It’s the wildest kind of hope to begin a follow-up to my April post God Is Good All the Time before my husband actually receives a job offer, but it feels so very close. I tell him he’s almost employed and in our gut we believe it.
But still . . . So I’ll walk you through the past 12 weeks when we’ve held fast to hope and peace in the midst of unexpected unemployment and what I’ve learned — or remembered — along the way.
For years I said — in the nicest possible way — that I wished my husband’s former employer would have an Ebenezer Scrooge experience and realize he has a responsibility for his employees. It never happened, which is why my husband found himself suddenly unemployed after 17 years with the same company.
When he called to say that he, along with years of accumulated personal possessions, was on his way home, my feelings were mixed: shock that he was unemployed, but happiness that our financial future was no longer controlled by someone who didn’t care about us.
From the beginning I felt peace, and when people asked about us I joked, If we’re unemployed two months from now, then I’ll worry. My arbitrary two month deadline came and went with no job offer, but honestly, I wouldn’t sacrifice a day of these past twelve weeks. And as I write this, my husband is still unemployed.
I needed to remember control lies with One who cares about us and the minutiae of our daily existence completely. (Luke 12:7)
I needed to remember the Lord works in wonderful and mysterious ways, beyond our imagination or ability to comprehend. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
I needed to remember the voice of fear does not come from God. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I needed to remember God’s timing is perfect, and His and mine are rarely the same. (Lamentations 3:25-26)
I needed to remember to trust, and then to trust Him more. (Psalm 56:3)
In the past twelve weeks my husband has had a second interview with three different companies: the first needed someone with his experience but decided they weren’t ready to hire; the second wanted to add a position he could fill but couldn’t budget for it (these interviews came based on referrals, not job listings); and the third flew him out-of-state to their company headquarters for the follow-up interview.
We are hopeful this one will lead to a job offer.
I want to hold onto this sweet time in my marriage. Looking for a job is a full-time job in itself, but we’ve enjoyed late-night movies on the couch; long walks in the neighborhood; mid-morning breakfasts; being together.
We share the love language of quality time and we’ve lived these days well.
When the world has disappointed and discouraged my husband, my unrelenting encouragement has prevailed and I more fully know my worth as his wife.
Ladies, we have the power to do our husbands good or evil. Choose the good. (Proverbs 31:11-12)
I thank you for the comments on my original post, which my husband and I both read, for continued prayers, and for those who’ve asked for updates. The (in)courage community is our community in the truest sense, and the Lord is our strength and our shield. (Psalm 28:7)
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16b
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{As an aside, if you feel the urge to help a friend in hard circumstances, listen to the Spirit. Your friend may never speak her needs. We have been blessed by neighbors who’ve hired my husband for work they could have sent elsewhere, and sweet gifts from friends, even leftovers sent home from Sunday lunches.}
* * *
Update: Two days after I wrote this post, my husband received a job offer! The day this publishes will be his second day at a new office after over 13 weeks of unemployment. Please pray for him as he learns new faces and a new role, and for me as I adjust to spending less time with him (he’ll probably be too busy to miss me!). It will be an adjustment for us both.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
At least twice you used the word “remember,” and this is something I’ve been thinking about in this crazy life. So much of what we need to live the Christian life is already in our heads. And it always seems to take a jolt to dislodge it and get us living in the truth we know. I’m SO thankful for the happy P.S. at the end of this post, but also thankful for the way you walked me through your days of being thankful in the midst of gut-wrenching question marks about the future.
Dawn Camp says
Michele, you are so right. Sometimes it takes a jolt to remind us that those things we know in our heads are true.
Bill G. says
… and the ‘remembrance’ of God’s timing, wowzers! I read, time and again just today, many ‘devotionals’ for this day, on God’s timing. He certainly does demonstrate patience – and expects the same, plus trust in Him… ain’t it ‘awful for the moment, but great for eternity?! Praise God (and thank you!) for sharing suck exciting, good news! Prayers for y’all . and all who are in like circumstances. WOWZERS!
Dawn Camp says
Yes, there’s a whole lot about us that isn’t like Him, and timing is a big piece of that—and yes, trusting can be hard!
Bill G. says
N.B. Please excuse the typo’s in my (above) comments — I do so much better on my IBM typewriter!
