"You can't tell God how, and you can't tell Him, 'Now!'" Words I've heard Margo, a mentor, say several times, but honestly, I'm having a hard time right now. For the past two years, I've enjoyed working a wonderful job in the promotions department for two Christian radio stations, with coworkers who truly felt "like family," and having the opportunity to build my faith everyday, while making a positive impact on others at the same time. Then, in a week's time, the rug was ripped out from under us. Our stations were sold and we are now suddenly left to find a way to move on while we are all still in shock.
I do not know how I will be able to enjoy another job as much as this one. Granted, it was challenging, and there were plenty of times I complained, but it was always worth it in the end... especially when we'd hear from listeners whose eternal lives were changed because of our stations. I just can't imagine not coming into the office and working with the same 20 people every day... it's heartbreaking, but the most heartbreaking, is to think of the listeners who will be without their favorite station.
Our listeners are so loyal... just like the employees (I honestly don't know what I'm going to listen to now)... and some of them will be fine. The ones who were already strong in their faith will still be Christians, and probably still listen to Christian music one way or the other... But the listeners that are right on the edge, and need us to give them that little nudge to cross the line... what will they do? I once heard a quote on evangelism and witnessing, "You may be the only Bible someone ever reads." Well, for some listeners, we are their church!
I am just so astounded that a company that prides itself on being a Christian-based company would be so "UGH!" Maybe the problem is that it does pride itself... and it is Christian-based. Because I have now come to be of the opinion that it is impossible for a company to be both "Christian-based" and "publicly traded."
When we're working extra hours, graciously agreeing to log "comp time" instead of charging the company overtime. We tell ourselves, "It's not about the money... It's about the ministry." But try quantifying that to the stockholders who are more interested in sums than souls... more concerned with building their portfolios than building the Kingdom... Don't make budget and you're considered dead weight they need to sell off... Make budget and you are now a profitable frequency that will bring in a good sale... Heads, they win. Tails, you lose... Sorry :(
I know that God has a plan, and will find a way to use this for good... but I've never been well-stocked in the patience department, and right now I'm pretty miffed... Looks like I'm in for another lesson in perseverance...
