Friday, October 16, 2009

When it rains...



You know the saying, when it rains it pours?


Enter Hurricane, stage left.


This week, my entire family has been sick in some form. Then we hear rumors of layoffs in the city where my husband is employed as a fireman. Yesterday, the rumors were confirmed and my husband was given unofficial notice that he wouldn't have a job by the holidays, possibly sooner. And oh yeah, about thirty minutes before we got that news, my pregnant sister's car was stolen from downtown.

Not kidding!

I'll be honest, this is scary. Times are bad if a fireman who has been on the line for almost two years is being laid off for a city budget crisis. Not just him, by the way - 38 fireman total, 26 policemen, and a few other city-related positions. Not to mention the firemen who aren't being laid off will likely be demoted, which means decrease in pay. It's absolutely unreal, especially coming from a city that was thought to be well-off and doing great financially. Hundreds of families will be affected, maybe more. Completely unfair.

It's easy to be mad. And really easy for my writer's brain to think of creative ways for revenge. And even easier to yell and scream and cry and panic and ask God what are we gonna do.

But I'm surprisingly at peace, and I think that's because God is holding me in the eye of the storm.

Logically, it makes no sense to be calm. I quit my job back in July to stay home with my daughter, and my husband's second job income is not nearly enough to make a dent in our bills and monthly expenses. We have truck repairs we've already committed to paying. We have a nearly maxed out credit card we were hoping to pay off by the holidays through overtime shifts. That's out the window. We have minimal savings, and no way to pay for daycare for me to go back to work even if we wanted me to. (which we don't, as of now)

But thankfully, my God isn't ruled by logic. So though the wind howls, the trees bend, and the rain pours, I'm going to stay calm. Because I want my faith to be stronger than my fear. I would rather jump out in the waves with Peter and let God walk me across the top of them, safe and dry, than cower in the boat with the others.

I'm not going to fear. I've got a GREAT umbrella. =)

12 comments:

Jill Kemerer said...

Oh Betsy, I'm so sorry. I know this probably won't help, but you aren't alone. I live in Southeastern Michigan where the economy has been devastated over the last three years. We keep hoping things will get better.

Keep praying. I'll pray for you too.

W Weido said...

Hey Betsy...I relate so well to what you posted. It is unfortunate that the prospect looms so close now and worries can creep in. No - they can shout. But your resolve is the right one. I speak from experience...though now divorced, when I was married, my spouse was unemployed (by choice) for two years and had no intent or desire to watch our child in that time. So I had daycare expense, I had the house note and on and on. But - God got me thru those times and by His grace, didn't lose the house or lack for care of our child. Look to Him from whence our help comes...He is faithful to be your provision during this hiccup on your life journey. Will be praying for you all.

michelle said...

Just stay faithful and the Lord will bless, I know its hard to see it now, but you will see it at the end. Everything is going to work out! I know it is! :)

TheFancyFritter said...

Know that the Lord has you exactly where he wants you to be fulfilling your wonderful role as wife & mother to BJ & Audrey. I am so sorry about his upcoming lay off! That is definitely scary, but know that things will work out for good. I know there have been some scary, uncertain times for Kirk and I, but the Lord always answers our prayers and gives us more than we could even imagine! Read Matthew 6 & I hope that will comfort you!

Love you girl!

~Stacy

Linda said...

Got you in my prayers, especially since you decided to be a stay at home mom. Praying God will honor that decision and find your husband more employment with plenty of time for family, too.
How is his mother?

auntiem4cabs said...

My life, by my own bad decisions, has always been a little 'rough'. Not illegal things, just bad choices in men, financial moves and stupid things, that all add up to bad. During the past 7 years, with a few more decisions and a few drastic changes, I have come to realize that driving myself crazy with thinking, well...drives me crazy. God ALREADY knows the outcome, and only He can help me thru consequences and rough times. I loved your blog because, sometimes people think I am an idiot for just 'giving it to God'. I'm not, and its awesome to see you are not either. I will keep you all in my prayers.

Mair

Warren Baldwin said...

Thanks for the FB connect. Followed your link to hear.

You are writing about a tough situation for many people in our country. Tough situations. I am praying for a reversal of our country's economic situation. Families are hurting.

But I so appreciate your perspective, and in larger measure I feel the way you do: God is in control. He has a larger purpose we don't see. I want to be faithful no matter what.

You wrote a hard, but good, post.

If you get a chance please visit Family Fountain.
Warren

Georgiana Daniels said...

It's intereting how crummy things seem to converge. You are handling it brilliantly, and God will reward your faith. Can't wait to see how He works things out.

Anonymous said...

Im not sure how she found your article but my Mom actually emailed me a link to this story. I am a BCFD wife also and my husband is on the layoff list. I am a SAHM to our 14 month old son. Besides hearing the devastating news of the layoff, my son came down with a 103.7 fever and I started getting what I thought was an ear infection that same day!!!! You are so right when saying when it rains it pours!!!! This is an awful and devastating thing that we are all going through, but God never gives us more than we can handle. I admire how you are handling this situation. I am strong for my husband and have been trying to be optimistic and of course I am praying, but I also have alot of anger and am very hurt by what has happened, but your story has really made me think about everything and now I am hoping to be more optimistic and to really have Faith! God knows exactly what He is doing, everything will be just fine. Thank you for posting your story!

Catherine West said...

Praying for you my friend.

Betsy St. Amant said...

Anonymous, if you would please email me privately at betsystamant@yahoo.com, I would LOVE to talk to you more about this. It's nice to be able to commiserate together!! =) I'm glad I encouraged you, thanks so much for posting this.

Rachel Leigh Smith said...

Our God is greater than any situation. I've seen Him provide for us when most people would have given up. He will hold your family in the palm of His hand and you will be safe. No matter what happens.

Looks like the "global recession" is finally catching up with LA. The paper mill in Pineville is closing!