Dawn Camp says
🙂
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Dawn,
Yay!! and Praise!! God is God and we are not. He knows the growth we need to experience in times of waiting. It’s a long story that I won’t go into….but had my husband of three and a half years not been laid off from a downsizing by his company, he wouldn’t have been online the day I lost my job after feeling particularly low about having just come through a divorce that took everything out of me. Long story short – even in both of our losses of jobs, God was orchestrating something beautiful. Just because He’s quiet at times, doesn’t mean He’s not at work. Times like these build our trust in Him. Raise your Ebenezer so you may look back upon it and remember God’s faithfulness. Sharing in your joy!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Dawn Camp says
Bev, thank you for your story of God’s oh-so-perfect timing!
Claire says
Congratulations on your husband’s new job!
Dawn Camp says
Thank you, Claire!
Dee says
If you could pray for my son, a very good job opportunity has become available. I pray that God (if it be his will) will give the interviewers favor and my son confidence and a job offer.
Dawn Camp says
Praying for your son’s interview this morning, Dee!
Angela Scott says
Praise God for his new job! Thank you for sharing what you all were going through. Reading your words brought a smile to my face and prayers from my lips. We need to remember that God is in every area of our lives, even when we don’t or can’t feel it. He will never leave us nor forsake us. In the midst of this trying time, you and your husband got to spend some precious quality time with each other, what a blessing! I pray that God continues to bless both of you in the way that only He can.
Dawn Camp says
We felt His peace, but yes, the timing was hard. Now we realize the job my husband received was not even available when he became unemployed, but we think the wait will be worth it!
Marianne says
Thank you God for answering their prayer!!! May He continue to bless the both of you.
Your post today has encouraged me not to give up on unanswered prayer.
Thank you
Dawn Camp says
Marianne, this is the kindest of comments. Don’t give up—He hears you!
Jas says
Congratulations to your husband on his new job! Praying for you both x
Dawn Camp says
Thank you, Jas, we’ve felt the prayers.
Jocelyn says
Beautiful testimony. I can relate as my hubby was out of work for a time, when we had very young children at home. It certainly stretches you, spiritually and emotionally. My hubby ended up starting his own business. It’s been a learning experience and we are very grateful for God’s continued provisions.
(p.s. I’m glad your husband has found a job. When I first read your post, I thought about a position in my husband’s office as they have been looking for an HR person. Praising God for His mercies, which are new every day)
Dawn Camp says
Jocelyn, thank you for thinking of us for a position at your husband’s office! My husband has been so touched by the response of this community.
Angela Cook says
Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow! God’s plans are always best — thank you for sharing your struggle and your faith to encourage others who may be also waiting on His perfect timing. The precious memories of the sweet times you had together during this time will always be important.
Dawn Camp says
Angela, you’re so right—we will treasure this time we’ve had together.
Angie Tira says
Yes, when we trust in our loving and ever present Father, we will never be disappointed. We perceive everything according to the world’s timetable and try to arrange things and our lives around it but God marches to His own beat and to His own plans. His’ is better than ours because He plans for eternity.
Dawn Camp says
Angie, I’ve been learning the truth to your words first hand. His timing is perfect!
Lillian says
Look. At. God!
Dawn Camp says
Oh, yes! 😉
Dawn Camp says
As another update, my husband didn’t start work yesterday. There was a miscommunication between the Atlanta office and the Dallas office of his new company: they each thought the other had taken care of the mandatory background check and drug screening, but neither had (and my husband didn’t even know he was supposed to do them). He went in and did all that stuff yesterday but can’t actually start until they get the results, so probably Monday-ish. So, he’s checking one off the honey-do list and re-caulking our shower! You would think there had been time for all of those things these past months, but looking for a job was the focus.
Lynn D. Morrissey says
Oh Dawn,
that is so wonderful!!!! Congratulations to your husband and you upon his new job position. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to provide. I felt such hope pulsing through your post . . . that God was giving you the faith to believe for His provision, and then what a hope-filled ending. He came through for you in a powerful way. What I also sensed was your tremendous sense of joy in knowing the Lord and understanding Him . . . in knowing that His ways are not yours, and that His timing is perfect, in knowing that He was working all things together for your good. In that time of unknowing He gave your husband and you the gift of removing him from a dead-end job, giving you special times of sharing together, and giving you the gift of faith to draw closer to Him. I left a career because I felt that God wanted me to, after I had our daughter. Though I didn’t make a huge salary, still every penny made a big difference to us, and I really struggled to leave. But when I obeyed, God provided in amazing ways . . . resources we never would have expected, including my husband’s raise, and eventually a better-paying job. and now, during Michael’s retirement, the Lord continues to provide. I am just so happy for you both and how you were gracious enough to share this journey with us. Praying for his wellbeing and easy learning curve on this new job. Rejoicing with you!
