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Fran has just learned there is likely to be a large lay-off in her company, and Ben, her manager has asked to meet with her at 3 o’clock. She returns to her office after lunch and completes her project, with unexplainable peace which only Jesus can give.
Time passes quickly and Fran looks at her watch. “Wow, it’s three o’clock. I need your presence with me through this, Lord.” And she heads down the hall.
Ben shuts the door behind Fran as she sits down. “Well, you’ve probably been hearing some rumors today, Fran. Let me try to tell you what’s happening. It’s been very sudden, but as you’ve probably heard, we lost two huge accounts.”
“Yeah, that’s what I heard,” Fran responds. “And I heard that a bunch of us would have to be laid off.”
“Well,” Ben nods her head, “unfortunately, that’s the case. They are telling me I have to let five of my fifteen account reps go. And the rules are that the newest employees go first. I’ve been looking at the records, Fran, and you’re number five.”
“So, that means I’m out of here I guess,” Fran looks at Ben.
“Well, I don’t know for sure yet,” Ben responds. “You see, John, who is number six, has been here only six months longer than you, and he has had an unsatisfactory performance rating for almost a year now. I’m hoping I can let John go and keep you. You’re one of my best performers; I respect you and I want to keep you if I can.”
Fran smiles at Ben. “Well, I appreciate those words of confidence more than I can say. That means a lot to me, regardless of what happens. And I feel sorry for John.”
“Well, I do, too. He’s been going through a nasty divorce, and it has affected his work. I’ve tried to hang in there with him, but it just drags on and his performance gets worse. At any rate, I have to do what’s right for the company,” Ben shares with Fran.
“Wow, Ben, you’re in a tough spot. I don’t envy you,” Fran says. “You know, I need a job, too; I have two kids to support. But if you decide to keep John, it’ll be okay because it might be harder for him to find a job than me, and with this divorce, he might break under it,” Fran explains.
“I have to tell you the truth, Fran, if I didn’t know you as well as I do, I wouldn’t believe you could be so calm and say what you did. I never thought I’d like you ‘Jesus freaks,’ but you’re different. Someday let’s talk about it more,” Ben suggests.
“Love to, Ben. I guess I am a ‘Jesus freak,’ as you put it, and I’d love to tell you why. Let’s have lunch soon,” Fran replies with a smile.
“Okay, soon as I get this terrible ordeal over with. Well, there’s not much more I can tell you now. I’m meeting with Human Resources people tonight, so maybe I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow.”
Fran gets up to leave. “Oh, by the way, how about Louise?”
“I’m afraid she’ll have to go, too. She’s number 3,” Ben advises Fran.