By Nancy Virden (c)2025

In January my dream job popped up on Indeed. It was the Northeast Ohio Regional Coordinator for a ministry to children. All my skills, education, and experiences have prepared me for this job. I’ve worked with children for over 40 years. Leadership roles have trained me for the privilege of overseeing the work. It paid well, and I was excited.

A fact not everyone knows is that when one has endured several mental health crises, their brain is more susceptible to anxiety. Stress bothers me more than it used to. Due to bipolar disorder sleep often evades me. Those two challenges and an injury sometimes make it difficult to keep appointments and focus.

I knew this job was possible, however a nagging doubt never left. Could I guarantee to be where I am needed when needs arise? After several weeks of concern and two interviews, I followed what I preached and completed a pros and cons list. It was clear, and I stepped out of candidacy.

The Bible teaches, “A manager must be faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2) and the best leaders are servants to those under them (Matthew 20:26). I couldn’t promise to be either so what was I doing looking for this job?

It was money. The pay was tempting me more than the job itself was enticing to me. It took a while to become honest about that and to admit it to myself. Prayer over the pros and cons list is how the truth came to light.

Following and obeying Jesus means communication between us. He showed me that the job might seem a good fit but it wouldn’t be right for the ministry. I want to honor God with all I do, and knowing the problems and letting them down is not honoring the truth and God.

When looking for work, consider the needs of the company. There is nothing wrong in pursuing a paycheck just as there is no fault in disability. Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 32: 8,9

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
    I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
    that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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