Love
Lynn
Dawn Camp says
Oh, Lynn—we have talked just this week about how he truly was at a dead-end job with no more chance of advancement and now he’s with a company who’s already discussing strategy for him years in advance. What a blessing!
Lynn D. Morrissey says
What a joy to read this. Oh, how the Lord has rewarded both of you two, your trust and patience!! I’m so happy for you both.
Joy says
Such a helpful and godly attitude you embody for your husband. I’m sure he was blessed by it. Those times of uncertainty have stretched my husband and me as we faced 2 years of unemployment 10 years ago. When you don’t know the timing, and when you will find relief, it adds a whole new dimension of trusting God. We know in our head He’s trustworthy, but allowing it to sink down from our head to our heart is a whole other dimension. So glad to hear God brought you and your hubby through the difficult times in a way where you could enjoy one another without being overly stressed. Thanks for your example. 🙂
Dawn Camp says
Wow—2 years! Yes, what we know in our heads has to settle in our hearts before we can fully trust the Lord’s provision in it all.
LoriAnn Christian says
I know where your coming from my husband was laid off for a year and yes it was hard. God has his reasons and his seasons for change in our life. I think he does this to see how much faith and trust we really have in him. As he says cast your cares. We always come out good in our lives when we’re obobedient and lean on him for understanding. But mostly it’s God timing not ours.
Dawn Camp says
LoriAnn, in my experience it’s when we reach that point of full surrender to His will, purpose, and timing that we see the greatest blessings.
Lazondral Nelson says
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! What a wonderful testimony!
Dawn Camp says
He is mighty on our behalf!
Deborah says
I just feel utterly blessed to be able to read your devotional and then to read the comments by all these prayer warriors.
What a beautiful community on this site.
Thank you Dawn and God Bless
Dawn Camp says
Thank you, Deborah. We have been—and continue to be—blessed by the prayers and support of this community.
Andrea says
This has come at the perfect time for me. I handed my 3 month notice in in April feeling a prompting by God to do so. I haven’t quite finished work yet but will do in the next few weeks. I have just come home from an interview for a job which I would just love to have and I’m now waiting for the phone call (or lack thereof) to either confirm that I have it or not.
These words are so apt and perfect for me right now. My heart is still anxious but God is faithful. And he has perfect plans for me.
Thank you for this timely encouragement.
So fantastic about the new job! Wow!
With love,
Andrea
Dawn Camp says
Andrea, trust Him in this, whether or not this one is the job for you. He knows your future and what job is best!
Andrea says
The job didn’t work out but in that, despite the initial desperation and fear, I feel a peace. His plans are indeed good and whilst the blank canvas is staring at me, I’m excited by the picture we will end up painting together. Thank you for your encouragement.
Kristin Davila says
Oh my goodness! God is so good and faithful I lost my job in May and it was totally unexpected. I looked up to the heavens and said, “I know You are not surprised by any of this.” I had that peace that is beyond understanding. Just yesterday I began to question and cry out to God about when will I find something. He answered my prayer with this article that it is coming soon. Thank you so much for the encouragement today that I needed!
Dawn Camp says
Kristin, I’m thankful that our story can encourage you in the midst of your own. Hang in there and wait on His good timing!
Penny says
Dawn,
It’s refreshing how you’ve spent the time making it into something positive. Thank-you for reminding us that ‘God’s timing is perfect.’ Congratulations on your husband’s new job. I pray that all goes well for him….
Blessings to you all,
Penny
Dawn Camp says
Penny, it feels strange to say, but it really has been a positive time. Crazy, huh? 🙂
Marina says
Congratulations on the new job, but mostly for weathering the storms of life well! May your husband be affirmed in his workspace, valued as an employee, learn the ropes quickly, and have fun at work too!
You mentioned he traveled for the interview… does this mean a move is imminent?
