Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2010 / Losing my job forced me to prioritize and rely on God
Losing my job forced me to prioritize and rely on God
by Lisa Hecmanczuk special to The Michigan Catholic
Published February 19, 2010
Editor's note: Lent is a time we are called to conversion, to draw closer to God and deeper into His love. During these six weeks especially, we ask you to share your story.
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Photo courtesy of the Hecmanczuk family
Lisa Hecmanczuk with her family members, from left, Stevie, Steve and Matt. They’ve learned together how God has provided for them. |
Losing my job in July led me to reexamine my faith, my lifestyle, my dreams and my choices. I always followed the rules, worked extra hard, and was respectful of authority. I believed this was enough to be guaranteed employment. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I had performed well on my job, but the layoff was out of my control. Facing this was a huge step toward increasing my faith.
It was very uncomfortable to not only lose my job, but to be unable to find another job. In the past, I made career moves when I wanted to. I was used to having my professional destiny in my hands. When I had small children, I chose jobs offering more flexibility. Later I chose jobs offering better compensation. But this time I had no control over the job market and I had to accept that.
About a year before losing my job, I had a warning that my job may be ending within six months. At that time, I examined what I really wanted to do with my life. The answer was simple. I wanted to be a writer. It was my dream as a child, but I had abandoned it for a more "practical" career field. I started writing in my spare time, but I always felt like I should be doing something else.
When I lost my job, writing became my first refuge. Then, ever so slowly, I was challenged to increase my faith in God. Again, I found that I could not force my way into getting published or getting a job as a writer. I started listening to God more. God spoke directly to me, telling me to write a book about my job loss. I did so, documenting my experiences and what I was learning day by day. What I soon discovered was that my dependence on God was increasing. He became my refuge.
When the savings dwindled and the household income was far less than the bills, I was challenged again. I did all I could to reduce spending, but the income still fell short. I was encouraged to rely on God for my daily bread. No longer did I have a warehouse full of grain. Learning to depend on God day by day took a lot of practice. I found that going to daily Mass and extra scripture reading helped immensely. I continued to tithe and donate to worthy causes. When I felt frightened, I called a friend who helped restore my faith that God would provide.
And God did provide! My kids received scholarship money to go toward their Catholic school tuition. My husband was offered temporary work which provided just enough money to buy groceries one week. Our tax bill went down and we went one month without a house payment. We also experienced smaller, but just as important windfalls of money — like finding $5 in the laundry, receiving a check for $24 from our insurance company, a friend giving me gas money, and so on. Every month we had just enough.
The job loss also allowed me to slow down and start enjoying life. I broke free of struggling so hard. When I looked back, I saw that I struggled and worried more when I had a job. Therefore, it wasn't the financial situation that mattered, it was my faith. That came as quite a relief for someone who always wanted to do it all herself. I continue to pursue my writing, but I've turned the outcome over to God – for He knows best.
Lisa Hecmanczuk is a member of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Melvindale.
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