]In Nov, 2008, after 5 years on the job, I was laid off. On the one hand I knew it could happen, but didn’t really think it would. In these times, I guess it is unrealistic to think that I was someone needed in their workplace. At first I took it hard, but God kept telling me to “stay focused on Him and not to worry”. I can remember reading the Matthew scripture that reminds us that us that God knows what we need to survive. But that wasn’t so easy. Like all of us, I had “stuff” that I wanted to keep. But God had better things in mind and slowly I let it go.

I started receiving unemployment after the first week and it lasted for a full year. Beside that blessing, I received a grant that enabled me to finish a degree program I had started years earlier. I remember saying, “if I could ever just go to school and not work I would”. And now I had my chance. Even though I hadn’t been in school for years, I graduated in May and received my degree in August of ’09. Still hearing the words, “stay focused on me,” I launched into the horrific process of job hunting. Then one day I got the call. On the way to the interview, the tire literally fell off the car, separating entirely from the rim. Leaving it on the side of the road, I got other transportation and made it to the interview with 5 minutes to spare. Four weeks later I got the call. I was hired. My new job started exactly 1 year after my lay off date and my last employment check came in my first week back to work. I literally never missed a week of income. Who else but God!!!

After 3 months, I was named to program coordinator with a nice pay increase attached to it. My program acronym is FOCUS, “Family Opportunities Created Utilizing Support.” God does have a sense of humor. For me, the best part is being in the marketplace helping people who have no hope who are looking for something better. People talk to me about trusting God and I find myself being able to be a witness of God’s faithfulness. I help them become self-sufficient and allow the light of Christ to shine through. I don’t need to preach it, I’m just there for them, like the salt Pastor talks about. God can call me into another area at any time, but until then, I’ll stay FOCUSED on Him and be that salt and light to the people in my circle of influence.