UNEMPLOYMENT SUCKS!

In August of this year, the number of unemployed persons increased by 466,000 to 14.9 million, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.3 percentage point to 9.7 percent. Since the recession began in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons has risen by 7.4 million, and the unemployment rate has grown by 4.8 percentage points.
Recently, here in the Phoenix area, an estimated 600 to 800 people lined up in the hot sun outside the Hilton Hotel to apply for 60 jobs at a new In-N-Out Burger. There were people lining up many hours before interviewing began - people from teens to out of work corporate executives.

Our most recent adventure in unemployment began in March when Sprint Nextel had another layoff. This one was much bigger than ones in the past. Basically, Brad's division was dissolved and he was one of 10,000 nationwide to be let go.

From the very beginning we have felt so much peace and comfort in this trial. We have come to the realization that this is our trial in life. We have fasted and prayed much needing direction from Heavenly Father. We have sought comfort at the temple and tried hard to have a positive attitude.

It's now been 6 months since the lay off. Brad has been working hard - extremely hard to seek employment and keep our family financially stable. He's had an incredible attitude this time - it's like night and day. He's been my rock and we have grown closer as a couple in helping each other through this trial. We feel the love of the Lord in our life and see tiny miracles happening in our life daily. Our children have been an comfort to us also. Our 2 year old grandson prayes nightly for Papa to get a job. (How can we go wrong with that sweet little guy on our side?!?)

We have both sensed that there are some people out there that do not understand what we are going through. If you've never been throug unemployment challenges, well, yay for you and I hope you never have to! If you have, I'm sure you can relate to our life circumstances at this time. It's hard. It's depressing. It's humiliating. It feels like it's never going to end and you feel completely alone.

We have friends and family members that are frustrated and ask why Brad just doesn't go get a job that can give us a paycheck. GREAT QUESTION!! This is our 4th go round with lay offs/unemployment. We are seasoned pros (unfortunately). But here's the thing for all of you who are confused as to what we are doing to help ourselves or are frustrated that we "just don't go get an income": We are trying. Brad is working his butt off. He spends hours at his desk making phone calls each day. He's out hitting the pavement and putting himself out there for rejection - over and over and over. For each and every job opening there are hundreds hoping for the same job.

Our motto these days is: Proverbs 3: 5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Some days are better than others but we are keeping our thoughts positive and taking each day as it comes. We know that the Lord has a plan for our family. We are so incredibly blessed. We see so many other families suffer from unemployment and our hearts and prayers go out to them. We pray that they also will be able to find work and continue to take care of their families.

Having the love and moral support from our friends and extended family is incredibly helpful. We love you all and are grateful each day for you.

Brad & Mel