We Mustn’t Forget Personal Crises Caused by Economic Turmoil

In addition to layoffs, we hear increasingly about companies seeking protection under bankruptcy laws. For those who haven't been affected personally by these economic conditions, it may still be easy to have an arms-length perspective.

But in reality, the numbers reflect people -- people with hopes and dreams, families and futures. As a community, we need to see this as personal.

If you are one of the many in metropolitan Richmond who has lost a job, let me make a couple of suggestions.

First, it is an arduous task to walk through this period alone. In more than 31 years of ministry to Richmond's marketplace, time and again I have seen where a small group of people meeting together on a regular basis can provide direction, support, and spiritual encouragement to one another. Seek out such a group through your place of worship, or perhaps Needle's Eye.

Additionally, when we are hurt and feel that we have been wronged, there is a tendency to "stuff the anger" and consequently harbor bitterness. A very insightful writer once said to "keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent, a thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time." (Hebrews 12:15 , according to The Message, a contemporary version of the Bible.)

Bitterness is like a cancer that eats away at us from the inside. As difficult as it may be, the better option is forgiveness and a decision to move forward.

If you are one of the thousands who still has a job, consider it a blessing. King Solomon, perhaps the wisest and wealthiest man to ever live, once said that "man can do nothing better than . . . find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God."

If you still have work, see it as a blessing and look for ways to help others. Remember the Good Samaritan as well as the truth that "to whom much is given, much is expected."

If you are a CEO, business owner, or top-level decision-maker, it is important to keep in mind that all numbers, from forecasts to bottom lines, are merely reflections of people. Numbers are cold and sterile, but they represent thinking, feeling, hurting people, with hopes and dreams, families and futures.

So, if you find yourself saddled with the responsibility for layoffs, be sure to exhaust all other options first. Perhaps before making that agonizing and difficult decision, you could gather a few people who have been laid off and ask them some penetrating questions, such as how being laid off has affected them, not just financially but personally, emotionally, and relationally.

Use this information to help shape your decision. And throughout the process, regularly ask the age-old question, "Am I loving my neighbor as myself?"

A year from now, you'll want to know that you made this decision the right way, with all possible insights and facts, and that you provided all you could to help those affected by your decision.

At the end of the day we need to remember that job loss is about people, not just profits.

Today's downsized will be tomorrow's backbone of the recovery.

We must remember, too, that this economic climate includes the people who have to make these tough decisions. Many of them struggle painfully over the decision to streamline a company in order to be able to compete in future markets.

The former employee and the CEO would benefit from considering each other's plight.

Are they not all due our concern and prayers?

Buddy Childress is executive director of Needle's Eye Ministries Inc. (http://www.needleseye.org), a Christian ministry to Richmond's business and professional community since 1977. Contact him at .