Although my husband has been with the same company, the last 7½ years have meant 7 positions and 7 out of state moves (all but 1 a promotion). God has been faithful to sell each home within 30 days. He has found us homes to buy when there wasn’t much on the market. He provides at least one friend for me in each new place, and although the moving is hard work, He has provided generously in time, energy, and resources for us to do most of the work in each home ourselves, allowing for it to feel like “home” while we are there.
Whether you have to move or not, know that God is in all the details, in ways you can’t even imagine! May you both see His hands at work as he continues to grow you!
Dawn Camp says
Marina, you’ve zeroed in on one of the greatest blessings in this: my husband seems to be truly valued by his new employer. We won’t actually have to move, it’s just that the owner in Dallas is very involved in the operation of and the employees in his company; that’s a big change for us! They’ve talked about long-range plans and promotions and seem so excited for my husband to join them. It’s been an encouragement to him after this waiting, which obviously held personal discouragement for him. Thank you for your kind words!
Barbara says
I pray God’s richest blessings over you and your family. You are His beloved. I am so glad you shared how others blessed you in your time of need. Someone did that for me years ago and I am so very grateful to them. I pay it forward as often as I can. It is a blessing to me to share as much as it is for the person in need. Bless you!
Dawn Camp says
One friend—who I know doesn’t have a lot of “extra” in her life—gave us a greeting card with a Kroger gift card slipped inside. Our retired neighbor hired my husband to replace the front and rear brakes on his car (my husband is a wonderful DIYer!). These kinds of things blessed us tremendously during our unemployment.
Cathy says
I have been out work for awhile now. I could use your Prayers. Thank you.
Brenda says
((Cathy)) Prayers for you, sister.
Dawn Camp says
So sorry, Cathy. Praying for you now.
Brenda says
Oh, how we know the feeling well. And that peace. When I look back on those times, I think — how did we ever feel such peace? That inexplicable peace is a gift from heaven, isn’t it? It forever stretches your faith though, doesn’t it? Like, in the Bible when God says to look at His past faithfulness as a sign of His future faithfulness–these times are now memorial stones of His faithfulness in our lives. When things are stretched, they don’t often return to their original shape. We’re changed; we’ve witnessed God’s presence and our faith has grown. — Congrats and Praise God for the new job. (And yay for the extra week.) Prayers for you both as this new season begins.
Dawn Camp says
Brenda, thank you for these lovely words. I love the idea of this time as a memorial stone.
Tree says
I love the statement by Charles Spurgeon:”Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there.” God’s divine love is so amazing and always perfect! I am so thankful for God’s provision in your life. Take it from a family who has been through 5 layoffs…GOD IS GOOD! “I have never seen the righteous forsaken or His seed begging bread”. God has always provided and we have never been late on a payment or without clothes on our bodies, a roof over our heads or food in our belly! How amazing it is to have had the opportunity to trust and come out on the other side able to speak of His goodness and grace! Father God, I pray that this new job will be more than dreamed of, will provide more than expected and will give opportunity for showing you to others. In Jesus name, amen 😀
Dawn Camp says
Thank you for your words and this prayer. Yes, through it all we’ve made payments and had food in our fridge—what a blessing!
Pamela Bodden says
Praise God!!!!! God is so good!
I am encouraged by your share this morning. I am still looking for work, however, what you shared about what the Lord has been reminding you in His Word about trusting His timing, His faithfulness has been mine as well. I have registered at a temp agency and was called for a temporary opportunity. Pray it is the Lord’s will, I receive the assignment. Thanks you and Congratulations on your husband’s new job. May he be a blessing to those he encounters in sharing how God has blessed him and your family during unemployment and this may lead the to Christ!
God bless you,
Pam Bodden
Dawn Camp says
Pam, I read your words to my husband: “May he be a blessing to those he encounters in sharing how God has blessed him and your family during unemployment and this may lead them to Christ!” He was so touched. I pray you receive this new job assignment!
Beth Williams says
Pamela.
Praying you get the temporary assignment. I, too, have worked temporary jobs. One of the actually lead to a permanent position. God’s timing is perfect. I pray you can be a blessing to those around you.
(((((hugs)))))
Elizabeth says
I am encouraged by your husband’s story and send praises for his new job. I have been unemployed since November and have been struggling to hold on to hope. This was the encouragement and positivity that I needed as I begin my daily job search.
Dawn Camp says
Elizabeth, I’m thankful our story can encourage you in yours. Praying you find a job soon.
