The Reason for the Giant Knot in My Stomach…

After surviving several rounds of cutbacks and layoffs over the past few months, Brad was let go from his job today. It’s disappointing, upsetting, nerve-racking, and extremely sad to say goodbye to a company that has cared for and accommodated our family, and to loose our only source of full-time income.  We know that we are not alone in this financial hardship, and many of you are facing or have faced similar or greater stress.  Our hearts and prayers are with you all tonight, as we pray our own future, and trust God more deeply.  We are thankful that He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, and our future is secure in Him.

Thank you, Brad, for being such a tremendous provider for our family.  You are such a diligent, respectable, and compassionate husband and father.  I’m by your side.  Always.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.  For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

67 thoughts on "The Reason for the Giant Knot in My Stomach…"

  1. I am sooooo sorry to hear about your husband's job. How upsetting. I will be praying…

  2. My husband was let go on Monday. He was the only source of income for us also. But I fully trust my Father in Heaven has a plan for us. All we need to do is pray be in tune to Him so we can know the right course of action to take.
    I hope your hubby will be able to find a job soon.

  3. BreezieGirl says:

    My prayers are with your family.

  4. Jen says:

    That's heartbreaking news. My prayers are with your family at such a tough time.

  5. Rachel E. says:

    I'm so sorry to hear about this, Brad & Jen. I'm praying for you and your family, particularly for wisdom during this difficult & uncertain time.

  6. Lauren says:

    Be patient and don't lose heart.

  7. Trust that God is at work! Your situation make me think of the song, "Praise you in this storm." May God use this situation to bless your family more than you could have ever expected!

  8. Cara says:

    Starbucks is hiring. And, they offer good health insurance, too. Seriously.

  9. Holly says:

    I am so sorry to hear this bad news. I will be praying for your family.

  10. Amy says:

    Prayers for your family.

  11. I am so sorry to hear this Jen. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. My husband was recently told he needed to move to TX for his job or find something else. We both agreed a move was not in our future so he is on the job hunt, but thankfully has time before we need to worry.

    Good luck weathering this and I hope you continue to find support and grace during this time.

  12. Amanda says:

    I'm so sorry…I'll be praying for you both. Brad will find something soon…God has a plan and he always has for your family. Trust in him…he will provide.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Where would we be without our faith in a loving God? Praying for you both! Love you!

  14. I'm sorry to hear this. My husband lost his job last December and he was the sole income provider in our family as well. I understand your feelings of fear and uncertainty. As we look back on that time now, we realize that it was truly a blessing in disguise. He's now doing something he loves and is so passionate about. He never would have had the courage or opportunity to pursue it had he remained at his previous job. Still, I know when your right in the middle of the unknown, it's hard to imagine the flip side. I'll keep your family in my prayers and hope that you find comfort in my favorite verse from Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

  15. Chelsa says:

    hope his new job search is a quick one. i'll be prayign!

  16. Michele says:

    I am so sorry. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  17. I am so sorry you have to go through this. This is a rough time for so many people and I am praying this recession gets over itself SOON!

  18. Trish says:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God truly does have a plan for you. Now is the time to be receptive to what that plan is.

  19. Emily H says:

    Jen and Brad-
    My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God's plan be revealed and wow you more than you can imagine!!

    Emily

  20. King Quads says:

    When God closes a door He opens a window. This is all part of His plan for your family. I know it's easy to say that, but it's true and you will look back on this and see it. Our prayers are with your family. I love your love for each other. You and Brad are such an encouraging couple to so many. Best friends!

    Thanks for getting me hooked on Crazy Love too…it seems like the book was written for me. I so needed that kick in the butt right now.

    We love you so much!

  21. Ashley says:

    Oh no!! I'm praying that Brad finds a great new job quickly.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Sorry to hear about Brad's job. But do you mind me asking what did he do/degree is? Thanks

  23. First, let me say, that I am surprised at how many people read your blog in the middle of the night!!! But seriously, I came over to your blog after reading your FB status hoping that this was not the reason behind your current status. I was saddened to find out that it was. Tell Brad to sign up for unemployment online (dwd.in.gov) while he is looking. (I'm sure he already knows that, but it's the mother in me!) I will be praying that the Lord will bring just the right job, and that if it is His will, that He will do so quickly!!! Hang in there!

