Change......

Change is inevitable. Some times it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. Few people like it but most people go through it at some point in their life. It’s hard to imagine change without the security of seeing the end result. The only thing we have is our faith in God….that HE will take care of us just as HE always has. Of course, sometimes during the trying times, our faith is only the size of a mustard seed. But that’s all that is required of us….faith the size of a mustard seed. Although Russell has been downsizing for years, from a company of about 18,000 people globally….to about…..who really knows….2000 people maybe…..i believe the most recent layoffs will be the hardest thus far in Alex City. Families are making large sacrifices and life altering decisions. With so many different situations and circumstances, from couples working within the company and both being laid off, to people uprooting and moving their families to another state. Yet others will separate from their spouse in order to move to another state and keep their jobs while their spouse stays behind until the kids are out of school. Many have been at Russell for 20-30+ years. The company has been around since 1902. People thought Russell would be here forever. They counted on it. After all, at one time, almost half of Alex City’s population worked at Russell. But all things must come to an end….and the end is here for most and drawing nearer for the others. But people are resilient and we will move forward. Not because we want to but because we have to.

This will be my third layoff and I thought that with each layoff it got easier and easier to handle. Through an emotional conversation with my mother the other night, I realize that this layoff….this change….may possibly be more difficult than the other two layoffs. I’m very excited about being pregnant and bringing a new life into the world. But now I’m more scared than ever. How will I cope? How will we manage? Can we pay the bills? When will I find another job? And where will I find another job? What will I do with the baby? These are only a few of the questions that I’ve been racking my brain to answer. But I’ve been reminded that some people actually have it harder than I do. I have also been told that I think way too far into the future and that I need to just enjoy being pregnant and starting a family. We never know what changes may take place in the near future and therefore it’s hard to make plans so far in advance. And you know, I think they are right. It may be scary at times but only God knows what he has in store for us and he can give us the strength to endure anything. One thing is certain……HE has always taken care of me and he will continue to do so. I just need to have faith the size of a mustard seed.