It was a time in my life I will NEVER forget.
May 31, 2007.
I worked for Nationwide Insurance and that day our office (40 or so of us) were to attend a meeting for an announcement. They fed us lunch then herded us into a small room. Big wigs from headquarters were there to announce, or so we thought, our new RVP.
Instead my world stood still.
"The region is closing," they said. "Your jobs will be transitioned as soon as possible. You will receive your official 60-day notice in August some time to allow for a smooth transition."
SAY WHAT??
I liked my job. I thought I was pretty good at it. I was a new believer. I was a single parent. I was ANGRY.
Looking back on that time now I can tell you with 100% certainty that God had it all worked out ahead of me. Nationwide gave us 4 months to find another job. Pretty unheard of actually. We got to come to the office after the transition to use the days to find other employment....even outside the company. They provided for us well, I see that now looking back.
In October 2007 I stayed on with Nationwide temporarily to fill in for a girl going on maternity leave. This would extend my time with the company up until the holidays. Couldn't ask for more than that. I was blessed with some great connections in HR that allowed this to happen.....and God was providing. Just like He said He would.
It was a cold, snowy day in November 2007. I was so stressed. I knew the temporary job was coming to an end and there was nothing for me at Nationwide for permanent work. On my way home from work, I stopped at Walmart. I was in a short skirt and high heels. It was cold and very yucky weather that night. I couldn't find a parking spot close. I was running in my heels to get inside when I was splashed by a car driving by. I was furious and in tears.
Once inside I needed to collect myself.....and so into the restroom I went. I was so stressed. So worried about what next. Ready to explode I had so much emotion and worry in me. I headed into a stall....(this is where I start to blush). As I am going to the bathroom, I am praying. HARD.
"GOD, PLEASE. PLEASE. Show me what you want me to do. PLEASE. I cannot take this stress and worry any longer. IF YOU GET ME A JOB, I WILL TELL EVERYONE HOW AWESOME YOU ARE."
Careful what you pray. Careful WHERE you pray.
He showed up. RIGHT THEN. While I was on the toilet. Seriously, this is NOT a joke.
He said to me VERY CLEARLY.... "TELL THEM ANYWAY."
I was shocked. It was the first time I had ever heard Him so clearly. It was a big rush in my face....almost like he was nose to nose with me. "TELL THEM ANYWAY," He said. He sounded almost angry with me.
Was this a test? WOW. I started crying. Even harder than I already had been. I was laughing too. Because I KNEW He was there and He would do what He said He would do. If there was anyone in the stall next to me, I am sure they thought I was NUTS.
"Tell them anyway"....He was informing me, rather sternly, that my JOB was to declare that He was good. In all things. Highs AND lows. Ups AND downs. Good times AND horrible times.
I have never been the same since that day. I learned some very important lessons in that moment that I will NEVER forget:
1) BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PRAY - God has no issues with privacy. HE WILL speak to you on the toilet.
2) NEVER doubt that He already knows the outcome. Never doubt that His plan WILL work and that He WILL provide.
3) TELL THEM ANYWAY. Tell everyone you know what God has done for you. Tell them of His amazing grace, patience, understanding and POWER. Tell them He is awesome and will NEVER leave you or forsake you. Tell them He is your rock and your salvation.
Go ahead. TELL THEM.
"For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in his dwelling;
He will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me
high upon a rock.....Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD." ~ Psalm 27:5, 14
JC is my BFF.....
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