Unemployment Support Group

I've put two testimonies here together for you to read.... anyone that has been through an unemployment and survived, no matter how long - should share their story to help others... it might be a bit long, but worth reading if you're going thru it now.
I've updated a few spots to fit for DS... but otherwise I've shared these as sermons.... :o)
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It all started when I moved from my hometown where I grew up all of my life, to move only 45 miles away, October 1999, from then on my life will have changed completely... and I didn't even have to drive all that far.
I had a few jobs since I’d moved, but I wanted to tell you about one job in particular. The end of January 2001 I finally received a phone call about starting work for the hospital as a Patient Accounts Float, which meant that I was to work in Switchboard, ER Registration, and sometimes in Patient Registration. Everyday was different, and I loved the change. I was only there for six months and was really starting to like it.

Let’s skip ahead to August 31, 2001, which is the specific day that changed my life forever.
“I’m what? You mean I’m fired?” The thought just didn’t register in my mind. I began crying. Infact, I began crying out to God in my mind. What was I going to do? What had I done wrong? I couldn’t even hear my supervisor from that point on amidst all the thoughts running through my mind. All I wanted to do was just get up and leave. You see, I had gone in my supervisor’s office for my six-month evaluation. We all wondered why the schedule hadn’t been done for September yet, apparently I was what was holding it up. I had to be fired before they could do the new schedule.

I was working at the switchboard that day until the evaluation, and someone came in and filled in for me. My supervisor’s office always gave me this sick feeling in my stomach, and I always walked out feeling two inches tall and that day would be no exception.

As she was going through the evaluation, you could tell she was just simply talking to keep from doing what she came in there to do. She said, “This just isn’t the job for you.” (That's what I call my “character-building phrase”.)
I was completely thrown by her comment. I wanted her to just simply stop talking so I could leave. I remember there being a point in her office as she spoke, I only wanted to know why I was fired not that I was fired. I never really did ever find out why.

“This job just isn’t for you.”…kept ringing in my head as I thought, “Why not?” On my way out of her office she said I was good at what I did and to not take it personal. A loss in a person’s income is pretty personal, I thought! So many questions ran through my head, but I was too upset to ask them. I dropped my work folder off for the last time, said goodbye to people as I walked past them and went to the ER and got the rest of my things and left.

When I got to my car I grabbed my cell phone to call my mom at work, and inaudibly said, “Hello…” and before I could say anything else, she said, “Steph, what’s wrong?” My mom mastered the ability to know something was wrong without even seeing my face. As I said through tears, “Mom, I was fired.” That’s all I could seem to get out of my mouth. We just sat in silence for a moment and then talked about it all for awhile. I don’t really even remember the rest of the conversation. I remember telling myself later that, “Everything will be fine, I’ll find a job soon.”

The first job I applied for I was so sure that I would get. The job had great pay, working as an executive secretary for a law firm. Ten days after that the unthinkable happened… September 11,2001.
Where were you when you heard about the Twin Tower crashes?

I...I was in bed. I didn’t have cable, and so a friend of mine called me up and we talked about it for awhile, then I got online to check for stories about it.
A few days later I received a call from that law firm I applied at, telling me that they “…think we’ll wait right now to hire anyone for the position in light of recent events.” It was right then that I knew I was in for a long, bumpy ride.

Psalms 94:19 reads, “Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me a renewed hope and cheer.”
Within the next few months I went through a few stages. I would be angry with God because I didn’t know where He wanted me to go, and I’d wonder how did this happen to me? Then I would be frustrated because I was starting to feel very alone. I was so tired of crying and so very tired of being at home looking for a job. I started receiving unemployment sometime in September, but before I knew it I was getting behind on bills.

At this point I was still having a hard time saying, “Here God, you take care of it..” Handing over my problems to God was hard to do and easier said than done. Letting go and waiting was torture. I wanted to say I was letting God take care of it, but I found myself still worrying and waiting, and clutching onto the problem myself.

