Navigating the Layoff

It has been over a month now since my layoff, and I can say it has been a journey filled with a wide range of emotions and questions. Through it all, I have been seeking the Lord for answers. I will be honest—it has not been easy, especially in the silence when it feels like the Lord is not speaking.

The hardest part for me has been watching how Cata has been affected indirectly. She has felt the weight spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Some days she feels good, and other days she doesn’t. I have been learning what it means, in marriage, to be there for her. And I will admit, there are times when I fall short and don’t do my best.

No parent can prepare their children in advance for something like this. Instead, parents are there to walk alongside them through it, to talk, support, pray, and pass down the lessons they’ve learned over the years.

Every week, as I mentioned in a previous post, unemployment requires you to meet quotas of job applications and activities to keep receiving benefits. On top of that, the last few weeks have included assessments and scenario interviews with different organizations. Often, the response has simply been: “Thank you, but we are moving on to the next candidate.” Those words are discouraging, but I’ve had to remind myself to keep moving forward and push through the emotions.

This month, our stress levels have risen. I don’t like being stressed out, and I don’t like feeling worn down. Honestly, once 3 p.m. hits, I feel done. But as a parent, you have to keep going until the kids are finally in bed, sometimes past 8 p.m.

The girls, of course, don’t know what’s going on. They wake up early—sometimes before 6 a.m.—and are ready to start their day. No matter how I feel, their day begins with breakfast (or they will surely demand it, ha!) and continues with all their routines: attention, playtime at the park, shows, naps, and more meals. Each day becomes this balancing act—navigating the questions, thoughts, and emotions of the layoff while still carrying through for them.


Scripture

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7

Friend, if you are navigating a season of uncertainty, know that God’s care for you has not lessened. The silence does not mean absence. His love remains steady even when the road feels heavy and the answers don’t come quickly. Keep leaning into Him, keep showing up for those who need you, and trust that His timing will unfold with purpose.


Prayer

Lord,
In this season of waiting and questions, help us to lean on You more deeply. Teach us to love each other well through the ups and downs, and to care for our families with patience and grace. We cast our anxieties on You, trusting in Your faithful care. Strengthen our hearts to keep walking, one day at a time.
Amen.

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