Leslie McCarthy says
Big Congrats on the new job!! 🙂 My husband, now 64, was out of work for 7 years, despite having an MBA and years of experience. He worked any job he could get here and there, however brief, and between that and friends and family, including our church family, the Lord provided the whole time. We had nothing extra, but we made it. God is faithful, every time, every circumstance. Then 3 years ago, He provided a job in a miraculous way. We serve a faith-building, loving God. Again, so happy for you!!♥
Dawn Camp says
Leslie, what a story! I pray this job is the one your husband can hold for as long as he works.
Alana says
Dawn…
Your ‘update’ brought an immediate spring of tears…of JOY…what an AH-mazing God we have to love us always! All His blessings to you and yours!
Dawn Camp says
Thank you, Alana!
Lenora says
Dawn,
First, let me congratulate you and your husband on his new job. I retired in April from a very stressful job that was causing medical issues. I have been applying for different jobs since my retiring. Today, I received a call from the temporary agency and they are setting up an interview. Your post was what I needed at this time. Pray that I receive an interview.
Dawn Camp says
Lenora, I pray this all goes well for you and I’m thankful you were able to leave the difficult job behind.
Becky says
I have no words for your experience, except unbelieveable trust.
I am also job hunting presently, and am starting over in my 50s. I need just a portion of your strength! Be well!
Dawn Camp says
Becky, this is where my husband is too. He turned 50, four days later our first grandchild was born, and then nine days later he lost his job. Fifty has been quite the adventure for him so far!
Sandy Woods says
Dear Dawn, Thank you so much for sharing your experience during a time of unemployment. The Lord has encouraged me beyond words through your post, I am so grateful to you and you husband for sharing. I am currently facing uncertainty thru unexpected unemployment and I have heard over and over again the Lord telling me the same thing, His timing is perfect, He has the whole thing in His hands, rest in Him and enjoy this time of being with family and having a slower pace. I of course find myself trying to make things happen and am reminded that it all belongs to Him the owner of a thousand cattle on a hill. So thank you again for this. I am going to continue to trust the Lord with all my tomorrows and all that it will bring.
Dawn Camp says
Sandy, I’m thankful our story can encourage you as you deal with unexpected job loss. Trust Him and enjoy the time with family while you wait on His perfect timing.
Tim says
I HAVE TO rely on God’s appointment. I have been out of work for over 10 weeks with no prospects in sight. I am almost 63, white and male. Around here that’s like having three strikes against you before you even start. Only God can open the right door. I have applied for over 30 jobs and nothing. Am I discouraged? Yes, and so is my wife. I cannot do physical labour so my job opportunities are limited to office work. I have over 25 years experience in administration but everyone now days is looking for younger people to train and fulfill those roles. I am seriously considering a change in careers again (last time it was to become a truck driver…disastrous) this time as an insurance agent. Is this God’s will as it costs a lot of money to take the course, which we don’t have. We are very fervent believers in prayer. Too many miracles have happened in our extended family not to believe. Just waiting is the hardest. GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Dawn Camp says
I’m so sorry, Tim. Have you tried reaching out to friends and expanding your networks. My husband had never used Linked In, but he immediately jumped into it and after several weeks of unemployment, I posted to Facebook about our job loss, where we received multiple leads and shares of the post. So much help and support! We also found out about a local church that holds a weekly networking meeting for men who are unemployed. He attended those meetings and joined their email list too. The job my husband ended up receiving was not even available when he became unemployed, so the wait was truly worth it. God’s timing is not our own!
Becky says
Godspeed!
It is very trying, but God provides, just in time. I also have “different” abilities, and am alone. I really don’t know how I get the bills paid (I guess I’m not, really), but housing and utilities and interim work see me through. Thanks be to God.
Blessings!
Rene says
Congratulations on your husband’s job!
We too are in a waiting period and your post was just the reminder I needed! Thanks so much for sharing!
Dawn Camp says
You are so welcome, Rene. I pray the Lord’s peace for you in your wait.
Martha T. says
How exciting!
Tekila says
Thanks for sharing! This has been so encouraging for me because I am so unsure about my future in grad school and how I will get through it. I am hopeful, nervous, and trusting God the best way I know how to bring me through the unknown.
Dawn Camp says
Tekila, I prayed a lot of prayers that were simply: “If it be your will, Lord.” Surrender to His will and trust Him to show you the way.
Becky says
Amen!
Hope says
This is a familiar journey for me also, we’ve traveled that road twice. There are many good memories from both times and we journeyed on to better situations in both experiences. The relief of finding the next stop on our journey is immense even as it comes with nervous wonder about the new normal ahead. You have been faithful and supported your husband. You will continue to be blessed in the days ahead.
Dawn Camp says
Hope, I’m waiting to see what the new normal is and hopeful in what the future holds!
Kathleen says
My daughter in law has been applying for jobs. She had a second interview yesterday but was told today, the picked someone else. She was so upset. She is working at a company that has already laid off two rounds of employees and sending lots of work to India. She needs to work and was so hoping this door would open. She has now applied to five other jobs. Please lift Megan up in prayer to find the right job with a good salary. Thanks so much.
Dawn Camp says
Kathleen, I pray Megan gets the job that is perfect for her. We had some big disappointments in this process, especially the two other companies where he had follow-up interviews. Ultimately, we feel like the job he received is exactly the one he needs, that will be best for us.
Danielle Bernock says
Congratulations to your husband on his new job!
Your story reminds me of a similar thing my husband and I went through. He got laid off in 2006 and struggled two and a half months to find work finally taking an offer that moved us out of state away from anything familiar and comfortable. But we knew it was God.
A little over a year and a half he got laid off again.
He was off for nine months until he found a job that lasted less than a month due to the company having difficulties.
He was off work for fourteen months before he landed another job that proved to be not a good fit so while working he looked for a new job. Nine months later the Lord provided a wonderful job opportunity and moved us back home.
It was such a difficult time but changed us in so many ways. We never lacked for anything and we can’t even document how. God is so faithful.
Lyn says
Danielle, the same for us, we had all we needed. God is a fulfilling faithful trusting Savior. I am so thankful!
Danielle Bernock says
Praising God with you Lyn!
Dawn Camp says
Danielle, what an amazing job journey your family has had! Those memories of God’s faithfulness will serve you well in the future. Glad He brought you back home!
Danielle Bernock says
Yes yes and yes! 🙂
My husband was just saying yesterday about the perfect timing of our return to Michigan. A couple months after we returned is father passed away and his mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and we were in charge of her care. That’d be difficult from far away. We are so thankful.
Becky says
Thanks be to God!
Danielle Bernock says
Indeed Becky!
Lyn says
I want to say praises for you Dawn, I love praise reports. We can only ask, what God wants to do for us is His special gift. We won’t understand it, or even believe it as it is happening but I will say from our arduous journey .. IT IS ALL WORTH IT! We were unemployed for 8 months, my hubs did odd jobs and I thank God for that time too, but our marriage fell apart. In his new job, things went well for him, but not so much for me. One year in and at the edge of divorce (because of some really bad choices) we are still together and now stronger than ever. I almost thank the good Lord for his infidelity because if I didn’t almost lose something I didn’t think I wanted, then I would not know the value of it today. We both learned a lot about taking advantage of each other and developing a new respect for others not just ourselves.
Continued prayer he will soar in his new career ♥️
Dawn Camp says
In many situations could we could apply your words: “if I didn’t almost lose something I didn’t think I wanted, then I would not know the value of it today”? It sounds like the Lord sustained your marriage through a difficult time and brought you out stronger on the other side. Amen!
Rebecca L Jones says
I had a lady ask for me to pray for her a job and she had been out of work for three years, she’s concerned she’s being led in a whole new direction. I now that feeling, I answer lots of prayer requests and wait on the timing of my writing, meanwhile, I blog. Glad your husnband has a new job, and that you had some together time.
Augusta says
Thanks God gor Dawn ecperience Praying for all those looking for jobs.
Nancy Ruegg says
What a spirit-lifting story of peace amidst the storm. Thank you, Dawn!
Beth Williams says
Dawn..
Praise God that your hubby got a great job with potential. Thank you for showing us how to really trust God in the hard places. For having faith that ALL would work out well-no matter the outcome. You are both great people of faith & God. I went through a “big” trial with my aging father’s mental/physical health. I never knew when the phone would ring. Once his dementia got so bad he was hospitalized. That was a scary month. Through faith & the prayers of many I persevered. God allowed me to witness a miracle & healed him. Yes! God’s timing is perfect!!
