Unemployed? Trials, Lessons and Blessings

If you’ve just lost a job, be angry, frustrated, scared and downright crazy if you need to be. Losing a job stinks and you’re allowed to tell God so. But if you’re past that first period of shock and fear, here are some of the things we’ve learned.

Don’t hide out
Tell everyone what’s going on. Get out of the house and network with folks. Let people know you’re looking for work – you never know where an opportunity might come from.

Keep praying
Let’s be honest – most of us turn to God more often during difficult periods, and this is one of them. If your prayer life has been on the back burner, now is a good time to move it front and center. Be as honest and forthright with God about your anger, frustration and fear as you want or need to be – God can take it!

Breathe and exercise
Breathing brings down stress levels. Take time to care for your body and soul during this time, not only by breathing but by exercising. Breathe and exercise so your body and soul can be open and attentive to whatever comes your way.

Continue to laugh
Laughter is great medicine. Do it daily. It will reduce stress, make you feel better and help you to stay balanced.

Keep the lines of communication open
Talk with family members about how you’re feeling and listen to their feeling as well. It’s easy to suffer silently, to think that if you don’t name your fears out loud they’ll go away. Talk about them with those you love. Let the hardships of this time pull you together.

Let the church hold you up
Your church community can help. Go to Bible/Prayer Studies. Go to Soup Suppers (Holy Trinity offers one every Thursday Night!) – it’s not only a good meal for pennies but an opportunity to socialize, network and relax with others who are holding us in prayer. Take a second look at ways in which your church community can support you right now.

Work the system
One of the most difficult aspects of unemployment really is all the bureaucratic red tape, with all it specialized language. Be persistent –
be dogged in going after the resources out there for those out of work. You’ll start feeling better when those unemployment checks start coming in.

Let others help
Teresa of Avila, a Spanish nun and writer once said that we are Christ’s hands and feet, so let others be Christ’s hands and feet to you. This is no time to be proud. If those around you want to help and are able, let them!

Give back in whatever ways you can
Budgets are important when your financial situation changes and maybe you don’t have money for charitable gifts right now. But you have time and talents to offer – give whatever you can – be Christ’s hand and feet yourself. You’ll feel better when you give to those who are even less fortunate than you. There are plenty of them out there.

The above was an excerpt from an article by Debra Farrington from The Lutheran. www.thelutheran.org

If you have time, talent and/or money and want to help some people in our community who are feeling the pinch of these tough economic times, talk to Pastor Jim about ways you may be able to help.

If you are in need or know of someone who is in need and would like this community of disciples to be of assistance, feel free to call pastor Jim, anytime –
732-548-1215; pastor.htlcnutley@verizon.net