  24. Shelley says:

    I'm SO sorry! We moved from Noblesville, Indiana to Texas last December when my husband was layed off from his job. He started a new job in January and was layed off AGAIN in May, right after we found out that we've got baby #3 on the way (and 2 year old twins). It's been a tough road, but we've kept a positive attitude and know that things will turn around eventually. We're so lucky to have a good support system, which I know you do as well. Good luck….you'll be in my prayers!

    Shelley

  25. Jenny B says:

    Brad and Jen—you both are in our prayers for sure! we love you guys and know that God will continue to take care of you!
    love you guys
    jenny b

  26. Lorri says:

    Oh, what a rough road to now be on 🙁 I'll be keeping you in prayers. Trusting in God's faithfulness for your family . . . .

  27. samantha says:

    Oh no I'm so sorry! I know exactly what you are going through and will be praying for you and your family.

  28. Heather says:

    Yikes! Hugs to you, girl. It is often easier to say trust in God when you don't actually have a tough situation to get through. I admire your courage and your spirit.

    (BTW, if there is any way I can help you stretch your budget during the hunt, please don't hesitate to ask!)

  29. Whitney says:

    I am so sorry to hear your news. I am so glad you have your faith to get your through this difficult time. It will work out for the better and in the meantime, don't be afraid to ask for help!

  30. Pam says:

    Oh Jen, I am so sorry to hear this. I pray that Brad finds another job quickly.

  31. Becky says:

    Does that mean you can move to the Fort Worth area now? Jen, we will be praying for the Lord's provision in these days. May He use this to strengthen your faith.

  32. Murs- you guys already know how sorry we are. I love you and are here for you guys. Hang in there.

    XOXO
    Gen, Conor and kiddos

  33. Jen Wilson says:

    I'm so sorry!! This happened to our family as well, although it was not a career-type job. It is HARD and so frustrating, but depending on the Lord will get you through!!

  34. Oh girl, words cannot express how sorry I am for you. Civil Eng. huh? I'll keep that in mind, and let you know what if I hear anything.

    Don't be afraid to ask for help, we are all here for you (and I really mean that).

  35. Stay strong. I have been there-literally 4 months ago I was told my position was being eliminated. I now find myself in a job that I fit perfectly in and have always wanted to do. Things happen for a reason. It is emotionally and physically hard, but stay strong!

  36. ASHENFELTERS says:

    aw, shucks. Praying for you guys as you walk this road of trusting in our Lord……Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have HOPE. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I will say to myself," the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him".
    Lamentations 3:21-24… hope this gives you some comfort..:)

  37. Suzanne says:

    i got a kick in the stomach when i read your txt too! love you guys so much. wish i could hug your neck. btw- mailed out your bday today…even MORE meaningful NOW, after finding out the news. amazing how God works that way. lean on him, murr.
    giant, big, fat, hugs from texas,
    suz

  38. jag says:

    Praying for you during this difficult time. So sorry.

  39. Anonymous says:

    Oh dear, that's terrible. But I think you (and all the commenters) are right – when you look back on this later you'll see it was a blessing in disguise. God has something planned for you. Hang in there.

    -Holly

  40. lovey says:

    Also, to sign up for Hoosier Healthwise for at least the kiddos. And to look up COBRA assistance through the ARRA (stimulus act).. but I think that is ending in a few months..
    Good luck.

  41. Kelly says:

    So sorry to hear that. We will pray for your family during this time and that God will show you what's next. Glad to see you're looking to God and His word during this hard time 🙂

  42. Anonymous says:

    I'm really sorry to hear about this. 🙁 I thought I'd mention that the Brownsburg Employment Network (an unemployment support group type thing) meets Wednesday mornings at 9 at Messiah Lutheran Church there on 267. I heard about it at my church in B-burg; I think several churches are partnering in this ministry. Just passing that along. Best of luck to you; I hope that he is able to find a great job soon.

  43. Rachel says:

    We are praying for guidance and wisdom for you guys in your job search. Let us know if we can help in any way.

  44. Rachel says:

    We are praying for guidance and wisdom for you guys in your job search. Let us know if we can help in any way.

  45. Misty says:

    Jen,
    So sorry to hear of this. I can only imagine the knot you have & with good reason. I will keep you & your family in my prayers.
    You are the second quad family I know to be goign thru this right now.
    HUGE HUGS & LOTS OF PRAYERS,
    Misty

  46. Marty says:

    That is so sad. I'll be praying for you guys.

