I’ve been quiet about something big the past few months. Partly because I didn’t know how to share it and also because I wasn’t certain how long it would last.
3 months ago, my husband got laid off from his job.
I know this has happened to many of my friends and family before. You guys get it. I have a brand new sense of empathy now for this experience. It has been humbling and also oddly enough very affirming.
Losing a job is nothing to have hidden, and yet I did. I shared with very few friends. I didn’t want it to define us or be pitied.
But now that time has passed, I know I need to sound the horns and circle the wagons for two reasons: 1) to accept support, which I am terrible at asking for; and 2) to share our story so others can see that there is always hope in this situation.
I call it the Three P’s: Persevere, Pray and Plan. They are action verbs too because when job loss happens, you feel more empowered when you can DO something about changing your situation.
Persevere
What has helped me the most has been being able to slowly accept it. I realize it hasn’t devastated us financially in the way I was expecting, and it has shown us what we are made of.
We both work harder at our businesses: my law firm and my new Beautycounter business (I started it mere days before the termination) and my husband can now dedicate time to his computer forensics business. Those have been the saving grace because we feel empowered. There IS something we can do.
Pray
Few things rock you to your core like being told the main source of your family income is gone. But I choose to look at it as more than a money situation. It is a heart situation. And we are choosing to listen to how God is moving and working in our lives. I can say this: we are growing in our faith and are taking so much comfort in the words and deeds of family and friends.
One of my favorite words is HOPE. Danny Gokey’s song “Hope in Front of Me” has become my new theme song (even if it also makes me teary).
Plan
I am thankful we did Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University several years ago. We don’t totally feel like the rug has been pulled from underneath us. We are in a much better financial picture now having already attacked our debts and having built an emergency fund. You know, Murphy’s Law—if it can go wrong, it will. We certainly don’t want Murphy to set up residence at our home.
Dave Ramsey’s course taught us how important having an emergency fund is. Did you know that 78% of people will have a major negative financial event in any given 10-year period (says Money magazine)? That’s a really high percent. OK, so I’m hoping this is our ONE event and we’re getting it out of the way. And I’d prefer if it were our last! Seriously, having a plan has saved my sanity for sure.
Now, could I ask you to do something?
We crave your prayers and support as we settle into this new normal (although hopefully shortlived). It’s by no means insurmountable, but it’s been an interesting few months. (Not to mention 2 car accidents added to the mix.)
Since I’m asking for your prayers and positive thoughts, can I do the same for you? Sharing our burdens makes them so much lighter. Or feel free to share your joys. Either way! Please share them with me in the comments.
I love your positive attitude with the 3 P’s. Your family is so amazing that there’s no way this would ever define you. I have a friend who is known for saying “choose hope” and I love how you’ve done exactly that, and with a theme song, no less! Between the job and two car accidents, you are more than due for a break and some wonderful news. Also, thank you for sharing how having a plan has been of help – such an important reminder. Praying for you and here with support and hugs!
Hope for the win! You knew how hard it was for me to share something like this-thank you for encouraging me. I don’t have it all figured out but I hope I might have a perspective that can help. And yeah for emergency funds-hate that we need them, but that pesky Murphy is bound to show up.
This. All of it. Your family is exceptional and will be such a blessing to those experiencing similar situations and are full of doubts and fears. Thank you for sharing!
Faith
Thank you, friend! I’ll keep running 🙂
Your family is beautiful inside and out! Your faith inspires me to be more faithful. Your positive outlook inspires me to be more positive. Life can change in the blink of an eye. The one constant that will always be there for us is God. I love you to pieces my friend and will lift your precious family up in prayer. ❤️
Thank you, Allison. I’m glad I didn’t write a quick post on the first day-it may not have been so positive! Trying to find the silver lining. Knowing things could be so much worse. I’m gonna just keep swimming…it’s what we Disney fans do, right?
Sherry,
Love your perspective and faithfulness. Thank you for stepping out and sharing. I know your testimony will help so many. You have set such a wonderful example for your children. I wish we had done Financial Peace earlier in our marriage.
I’m excited to hear about what God has next for you!!
And I will definitely pray 🙂
Lately, I cling to Romans 8:28 and James 1:2-4
Thank you, Christy! It took me a while before I felt ready to share. But once I did, it was liberating. I’ll have to check those verses-thank you for the prayers.
Dear Sherry,
You have my prayer support. I have learned in life to Whisper Prayers throughout the day. Like the word tells “Pray without ceasing ..”An amazing P word PRAISING.. Him for your blog. Yes, God had you prepared and EVERYONE NEEDS to
Adhere to the sound principles in life. You shared a Powerful lesson in life to everyone. No matter Ones age. Yes, I will support you through PRAYER …oh! the magnitude of Power in Prayer, Praise,… Your lesson will embrace so many—Plan… my husband and mother knew that P well. You don’t need don’t purchase.
Pride ..Private .. understanding but know your article is POWERFUL…
All things do work together for those that love the Lord.. His timing is so Amazing. Love you and Praising…….Jackie R.
I love the concept of whisper prayers. And as I wrote the idea of the 3 P’s came about-I love that you also wove them into your comment. Thanks for your Perspective and Perception. xo