Blessings 🙂
Marte says
Dear Dawn & Husband: Rejoicing in your new job! Your special time enjoyed, holding hands while facing the unknown.
We, too, have experienced “layoffs, little in our larders and losses”.
In 2006 we closed one of our businesses, an Art Gallery started in 2004. Our hearts were broken, and as a family, since our grown children adults were very active partners suffered pangs of depression, doubts, & debts.
In 2007 we lost 250 clients of our 252, retaining our first, a Mega Church in Southern California and our last client, an international company that slowly dismantled our work force and crew. My husband’s attitude had been thankfulness ‘for the trees’ in that most of our guys were getting good pay & work with benefits! He had also been hired and relocated all our Co to me. I was ‘seeing the forest’ that they were systematically dismantling our Co and their competition but chose to partner, again, with my husband’s vista. He said the industry was changing! And it would not be cost effective to retool, train all of our guys. His work and Co of 35 years were diminishing. It would undergo more changes, and losses. The last 6 months, all my paychecks went back as loans to the Company to fund payroll and office expenses based on wrong untruthful info.
In 2006 our daughter, her husband and our granddaughters moved 3 states away in order to be near his family, allowing the cousins to grow up together and for our children to buy a home. We were making at least one to two trips a month 9-1/2 hours one way on the weekends when my husband would commute home.
In 2007 we moved and closed our offices & warehouse to our home & garage. We retained a skeleton crew, mostly of family and kept things running, but our once thriving business where we had 10-100 employees, sub-contractors, was on life support and dying. We spoke of moving and began downsizing our home. I had 10 garage sales and we listed our home, in 2009. I knew from our experiences you can make anyplace Home, our children had been raised in a large home on half an acre and we could scale down. Our home sold in one day! 3000 Sq ft -single story ranch 4/5 bedroom, 3 bath, family room, living room, 3 -1/2 car garage & workshop to a 2-3 bedroom hopefully with 2 bath in Vegas, near an Intl Airport. We had one weekend to find a place and ended up getting not the first house that we loved but the 4th. A 2 story 5 bedroom, 3 bath 2727 Sq ft 2 car garage with 2 HOA’s. In getting a 2 story some Sq footage is lost on staircases & hallways! But we were astonished to be blessed with a large home and started planning our rooms such as The Torah Room, where our Bibles, Commentaries and Libraries would be placed. A mancave. A craft room. 2 guest rooms. Room to add a lap pool/spa.
We moved and closed Co down with $50K in Co bills, let alone our own debts and my husband refused to file bankruptcy. So we paid everyone. And managed. Things were going well.
Little did we know that our two adult sons would return to us, to rebuild their lives. One son, after job resources shrank for one in Portland OR, & his subsequent move to UT to help our daughter & husband after layoffs in 2012. The other son endured a tragic motorcycle accident in 2009 Sherman Oaks, CA would leave him in need of surgery and the inability to work and put weight on his repaired leg for a year. The metal parts are lifetime. The work he had found after our Co folded would be compromised by his injury.
The next event was April 2012. I heard yelling, and came downstairs to see what was wrong? He was laid off! We hugged, cried, and prayed then my husband said he had phone calls to make for work, and I went to the kitchen to begin my prayer chain first with family. I had not even called the 4th person on my list when my husband, in an hour, had received a job offer! In NY ! At the time, we had 5 family members out of work!
We assessed the issues, and we went back east to
1. Finish the job he was doing for the laying off Co (3 weeks)
2. Allow my husband time for interview process for the new job offer Co,
3. My new unpaid job was to find a place for my husband/us to live while working in NY.
My husband chose to have our son who by this time had found new work in Vegas to move back into our home to watch and take care of our eventual home to retire in.
It was Tuesday, the last of the 3 weeks, I had been diligent looking 8-10-12 hours a day, working with a realtor, looked into possibly buying but my husband said RENT. & find a place for the husband delegated amount of $500 a month.!!! Ok. You can smile at this, he had not rented since 1972 and had no idea what rents were/are! I quietly slipped out of bed to weep before the Lord in the hotel bathroom, stating “I know He had brought thus far, and would not us destitute, or w/o a place.” I even had asked the hotel Mgr for a break and more reasonable monthly rate for the studio we were in. Closed door to that request. We had 2 places to see in the morning but those were $1200 a month basement or garage converted apartments. I prayed and climbed back into bed, resting in the Lord, prayed over my 68 year old husband. We were leaving Friday.