  47. Heather says:

    I'm so sorry. Our prayers and new job thoughts are with you.

  48. Oh no! Prayers for your family!

  49. You're family is in my prayers!!

  50. Joy says:

    Oh Jen, my stomach just dropped when I read this. I am so sorry your family is having to deal with the effects of our economy. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you guys and are here to support you. We will be praying that a wonderful opportunity presents itself for Brad! HUGS.

  51. Bethany says:

    I'm so, so sorry. I lost my job this summer and I remember how devastated I was- and I only have myself to care for. Your family will be in my prayers!

  52. Anonymous says:

    I read your blog often and many others for inspiration and encouragement. My husband lost his job in April of this year, also our main source of income. My heart goes out to you. My prayers are with you. I pray for your family as I do mine that a better opportunity will come your way very soon.

  53. Stephanie says:

    Praying so hard for you all. You have the strength and courage to get through this. When God closes one door, he always opens another!!

  54. Heather says:

    Jen — I'm so sorry to hear this. My husband was laid off on Sept. 30 of last year. He spent an entire year working on finding another job. Thankfully, he got a job offer a week ago. We were able to see God's timing in the layoff (my SIL passed away 3 weeks after his layoff, and we spent the last 3 weeks of her life with one or the other of us sitting with her at least 12 hours a day), which made that easier.

    We feel so blessed to have had so many people in our lives praying for his job search. I know you will have many praying for you guys.

  55. Jocelyn says:

    Such sad news… but I have faith (as I know y'all do) that Brad will find something great ASAP.

    My father and father-in-law both lost their jobs last year. Your family, and all those struggling in this economy, are in my prayers.

  56. I am so sorry! We are there too… it has been a very trying year. But God will watch over you and your beautiful family! He has an amazing plan in store for you!

    Britt

  57. This was in my devotions for today: "He Who made the ordered, beautiful world out of chaos, and set the stars in their courses, and made each plant to know its season, can He not bring out of your chaos peace and order?" Praying that you'll feel His presence in such a real way today.

  58. Clair says:

    Praying for you! See you at ConsecO?

  59. Kara says:

    pray…trust…timing…reason…
    hope…
    Do not worry about anything, instead pray about everything!
    Phillipians 4:6

  60. I'm so sorry – I will be praying for a quick and smooth transition to something else God has in store for Brad! May I share a verse with you? We are 25wks pg with #4 and after our routine u/s they called us in with the news that there was something wrong with our baby's heart. We had to wait two weeks to see a specialist and find out whether or not the baby was going to survive. I had written down this reference some months ago, and looked it up during those weeks and it kept me going:

    "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. His mercies are new every morning – great is Your faithfulness!" Lam 3:21-23

    I love how the writer has to 'call to mind' – it's not like he's standing there amidst the rubble of JErusalem jumping up and down with joy, sometimes we have to pull from way down deep inside ourselves and remind ourselves of the Lord's amazing love. May you feel it strongly today.

  61. Anonymous says:

    Keep the faith. He'll see you through.

  62. The Carlsons says:

    Jen, I am SO sorry to hear of Brad losing his job! This is the 6th person/friend's husband that we know of that lost a job in the last few months. That just royally stinks!

    I am sure you all are in a frenzy, feeling the pressure now, worried, etc., etc. Please know that we are praying for you, Brad and your boys! I know God has bigger and better things for you and Brad! I leave you with this (perhaps you've already read it or others have given it to you already)…

    Jeremiah 29:11-13 — For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

    Lots of hugs to you!!!!
    -fellow quad mom of 18mo GGGG and a 5yo boy

  63. Kelly says:

    Jen,
    I am sooo sorry. We are having tight times right now too and I can't imagine. Praying something just falls in his lap soon!

  64. Lauren says:

    Dang!!! Ah why does things like that happen to good people who need it the most? Well I will be hoping that brad can find something again SOON… he seems like a pretty smart cookie! Hang in there girl.

  65. I will be pray for your family!!

  66. Danica says:

    I'm coming from Golfer Girls blog.

    Sending thoughts and prayers.

  67. Briana says:

    So sorry to hear this Jen. 🙁 Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *