a father in need of prayer

[bullwinkle]

First of all I would like to thank you for a great website and everything you do.

I am embarrased to share this, but I am a Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran. I was honorably discharged in 1994 with accolades of rewards.
However, ever since my discharge I have not been able to gain employment except for one position with an large internationl information technology company which lasted for 2 years util a massive layoff came in '02. I took advantage of the downtime and attended college and graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree. I strongly felt God opened the door for me. Now, it has been over 2 years since graduation and I still cannot gain meaningful employment. I have been to so many interviews I have lost count. My house is in dire need of repair, my cars are falling apart and even my furniture is falling apart. I have a low paying job with no benefits or health insurance, no retirement plan; just paycheck to paycheck. I am middle aged and very very lucky to have good health. To make matters worse, I have to contend with a wife who despises to work and thinks I should do the work. Thankfully, she begrudingly goes to a job she hates and I have to sit and listen to her grumbling at the dinner table every night. I try not to say much. It is a shame to have a college degree and my wife can barely use email and word processing and she has a job with the public school system with nothing more than a high school education. I have a 12 year old son. It is so embarrasing for me to have all this happening in front of him. He will remember as the "father who cannot get a job" I quit church because it just too embarassing for me. I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with me. I do my best in interviews; smile, display professionalism and a positive attitude and try do all the right things and nothing seems to work. Thirteen years!!!!..13 years have gone by and I am still paying a heavy price for serving my country. Everyday the anger at God swells and I have beg God to help me with this anger toward him...and I just can't shake it when another rejection from a job comes around. If this keeps on going, I will have to sell my house and divorce and let my wife raise my son and live on the street. Social services will probably take him away from me unless God doesn't answer prayer soon.

[Kurieuo]

Sounds like you have had a tough time. I was not going to respond as I feel any response is inadequate when dealing with such deep personal issues, but I pray whatever happens you will be able to come through the other side shining.

[bizzt]

First I want to Thank you for your sacrifice overseas! Next I want you to do something that might be more shameful to you but when you are at a low like this really nothing could get any worse... One of the Biggest hooks for Men is their Pride. Sorry I have to say this but suck it up, go back to Church and talk with your pastor, friends, etc.... You would be suprised of how many people in Church have struggled with the same thing you may be going through right now. One thing I notice is if we are a Flock under Jesus then we must help out others who are in need. Ask the Congregation if they can help you. Not necessarily with Money but maybe for a Job. There must be someone in the Congregation that is a Manager or either knows a Manager or knows of an opening that your skills could be used. I hate giving online advice but believe in yourself, don't give up. I just ask Father that you lift this Man up. Allow him to see your will for his Life. Lord I ask you to give him Mercy and Grace for his Anger and allow him to get ready for what ever kind of Blessing you will give him.

Psa 115:14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

Please update us about your situation from time to time.

[h.wood]

i am sorry that you are having such a rough time. unfortunatly your situation is very common. the market is so down right now. i dont know where you are at but around here we are extremly seasonal. please do not feel that it is just you- i'm sure you do great on interveiws & what better a worker than a man that was in the service? my husband didnt serve in the war but he was in the service and what a great man he turned out to be. finding work was easy for him because he went from the service to the police force. he and i are both in college now and let me just say i admire that you have finished- what a grueling task in itself. you should not worry about embrassing your son-- look at all you have accomplished! an honerable discharge- a college degree- a wife --a son- if anything you are more than the right man for any job . hang in there and definitly go back to church. not that i'm telling you to look at it like a networking opportunity -- but look at all those people - if they are at church then they are not hermits. odds are they know other people, other people who in turn know other people. God wants us to interact and have fellowship. he wants us to help each other. maybe someone you meet has a need you can fullfil . i am a hairdresser people sit in my chair and tell me everything. i know when they need work and need workers. i have been in a few situations where i made the connection for people. most jobs are filled by word of mouth. the squeaky wheel gets the grease kind of thing. hold your head up , says your prayers, and put yourself out there. Im sure GOD has a fit for you somewhere.

[bullwinkle]

Thank you everyone. I have been the route of getting assistance from friends at church, etc. but nothing has come to fruition. I just cannot take the pressure anymore.

[Kurieuo]

Thank you everyone. I have been the route of getting assistance from friends at church, etc. but nothing has come to fruition. I just cannot take the pressure anymore.

I would recommend seeing a good Christian counsellor or someone similar who can help you sort through your personal issues. Just it sounds as though you have a great deal of complicated issues which need coming to terms with, and it is perhaps only something a professional counsellor can guide you through rather than friends or people posting via a board.

I pray everything eventually works out for you.

[bizzt]

Hello Bullwinkle

I am glad you have seeked help from friends at Church. Like K says a Christian Counsellor or sometimes your Pastor is a good way to get help with some of the Personal Issues that may be troubling you. Keep up the Good Work! Sometimes we miss out on what we have done recently and just look at the Bad Stuff. Even if all you see is bad Hold onto the Good and embrace it. It makes the bad so much easier to bare.

Psa 115:14 The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.