Monday, May 3, 2010

Our Newest Hurdle...

Our prayer for today...
Lord, our faith is in You and You alone. Apart from you, we can do nothing; with you, we can do all things. We choose to walk by faith and not by sight. We will not be afraid of man or anxious about the future; for you are going with us throughout this day. Whatever we encounter, Your grace will be sufficient. You have promised victory to those who walk in agreement with Your word and purpose.

We have had a rough few days here. I can't tell you how tired I am of having to say those words. At times, it feels like we are still trying to get back on our feet with everything that we continue to go through with Abbey. And here we are, facing another huge hurdle in front of us. It would be very easy for me to sit here and complain about what's going on now. BUT, we are choosing to have faith and to stand in what we know to be true.

This past Friday, Jim got a layoff notice and his last day will be this Friday, May 7th. After several proposals from the city, each one being voted down by the majority of officers, the city made it's decision to lay off the 5 lowest guys, Jim being 4th from the bottom.

So we now enter this new unknown. I would be lying if I didn't say that this is a huge blow to us. I laid awake much of last night, dwelling on the fact that I truly feel that Jim is being wronged in this whole situation. For 8 years, he has been committed to being an outstanding Police Officer while risking his life daily to serve and protect. Yet, as of Saturday he will have no job. Due to the cities irresponsibility with their money, and the decisions of some of Jim's co-workers, we are put in this position. Some of his closest "friends" have decided that making more money is much more important than saving 5 guys jobs and for that I am sick.

But, this morning I woke up and filled myself with what I know to be true and I can't begin to tell you how much better I feel. It is a constant battle, but minute by minute, hour by hour, we are choosing to give God freedom to do with us and through us anything that will bring honor and glory to Him.

Would you walk with us as we get past this newest hurdle set before us? Would you please pray for Jim? Please pray for some good news today. He is in the "running" for some other police jobs in the area, but the process is long, hard and very competitive. Please pray for some opportunities to arise quickly and that God would put him exactly where he wants him. Last time Jim was looking for a job was right after we got married. Here we are, four kids later and one with cancer. Jim has great responsibility in providing for our family and the most important thing to him is to provide for us well. We are confident that God has something great in store for him. Would you pray for Jim to be encouraged by something good today.

Our health insurance will be stopping as of Friday so we will most likely be forced to go through COBRA which is very expensive. There are a couple other options that we are looking into. Please pray that one of these other options would work out so we aren't paying an arm and a leg to keep our family insured. As Abbey continues to be in active chemotherapy treatment for another year, our insurance is probably the biggest concern in all of this.

On a good note, we are so blessed to have an amazing support system. We know we are not going through this alone and the people that God has put around us are the best! From our families to our friends to our Pastor to our church family to all of you, we are blessed. So thank you for loving us through this and praying for my Jim.

17 comments:

Cindy Bailey said...

Oh Shelley this brings tears to my eyes reading the next hurdle that you guys are having to jump. I pray that Jim will find another job quickly and that things will work out for all involved. Keeping you and your family in thoughts and prayers. God Bless!~

Anonymous said...

I have never left a comment on your blog, but I read it everyday. I am humbled by your constant commitment to Christ and want you to know that God will take care of you and your family. He has a plan...I know its hard...trust him...
Kari Payne

Sarah P said...

:( my heart is so sad for you. I am in prayer that God will be your comforter as He has been, that a new job will come quickly.
I remember how scary it was when my husband lost his job while I was pregnant with my first son. I cannot imagine what you must be going through with everything else that is going on for you all. i don't know how long this season will be for you, but I pray earnestly that God in his perfect timing will care for you.
Love,
Sarah P

Anonymous said...

Shelley, be confident God has another job in store for Jim and your beautiful family. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb 13:5,6). I hope these words can encourage Jim (and you too of course) that He will take your hand and lead you into something truly awesome in His time. We are praying daily for your family.
With much love,
Niki (Leah's mom)

Jessica O'Keefe said...

Shelley, I'll be praying so many prayers for peace and provision. My husband and I are in a similar situation and I understand completely how this uncertainty is so hard to bear. Keep focusing on what you know - He is good, He has a plan, and your times are in His hands - all of your days already fashioned for you.