I have this picture on my wall that says, “When you are tired and afraid I give you my peace, be still.” I love that picture. My mom gave it to me when I lived at home and it was on my bedroom wall there too. I learned to start talking to that picture, because I really needed a visual of Jesus.

I believe my turning point was the end of February 2002. My unemployment was about to run out, and I was so very scared. I still kept saying, “Oh, God will take care of it…I’m…sure…of …it” but I really worried about it and wasn’t sure what would happen.
That February, the governor passed a bill for the state of Iowa for emergency unemployment, which I received soon after that. I found out from the unemployment office that there were 40,000 people just in the state of Iowa on emergency unemployment. This means that after your six months of unemployment money has been exhausted, 40,000+ people were put on emergency unemployment. That was when I told myself, “At least I’m not alone.” I learned humor was my only way of dealing with any of this. And I’m also learning God has a huge sense of humor as well.

In April I decided with all the blessings God has given me, I felt ashamed I wasn’t tithing anymore. I grew up with it. I knew better.
I was able to give sometimes, but hadn't really tithed for some time.
I believe in tithing very strongly, and had decided it was time to get back to it. I remember going to church after deciding to start tithing again, and hearing a message at church about tithing. Whatever has been going on in my life God will place a Bible verse in front of me to read, or hear at church, or a word from God through someone, or even a street sign. These would either show me I’m going in the right path, (or not), or just to remind me God is there and to stop worrying.

The first Sunday I went back to tithing and wasn’t sure how I was going to pay all my bills. I received my tax money in the mail that Monday. I remember another time writing a check out for my tithe knowing my “bill status” as I wrote it, I checked my mailbox and there was a check from AFLAC I'd forgotten about.
Luke 6:38 says, “For if you give you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. Whatever measure you use to give, large or small, will be used to measure what is given back to you.”

Being unemployed was not the greatest experience, I’ll grant you, but it brought me closer to God than I ever have been and for that I’m thankful. God takes a bad situation and brings a whole lot of good out of it. How can a person come out of a circumstance like that and not be fired up for God? I notice the small blessings in my life more now than I ever have before. I appreciate everything and everyone that has brought me to where I am today. Prayer is so very powerful, I know if it wasn’t for all the prayer warriors I’ve had in my life, I wouldn’t have dealt with this as well as I have, I can guarantee you that.
Early that May I was called by a collection agency and told I owed a lot of money ...by that Monday. Of course, I was having a hard time even concentrating on any of this. One thing I knew, satan was on the attack and this was a major test of my faith. I feel I passed, or at least made a breakthrough in that nine months. If this phone call would have come a year before, I don’t know how I would have dealt with it. It is satan’s job to make sin look pleasing to the eye, therefore it doesn’t seem to be a sin when we do it. Well, satan had attacked me for a long time, but like many, you become so used to him being a part of your life, you don’t even really notice him anymore. Well I notice him now.

It’s been a long road, and a tremendous learning experience. In this lesson I have learned to forgive my supervisor for firing me. Someone might be asking, “Why forgive her?” Well, in talking with my mother about this situation, as she told me... that God couldn’t work in my life like He wants to if I don’t forgive; it’s like blocking His blessings. Smart mom!
I know it may sound like a profound statement, but it’s a very real feeling I have. Losing my job has probably been the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me, because it has brought me closer to God than I’ve ever been, ...I thank God for it.

I remember sitting on the couch and the sun shining in on me at my parent’s house that Memorial Day weekend, and I felt God telling me just then, “Steph, this isn't just about getting a job anymore is it?”
WOW! I was completely blown over. You know what, He was right! It was about getting right with God... in a very big way! It’s about handing it all over to God, not just some of it but all of it and leaving it there. I never realized just how satan had totally clouded my sight for so long and how God had cleared that up for me after teaching me a few lessons along the way. I’m definitely a work in progress, and always will be.
I have learned that my mom really is right, that worrying most of my life over the smallest things just is a waste of time...
and as Rick Warren says, (and I say often) “God doesn't waste a Hurt He uses them if you let Him.” God has used my story to help others, and because of that I thank God for the opportunity and the growing pains I've had.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything, tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for the answers.”
Nine months was a long time to be there for someone, praying for someone, pushing someone along saying, “You can do it!” Yet, so many people have gone above and beyond that in my life.
I did finally find a job, but as I learned on that Memorial Day weekend, none of this was ever about getting a job, it was about getting right with God. Remember I said earlier God has a sense of humor?
I've been a telemarketer for SIX YEARS!!
But you know what... I've seen God move more in the six years I've been a telemarketer than any other time in my life.

