue.
That following Wednesday it was done.
Though I had several days to prepare for it… I was not prepared for it.
I went in to shock and felt my world crumble. I remember going home and just feeling afraid and much like Daniel in the lion’s den and Joseph in Pharaoh’s prison.
The next day, I went to the unemployment office and filled out the paper work. (Side note, I had worked there three years and was the senior employee. I had worked for three supervisors in the three years I had been there!)
My wife and I decided that perhaps it was time to move back to Indianapolis (we lived in another state at the time). So I made a trip there to start looking.
That night, one day after being unemployed, she called me at her parent’s home and said, “You are not going to believe this!”
“What?”
“A Church of God congregation in Grand Rapids just called and they are looking for a an “Associate Pastor” and wanted to know if you were interested.”
I had been out of the ministry for 4 years by that point and while I had had some interviews for associate positions, and had turned one down because I did not feel that I was supposed to go there (I was employed at the time), I was now unemployed and looking.
Thus began an 8 week process of three different interviews with the church, followed by an appearance at a worship service, a one hour Q and A with them, and then a vote. (Standard practice in our tradition.)
But, though I felt everything was going to be okay, I still was unemployed and had to get through the next several months.
So I dutifully filled out applications each week and listed them on my unemployment form. I needed to keep practicing my integrity.
A friend asked me for help with painting an apartment he owned and with building his garage foundation. I needed to work when it was offered because work is mentally and spiritually important.
I took time to help the kids at my church by driving them to day came one day. I need to take time to care for others.
By August, “the call” was offered and I accepted and in September 1992 a move to Grand Rapids was made, where I spent 8 years before coming here nearly 9 years ago.
I think that Rick Warren is right, “God does not waste a hurt.” And it was a hurtful experience but God brought good out of it!
And now 17 years later, I have the opportunity to tell my story (and have).
Filed under: Thoughts and Reflections | Tagged: Christianity, unemployment, working
