Bill didn't think it could...
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Bill didn't think it could get any worse, financially. His wife, Sharon, was off work on
disability while doctors tried to explain her severe headaches and sudden dizziness. Two
of his three daughters were attending college; the third was a senior in high school.
Fortunately, Bill's middle-management job seemed secure -- but he was wrong. This was
the mid-'90s and many companies were downsizing. One of the first and deepest cuts
came at the middle-management level. At 53 years of age, Bill was let go. He would get a
severance package, but it would not cover mortgage, expenses, re-training costs, and
certainly not two college bills.
Bill hit the pavement looking for work. He found that he was overqualified for most jobs and too old for others. He came to his pastor's office deeply depressed.
"I need to work," he confided. "Not just for the money, but for my self-esteem and my mental health. I believe that every able-bodied person should work. Doesn't the Bible say as much, pastor?"
Bill was referring to 2 Thessalonians 3. Bill's pastor reassured him that Paul was speaking of those who chose not to work, not those who wanted to work but couldn't find gainful employment.
Bill hit the pavement looking for work. He found that he was overqualified for most jobs and too old for others. He came to his pastor's office deeply depressed.
"I need to work," he confided. "Not just for the money, but for my self-esteem and my mental health. I believe that every able-bodied person should work. Doesn't the Bible say as much, pastor?"
Bill was referring to 2 Thessalonians 3. Bill's pastor reassured him that Paul was speaking of those who chose not to work, not those who wanted to work but couldn't find gainful employment.