On Friday, May 31, 2002 I received a phone call offering me that job starting June 10. I received that phone call exactly nine months to the day I lost my job. The same day I received the phone call, I got a letter in the mail stating my next unemployment check would be my last. (As my mother so wisely stated...It takes nine months for a new life to grow in the womb and be born. I HAD become a whole new person.) God had it all under control to begin with, I just had to learn to let go and let God.
Psalm 40:1-2 reads, “I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along.”

This is just the beginning of my story. I guess it might have even started when I was four years old at Dairy Queen in my hometown, of all places, with my mom and my grandma. I was completely amazed when I saw these two people understanding these hand signs they were giving each other and my mom said that’s how they talked. I remember the moment very vividly and have since asked her as I’ve gotten older about that very moment.
From a very young age I always had a love for writing and a huge imagination (which has never changed). It’s no wonder I went to college for Journalism with a dream of being an editor of a big newspaper like USA Today. I think God had other plans. Although, writing is still a big part of my life even now, I went to college again, this time for Rehabilitation Studies and Human Services. I had always loved working with people but especially with those with disabilities... anyone needing my help.
I can tell you now that the moment in Dairy Queen at the age of 4 was also for a reason, because I was called into Deaf Ministry during a prayer at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert of all places, at Bethel College, February 28, 2003. God said very clearly to me to share my faith at all times and to use words if necessary.

I had heard about things like how there’s 90+% of the deaf population that do not know about God’s love, and 80% of deaf children’s parents’ have never learned enough sign language to explain salvation. Or fewer than 5% of the U.S. churches offer any outreach for deaf people, and almost none have anything for deaf children; interpreters for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and many other programs. That was just one of many things that confirmed my call, and there was no turning back then.
I originally started to write down my testimony back in June of 2002 and have since “tweeked” it as God moves in my life.
Most recently God called me to become a chaplain. September 2008 begins my journey. It's a bitter/sweet feeling. You see it was my grandma on a visit to see her in the nursing home after talking to the chaplain, my grandma told me, “That's what you do already, why don't you do THAT Stepho!?”

I always did think my grandma was pretty smart. I was fortunate enough that my grandma also happened to be one of my best friends. I sat and thought on that for a short while... short because I knew she was right.
I was home sick from work one day and I get this phone call from a lady that says, “Someone who goes to church with your parents called me, she was in our chaplain program and wanted me to give you a call.”
She gave me all sorts of information. I went to the first meeting and was so excited I couldn't sit still.
I went back to the hospital where my grandma was battling pneumonia many months later, and I sat and held her hand. “Grandma!! Guess what, I applied to be a chaplain and my interview is next Tuesday!!”
She opened her eyes big and looked at me and smiled,

“Oh Stepho I'm so proud of you... you're going to do a great job!” And she squeezed my hand.
I filled out all the paperwork, had my interview with the instructor and coordinator the following Tuesday... rushed back to the hospital to Grandma's side and said, “GRANDMA...it went really well!!”
......three days later my grandma passed away.
I said earlier, “God doesn't waste a hurt He uses them”, and I totally believe that. How else could I effectively be a chaplain to other people if I had never gone through such terrible grief. The pain of watching a grandma go into a nursing home.... leaving her own home, her own bed, her things... to be somewhere she didn't want to be. Watching her as she battled with Parkinson's, crying with her silently because she wanted to go home with Grandpa.