The Wednesday morning dawned with a phone call, to see one more place. We set appt at 11. The other places while closer to work site were not great. This place was level ground, no stairs up or down, the landlord would take c/o snow with his blower, it was a 1 bedroom, with kitchen living room, dining area, washer/dryer, & dishwasher, private entrance, a small area of the yard for ourselves… for $1350, including all utilities except phone. They had built an addition for the wife’s Mother and it was very sweet. My husband said, “we’ll take it!” They accepted all my info, bank statements, and we had a place starting June 1, 2012. We flew home, discussed the matter fully and packed our Jeep for the cross country trek. We were on a new adventure! A honeymoon cottage! & a job where Stu had been observed. Always cheerful, solving problems! I shared our drive out with family, friends,& the realtor who was amazed we had found a place with what we wished. We learned to live in snow, shovel, etc. A new found appreciation for New Englanders arose! And understanding why my parents never went back to New York after moving to California. I was back in the area where I had been born until 4 yrs old. The house we once had was gorgeous and in a very nice neighborhood.
Everything progressed pretty well until 2015.
October 9/10, 2014 a car accident. Call from Police he had been in an accident and was ok. $5000 damages.
Nov 23, 2014 my husband walking back from store, was struck as a pedestrian by a hit n run driver, lost his keys, broken glasses, and phone. He was cut, bruised and down a ditch. He found his glasses, but couldn’t see the phone due to blood in eyes, climbed his way back up to the road, managed to call 9-11, he was taken to the Hospital. $19k Another phone call that makes your heart sink into your stomach.
I had been back in Vegas, working on our taxes, clearing, cleaning & downsizing our home. Flights were $1500-2400 out of my $ limit on my cards. No more points, miles. I answered a friends call who said she’d look too. I had done this for our Co for our traveling engineers for decades, not a new thing. She found a flight for $300 with layover in ATL GA where she lived. I could do that. I welcomed the time over the weekend with her until my flight on Monday night. Blessings at the Baltimore! (Another story)
Nov 23, 2015 he was laid off! Again. Searching, new resume, part time work for the UN, Major League Baseball, & other Cos but no full time work. I prayed and asked God for a job I could walk to. I started as a Home Health Aide to a quadriplegic whose parents on the same street we were renting on, had actually visited the Church in CA where we had been born again! The parallels continued. (Another story, too)!
In 2016 a mother deer and one fawn ran onto the Highway on way to the LI RR and into my husband’s repaired fixed Jeep another $5000 in damage. And he was heartbroken to have these beautiful creatures die. We found out 10 accidents a month on the average in that area occur!!!
Finally, a full time job offer came – 10-1/2 months later. We are still processing our finances and working, growing together in our 49th year of Marriage, and living apart, in two states, one Eastern & one Western. My husband survived Super Storm Sandy alone while I was back in NV taking care of health issues,home, etc. We’ve grown closer, experienced some hard experiences, and yet throughout it all we know the One who is in control and holds our future. Our faith has been tested, over and over, on different planes, realms. We’ve learned, grew up even more, seen God’s Faithfulness. We’ve been detached then fused back stronger. We’ve matured.
This is not the Golden Years we thought we’d have. My husband is still working at 73, in a new field that he never would’ve looked into before, with a few years to go, and we’ve had to talk and share and grow up regarding finances, debts, and stewardship. Almost all our our savings, retirement plans were liquidated to pay our employees. I am currently, also, looking for work, in NV at 67. Not easy but God will make a way! He holds our future, and it is secure. Jesus is Lord!
Be encouraged ! Our Father, does indeed own the cattle on a thousand hills. He opens doors and closes others. He asks we follow. Open hearted and open handed.
Dana DiPasquale says
I too suddenly lost my job of 17 years. The waiting and the unknown are horrible. I am choosing to be of more service to my church, and being a happy little housewife, in the silence of unemployment. Sometimes I am embarrassed to admit that I am job-less, because I placed my identity in my work. I am retraining my thoughts. I am more than my job. I am a child of The King, and a helpmate to my husband. Thank you for sharing your heart during this personal battle.
Patricia Jennings says
Thank you for your words of encouragement!!
Kay says
Thank you for writing this! We just entered this journey, again. God is reminding us He is here, we are in his care.