Secund Sham

Can you pray for us at exactly 4:30 p.m. today?

I know that is rather specific, but that’s when we are really going to need it.

Let me start at the beginning.

As you know, Brett was laid off from his temporary job at Cadbury-Adams a while ago. He was told the layoff was temporary in nature, only for about 30-90 days.

His plan was to collect unemployment for those days and put that money towards a second car for us. This way, with a second car, he could easily go back to his job at Cadbury-Adams and start working again at a job he really enjoyed.

I don’t want to mention the temporary agency he works through, since we don’t want to burn any bridges, but let’s just say it isn’t “Secund Temporary Agency.”

Anyway, about two weeks ago, a representative from “Secund” called and told Brett there was an available temporary job at Green Giant in Belvidere.

Brett explained how we are down to one vehicle and said he would be okay waiting until the job at Cadbury-Adams opened up again. The representative said that was fine, that she understood, and she would call him when that job was available.

Two days, later we received a letter in the mail. The representative from “Secund” had reported Brett to unemployment for not taking the Green Giant job.

Brett was stunned. We both were, really. We were hot under the collar about the fact the “Secund” representative hadn’t given Brett the slightest clue he would be reported to unemployment if he didn’t take the job.

All the representative had to say was, “Well, unfortunately, if you don’t take this job, we have to report you to unemployment.”

But she didn’t! She lied to him, saying that everything was “fine,” when clearly that wasn’t the case.

If she had told him that one simple sentence, he would have told her he would do his best to work it out somehow.

His conference call with unemployment is today at 4:30 p.m. From all indicators, he will most likely lose his unemployment benefits over this debacle.

Now his unemployment is rather pitiful, since I work, and we don’t (currently) have any children. However, it was SOMETHING. It was helping us. When you’re facing the financial beast we are, every little bit helps.

If he loses his unemployment, there goes any funds for a second car. We are still trying to pay all our bills, buy groceries, and save for an apartment (not to mention the BABY!).

We know - with the unemployment rate being so high in our area - the unemployment agency is no doubt looking to cut people loose, and Brett was put directly in the crosshairs, thanks to the deceptive “Secund” representative.

So, we really need prayer today, at 4:30 p.m., as Brett talks to the lady at the unemployment agency.

He has prepared what he is going to say. He is going to be honest and explain how he was misled while offering his genuine desire to work at whatever job is next presented to him.

However, we are prepared. I have talked to several knowledgeable, well-meaning people who, unfortunately, had to give me the grim perspective that when unemployment has the remotest reason to cut someone off, they almost always do it.

We are both so thankful God has granted me the ability to continue working! I know God is gracious, and that He will provide for us.

Please pray that whatever happens today, God will see us through. Please pray God will give Brett wisdom, along with the right words and tone to honestly convey our situation. Pray that the lady from unemployment would have a soft heart and receptive ear.

Most of all, pray that we will continue to trust God to provide, no matter what. It’s all His money, anyway.

When it comes to taking care of His children, we know God is “Secund” to no one.