When she went to the hospital with pneumonia, I remember one of the nurse's that took care of her had worked in the daycare I went to as a young child,so we had been chatting as she'd come in the room. This time she came in the room and told me, “Call your family!”
I tried so hard to be strong but the tears wouldn't stop. I wasn't ready. I called my parents first. We got two weeks with Grandma after that.
God did so much with my family in those two weeks. God knew exactly what He was doing! I got an uncle back during that time. Our family became closer. And I'm pretty sure the LAST thing that went with Grandma was her hearing. She had impeccable hearing, she could hear all her family around her, I know she could. We were all there pretty much surrounding her as she took her last breath. I was holding her hand right along with my sister. My grandpa was holding her right hand as my mom hung on to him and stroked grandma's hair.

These aren't feelings you can just make up. And to be there for someone else when they're going through such an intense time in their life, to have gone through it yourself helps you be there for others that are grieving the loss of their loved ones. And to be able to use my life story to help someone else,... it was all worth it. My grandma had a servant heart and I know she would agree as well.
After my chaplain program is done I don't know what God has in store for me, I'm taking one step at a time.
But I’m not going to worry about it... Instead, I’m going to pray about it and thank Him for the answers.


...............................Update since then!
(new testimony)


I wanted to share with you about my current situation.... and had another thought that came to mind...of the comedian Ken Davis... he said he had been a christian all his life... gave his life to Jesus at a young age.... and that's really all he had to say... he was proving a point with the rest of his story – but some people think just that.... they don't have testimony to share... or that their life is boring with nothing to share...and they most certainly do.... You all do!

God uses our normal, everyday lives to speak to people. I truly believe in the phrase, “God doesn't waste a hurt He uses them.” ... not that they all have to be hurts, mind you.... but mine was definitely under the category of “growing pains”.

Some have heard my story (on DS).... some haven't, but it's been a huge life-changing experience for me that I know MANY are going through right now.

Some know I'm currently unemployed right now as well... but 8 years ago, I lost my job, much like my current situation... out of the blue for no reason... (the story I shared earlier).

I'd grown up, just like Ken Davis did... In a Christian home... living my normal everyday life, gave my life to the Lord... went through school, college, jobs...

I'm sure you all know just what a sneaky guy Satan is... I'd never realized JUST HOW CLOSELY Satan was in my life till I lost my job 8 years ago... He was right in front of my face!

I can tell you now.... losing my job - was the best thing that ever happened to me....
I usually get choked up when I say that and it's not because of the job loss, mind you... it's because of what God did during that time.

I was given the opportunity to share my testimony as a sermon in my home church and I said that outloud that it was the best thing that ever happened to me... I was called on it, and asked later if I'd ever mind reliving the experience if it was the best thing that's ever happened to me – I said y es.... (Never say something like that unless you mean it!)
What I'd like to share with you about that unemployment....
I was unemployed exactly 9 months TO THE DAY ..... Six months into it the governor passed the very first bill for emergency unemployment the month I needed it.... The day I was called and offered a job I checked my mail and there was a letter that said your next unemployment check will be your last.
Oh, and also... I was scared to tithe my refund tax check because I needed it “all” for bills I thought... My wise mom said if you want God to do big things in your life trust Him with ALL your finances too!! ... so I did, and I got the job just a few weeks later. [ God has a sense of humor we all know, because I was a telemarketer for 7 years! But I saw God move there as well ! ]
I was unemployed 9 months, ... My mom said how fitting that was because it takes that long to have a baby and didn't I feel like a new creation?? Most definitely!

I remember being upset I lost my job in October... infact I came here and sat in the dark to pray... but it was all different this time around. I wasn't scared about my future this time, because I know who holds it. I knew if He could get me through that He could get me through anything.

So if there's anyone here going through an unemployment or just an uncertain circumstance... just know God hasn't forgotten you – this is the part in the Footprints In The Sand Poem where Jesus is carrying you... It's not in your time it's in His... and I promise you if you give him your all you'll come out the other end a whole new person!
Posted on 05/24/10, 06:48 pm