"It was the worst day of my life. They called me into the office, told me that I was no longer working there, asked for my keys and then they escorted me out. After 19 years, it was so humiliating."
"I got lucky. I am new in my workplace, but two of the four people in my department took an early retirement. I am still working, but I feel so guilty knowing that there are many people who are not."
This conversation at a lunch table recently is probably not unique. Many in our communities, in Canada and globally, are experiencing the heart ache of job loss, while others are feeling the emotional pain of surviving with a job knowing that others have lost theirs.
For each of these people the reality will be a little different depending on their age, stage in life and financial situation. But for all of these people the sun will rise in the morning and set each evening. What is important is how they will continue to live each day in their new reality.
No one can survive alone in these tough economic times. This is a great opportunity to grow in our ability to offer support and demonstrate caring for our neighbours. Though financial support is not always an option, spending time with someone in distress is free for us to give.
If you know someone who is a 'survivor' in the workplace or someone who was not, take a little time to listen to their story and offer your support by way of a friendly gesture or kind words. A little time spent caring can go a long way in healing the wounds caused by our economy.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Gift
Every once in a while we are privileged to be part of an extraordinary moment. Take a few minutes to watch the following video on You tube of Susan Boyle; be sure to continue watch it until its conclusion.
As you may have noted in the media and in this video, people in the audience and perhaps some reading this, doubted that this 47 year old single, unemployed woman had any talent when she walked onto that stage.
Susan Boyle's vocal gift took many by surprise that evening.
How often do we judge a person before we get to know their gifts? How many people in our lives have talents and aspirations for those talents that have gone unnoticed or untended?
While it is rare to have a hidden talent such as Susan's, many of us fail to fully use the gifts given to us by our Creator. We often do not express these abilities because we believe that someone, somewhere can do this better, or that we are not good enough, or we believe that we are too shy. We are not given gifts to keep hidden, but to use them and to develop them fully.
Consider all of the marvelous talents that you and those around you possess. How can you take these gifts and use them to help in your community or with your family, to glorify the God who gave these to you? Perhaps there is a hidden Susan Boyle in you waiting for the chance to be set free.
As you may have noted in the media and in this video, people in the audience and perhaps some reading this, doubted that this 47 year old single, unemployed woman had any talent when she walked onto that stage.
Susan Boyle's vocal gift took many by surprise that evening.
How often do we judge a person before we get to know their gifts? How many people in our lives have talents and aspirations for those talents that have gone unnoticed or untended?
While it is rare to have a hidden talent such as Susan's, many of us fail to fully use the gifts given to us by our Creator. We often do not express these abilities because we believe that someone, somewhere can do this better, or that we are not good enough, or we believe that we are too shy. We are not given gifts to keep hidden, but to use them and to develop them fully.
Consider all of the marvelous talents that you and those around you possess. How can you take these gifts and use them to help in your community or with your family, to glorify the God who gave these to you? Perhaps there is a hidden Susan Boyle in you waiting for the chance to be set free.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Veronica
Earlier this week, while taking part in a Good Friday service, one of my young friends commented to me with great delight that we were wearing the same shoes.
As people journeying together we often look for similarities. The more we are "like" someone else, the greater the possibility we will seek friendship with that person. We often seek friendship with others of the same age group or gender; we enjoy time with people do activities that we also enjoy; we strike up conversation with another who is carrying the book of the same title as the one we are reading. As humans we are drawn to others who are similar to us.
So what was it in Jesus's plight as He dragged his cross up the road to Golgatha that drew Veronica's attention? What did she see in Jesus, covered in sweat, bleeding from wounds brought on by his handlers, that made her rush from the crowds? Why did she push beyond the guards to wipe Jesus's face? What similaries did Veronica share with that prisoner being lead to his death?
Do you have a Veronica in your life? Which of your friends would be there for you when no one else seems to care? Who would stand up for you? Who would stand with you through tough times?
If you have such a person in your life, give her a call to say thank you. Cherish the wisdom of this friend. Use this example of unfailing friendship as a model for your relationships.
Next time you see someone experiencing a tough time, consider Veronica, and offer your support. The help you offer today may become a brave model for others in the future.
As people journeying together we often look for similarities. The more we are "like" someone else, the greater the possibility we will seek friendship with that person. We often seek friendship with others of the same age group or gender; we enjoy time with people do activities that we also enjoy; we strike up conversation with another who is carrying the book of the same title as the one we are reading. As humans we are drawn to others who are similar to us.
So what was it in Jesus's plight as He dragged his cross up the road to Golgatha that drew Veronica's attention? What did she see in Jesus, covered in sweat, bleeding from wounds brought on by his handlers, that made her rush from the crowds? Why did she push beyond the guards to wipe Jesus's face? What similaries did Veronica share with that prisoner being lead to his death?
Do you have a Veronica in your life? Which of your friends would be there for you when no one else seems to care? Who would stand up for you? Who would stand with you through tough times?
If you have such a person in your life, give her a call to say thank you. Cherish the wisdom of this friend. Use this example of unfailing friendship as a model for your relationships.
Next time you see someone experiencing a tough time, consider Veronica, and offer your support. The help you offer today may become a brave model for others in the future.
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