Simply amazing! This is how I would describe the past 2 months on our lives. My husband, Tim, turned down a foreman electrician job on a Planned Parenthood clinic in February. This was such a fragile time in our lives because unemployment funds were running out and he was so desperately looking for a job everyday on the Internet; nothing was panning out. He was too qualified for some jobs, others because of his union status wouldn't even consider hiring him. The hiring pool was so deep, finding a job seemed impossible. This was most frustrating to me because Tim is such an honest, kind man with work ethic that cannot be matched. So, the search continued....
The Article
After Tim received the phone call from the Electrical Union, he called me at work with the news. Tim said, "First I have some good news, then some bad." He continued to tell me about the job offer, I was so excited! Then shared that it was to build a Planned Parenthood clinic and I just wanted to cry. Disheartened at first, I wouldn't have it any other way either. I was so proud of him that first I called my parents then I immediately called my neighbor Patt when I got home that evening . Patt and I have walked together almost every night for the past 10 years. She has helped me understand the Catholic faith so I wanted to share the "Story of the day" with her. She was so proud of Tim that she emailed some people about our story and it reached the Catholic Spirit. Dave from the Catholic Spirit came to our house to conduct an interview with Tim and I and take some pictures of our family. He was the nicest man, he stayed and talked about hunting and his family late into the evening. I told Tim that Dave was so nice it was like having an uncle come and visit over coffee, we really appreciated his kindness!
The article was published two weeks after the interview. It was surreal to see our family in this newspaper and Tim's story shared with so many. We just kept on reading the article over and over again in amazement. Shortly after the article was published we started receiving phone calls and cards with prayer offerings and some with generous gifts enclosed. This set us back as we wondered how our one decision could touch so many people all over the United States? How can people be so generous when our economy is suffering? This just proves that there are good and generous people in our world that believe in God and saving the lives of unborn babies. This kind of commitment and generosity was a testament of their faith to us. We both wish more stories like Tim's were published so we can lift each other up and not sensationalize negative behaviors in our world through instant media.
Our Faith
About 2 years ago, we pledged as a family that we were going to start going to church every Sunday. We have been faithful to that pledge. But it wasn't until times really started to get tough this past year, that we started growing in our faith in a different way. I can speak for both Tim and I, because we talk about it all the time. One day during mass I looked over at Tim and found tears rolling down his face, hands folded, eyes closed; I knew he was asking for God's help. He wanted to provide for his family, I know he wanted so desperately to rely on God to help him do this. I wanted to take all of his worries away, I wanted to make it better for him, but I quickly realized the only thing I could do for any of us was pray. For me my prayers were becoming more meaningful and specific, it's like looking through a different lense when I attend and participate during mass. My faith has a deeper meaning. Through my prayers for my family, I found it easier to pray for others and to give to others whether it is time volunteering, sponsoring a child in need or setting aside more time for our family. For our children, discussing the message of the homily after mass on Sunday, talking about the mission of Planned Parenthood, qualities to look for in friendships, texting messages, Internet usage, televisions shows, songs on their Ipods are so much easier when our core values and morals stem from our Catholic faith. Our conversations over these topics are better received by our children because of this. Our kids respect and accept our parental boundaries a little easier when we revisit these issues over and over and over again with our faith and God's love as the center of our lives.
Thank you!
We want to thank everyone who have been praying for our family or has gifted us so generously. All of our prayers are being heard, God is GREAT! Tim was recently hired to work at the Ace Hardware store in Faribault last week and his business is off to a great start with the paper work being processed with the state at this very moment. We are excited about the next chapter in his career and our lives.
Life is a journey; as long as we keep God as the center of our lives we know we can follow our dreams and help others do the same.
God bless all of you!
Nicole
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