With much love,
Jessica

Amber said...

Oh, I am so sorry for this situation! I am praying for you!

Kate said...

Shelley, I love you honey and I have been and will continue to be in CONSTANT prayer for you guys. When it rains, it seems to pour. Claiming Jer 29:11 for you today. Can't wait to see the awesome work God is going to do through this! I'm so glad has given you a strong provider in Jim and that he loves his family! You are so blessed! LOTS of hugs...Kate

Beth said...

When one door closes, many more will be opened! His plan is far better then anything we could organize!!
Sending prayers and love your way!

Blessings

Mary Ann said...

I have never commented on your blog but feel compeled to now. Our oldest daughter, divorced mother of three teenagers, lost her job Thanksgiving week due to cutbacks after 10 years of hard dedicated work. It seems they could hire new employees for less pay and fewer benefits so that's what they did. Our family was devasted but knew God had a better plan for her. We prayed day and night it seemed like and after a month she got a wonderful job as administrator at the church where she was baptised as an infant many years ago. They are absolutely thrilled to have her, sweet people, so kind and nderstanding. I truly believe that God in his infinite wisdom planned this for her. God has a plan for your family. You don't know it yet but continue in your love and faith and it will be revealed to you. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Shelley-

Just as previous posters said, I read your blog often but I have never commented before. Today I feel compelled to let you know that my husband and I are praying for you and your sweet family. We found out about Abbey through facebook when she had her dance show in Canton and have been praying for her ever since. You are truly an example of what trusting God looks like. We will continue to pray for Abbey's health and now for Jim's job.

Mallory

Mandy said...

Shelley, We are heartbroken for you and want you to know that we are praying for you. You are truly an amazing reflection of God through everything. God has and will continue to use you and your circumstances in amazing ways for His glory. I know you know all the verses on how God is faithful and will provide, so I won't put them here. But, I want you to know that your friends love you, are praying, and will be here whatever you may need.

Mandy & Andy

G Family said...

We love you Colbert Family! Praying for you daily!

Prayer Pals 4 Orphans said...

We will be praying for Jim and his job situation as well as for all of you. My heart aches for your family as you have been through so much in such a short time.

I am also praising God for your unshakable faith. Trust in His faithfulness and His promises and KNOW that He is using you and your family in the midst of all of this. The power of your faith in the Lord in all circumstances and not just when things are great speaks volumes to each and every person who reads your blog and whom you come into contact with each day.

You are an amazing family and it is a privilege to "know you" (I am so glad Laurel shared your story with us when your journey began with Abbey).

We are praying and we will continue to pray.

I can only imagine the brilliant rainbow that will follow this storm you are experiencing.

"And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Svendsen Family said...

we are always here for you all if you need anything -- that is absolutely horrible about Jim's job and esp the loss of insurance at a time when it is so desperately needed. You all are in our prayers and never far from our thoughts every day.

Andrea said...

Hi Shelley-
My heart goes out to you and Jim.

I had an idea I wanted to run by you to maybe help you out.

I was planning a fundraiser during our blocks street sale which will be happening in a couple weekends. I wasn't completely set on where I would send any funds we raised, but I think God is nudging me to offer what we raise to you.

If you are open to this, I can share more on my idea via email (hungerandthirst@live.com)

Praying for your continued peace of mind,
andrea

Suzanne said...

I have been following your journey for awhile and left a comment here and there. My son (age 5) was diagnosed with ALL in March 2008, my husband was laid off in October 2008...he was unemployed for 15 months...landing a job in Feb 2010. What a long journey where many days we placed everything at the feet of Jesus. I understand the feeling you may be experiencing...I will pray for you all!!!

P.S. We went to Disney for Philip's MAW in Jan 2009...loved seeing your pictures...brought back lots of happy memories :)

Mackenzie said...

Just wanted to comment quick as I work with people laid off as part of my job. Check into the workforce centers in your state as they have programs to help people who are dislocated, even to helping with bills/expenses that are hard to pay in the in between time. Also the county has other health programs that you can sometime qualify for during times like this. Praying for you!