STM 56: Do You Trust Me?

 

Hello Friend!

Where do I begin? How do I share my thoughts without sounding like a putz!

Let's see, what is the line in that song 'He ain't heavy, he's my brother?" ... O yes, 'It's a long hard road....' Yep! It sure is. The time is currently 7:19 AM, and I haven't even gotten started.

I suppose I should begin by stating that I feel like a bug in a jar with no way out. Not in the literal sense, because there is always a way out. I mean in the sense that if someone does not open the lid to the jar and let me out, 'here' is where I remain--stuck in the jar.

In and of itself being stuck in the jar isn't necessarily a bad thing. I am safe from the elements. The bigger bugs and birds who enjoy feasting on little bugs like me cannot get to me, and I have the whole place to myself. Not a bad gig for a no-nothing bug. Although, the place could use some color, a bathroom, furniture, and curtains so those on the outside looking in can't see me in my unmentionables. Sheesh! That would be a horrid sight!

Moving forward to Friday, July 15, 2022. 

Two events took place (both in California), one in southern California and the other in northern California whose seismic ripple I felt here in Oklahoma.

I learned that Bro. G after recently celebrating his one-year anniversary this month (July 2022) learned Friday morning that he had been laid off from his job effective immediately. "Um, excuse me, but which part of I am in northern California attending a memorial service for a friend who recently passed away don't you understand!?"

Really? You're going to do him that way? Yep, they sure did!

Of course, in fairness to the employer, business is business regardless of how the end justifies the means.

As I have said time and time again, we should always be prepared; have that backup plan when it comes to working. Save our money and keep our spending in check. Yeah, I'm one to talk! This is precisely the reason I make those statements because I have messed up--over and over again.

Keep your options open. Keep in touch with the recruiters. Send them candy and flowers if you have to. Just keep the doors open.

Save your money and cut down on frivolous spending because you never know when HR (Human Resources) or the boss is going to call you into the office or on the phone (or by email considering the way we do business today) and say, "Thank you for your service, but sorry, gotta let you go!"

And out the door, you go. 

If you're lucky you will get a severance package and a pat on the back on your way out. In my case (2016) I also received hugs, even from the big boss. That was an added bonus and helped soften the blow. At least they pretended to show they cared. Do I really believe their hugs were pretentious? No, I do not. I believed they were sincere.

That was part one of a two-pronged Friday morning attack.

Not long after talking with "G" about his situation I received a message from my daughter on Facebook Messenger explaining the bottom had fallen out for her and the kids and that she needs to move to Oklahoma.

I was like, "Noooooo! The timing couldn't be any worse!"

I won't go into the specifics out of respect for the privacy of all involved, however, here is the bottom line: Bro. G lost his job thereby being temporarily cut off financially (should his unemployment run dry before landing a new gig), which in turn affects the household financially (yea, we didn't prepare either), and now my daughter is asking for help with sheltering her and three grandsons.

That isn't the problem. I would throw open my door in a heartbeat and let them in. What else is a Father/Grandfather to do? The problem is that "G" lost his job which affects the household financially, Mr. Man is almost 80 years old, and all the rooms are occupied.

Where would I put my daughter and the three boys and what would we do about the expenses that would certainly rise with four additional mouths to feed, bathe, and house?

I know in my heart that my daughter would find a job right away. She's that type of person. And I could help her with the boys, but ...

Well, I suppose all I can do is talk with Mr. Man and Bro. G after "G" returns from his trip to California to see what we can do. Just gonna have to trust in Jesus. I smile just thinking about that -- trusting in Jesus. He hasn't let me down yet, and He won't this time.

Lord, thy will be done. Not mine! To answer the question above, "Yes, I trust Him!"

Keep us and the situation in your prayers, folks! Let's see how the Lord works this out. I for one can't wait to see the outcome. It's going to be great!

God Bless. Much love. Always in friendship,

Carlos Michael