eWell May 27, 2009

"The Economy" by Karen Grothouse

"The Economy" ... Saying, reading, or hearing those two words makes almost everyone a little apprehensive. I'll just apologize immediately for even bringing "it" up. Everyone is just worried if they could be the next potential victim of "It" This hasn't just been a little uneasy feeling for my life, but more or less a raeality. And twice in less than a year (This is not a pity party... bear with me).

My Dad is a phenomenal businessman, extremely intelligent, and a natural leader. Not to mention he is the very spiritual leader that the Bible calls him to be to my family. Regardless, he was let go from his job. It was a shock to hear it the first time, but a déjà vu moment the second... I try not use my cell phone while I'm driving in my car but I saw that my Mom called me twice within a short period of time. Not necessarily unusual for either parental unit to call and then call two minutes later if I do not answer; however, this time it was out of the ordinary because of my Mom's usual schedule. While I sat at the light on Capital Circle and Mahan/Tennessee, I decided not to wait until I got to work to call her back. I vividly remember the melancholy tone of my Mother's voice and some of the last words that she said before we hung up: "...we just went through this."

There was another major factor as well... my parents are in the process of relocating from Coral Springs (South Florida) to Winter Haven (Central Florida). Needless to say, it was difficult for me to comprehend how someone so grounded in his faith and who so deeply loves the Lord with his entire heart could be faced with this challenge again. I found myself questioning. Not if God was there, but when would He fulfill His promise: "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him" (Nahum 1:7).

Dean asked the church to read through Romans. Specifically, the first part of Romans 1:21 made me stop and think... "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him...." Honestly, I read it over and over again. I am a Christian and I do believe that Christ died on the cross for my ever-sinning-self, but I was not glorifying God nor thanking Him for what he has done the way He commands me to do (...and regardless of life's circumstances). That will be something that I will continually need to work on. But great news, my Dad now has several exciting opportunities coming his way. It is so evident that God does indeed "care for those who trust in Him." I guess, me telling you this story today is me trying to be obedient to what I took from that verse in Romans. Thank you Jesus for the blessings and love of my heavenly Father, but similarly to that of my earthly father, my Dad. To God be the glory.

"...Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are..." -Casting Crowns

(Karen Grothouse is a graduate of The Florida State University).