Reflections and Revelations: Living in an Increasingly Hostile World

When I first started this blog back in 2009 I really didn't know what was coming. I had an inkling as I watched the world grow dark. I understood that time was somewhat fluid. I was innocent of the increasing effects of technology in the hands of men.

I was still working back in 2009 but the company I was contracted out to had been sold. I witnessed first hand the devastation that merger caused. If I had really known that it was going to happen, I might have saved the anniversary book the company put out just before they announced the merger. I reflect back to that time every once in a while. I was in a good and what I thought was a solid position with work that may have lasted for years. Little did I know that the contract would be so temporary. I became unnecessary literally overnight.

The revelation that I could very easily be replaced took awhile to sink in. It hurt that the work I and my colleagues were doing could now be easily done remotely. I couldn't breathe for the pressure I was under at the time.

I wasn't ready for the hostility and hatred that surrounded me as I stepped out. It was only God's grace and mercy that stayed with me as I dealt with hostile forces. When I reflect back on that time I know that I learned a lot about personality types and how to deal with different situations. I made a few acquaintances when working at those locations. The revelations though were few. I felt like I was being used most of the time. I didn't like who I had become...a gossip and a bitter person. The Lord knew that I had to get out of that toxic situation. It was a relief when I was laid off in 2012.

It hasn't been easy. I haven't had full time employment for a very long time. Yet when I look back I realize that I have grown so much over these past five years. I've received revelations that I wouldn't have received had I remained where I was. I feel that I have grown as a child of God and that my eyes have been opened. Yes, I am living in an increasingly hostile world. I admit that sometimes I falter in my faith but God is still there.

Out of the Loop and Wary: The Disenfranchised

Hi, I've been doing a lot of reflecting lately over the increasing disenfranchisement of those who don't want to have their personal information "splashed" all over the Internet. It is discerning to say the least when potential employers ask you for personal information before they hire you. Yes, I do understand their concerns about hiring someone that could potentially wreck their business. What I don't understand is what happened to trusting the person enough to give them a chance? It seems like I'm being judged by what I can't control.

I am admittedly out of the loop when it comes to all the new technology and assurances that personal information will be safe. It seems to me that there wasn't a big issue with personal information getting into the wrong hands before the Internet. I am wary of employers who ask for very sensitive information online. This has hurt me because it seems that everyone is being too careless about what they share online. I am extremely uncomfortable about sharing personal information online. I have learned to open up a little because I needed to in order to search for employment.

There is a whole group of people out there however that are disenfranchised because they don't want to get online or have no desire to get on a computer. These people are understandably wary of the government's attempts to "push" them online by not having alternatives to getting information or getting much needed services. For them the push to get everyone online to do everything smacks a bit too much like "Big Brother". I do tend to agree in part with that premise. It is all about control. The media controls what information we see and has tried unsuccessfully (so far) to control how we think and feel. One of the biggest "pushes" is how we transact business and our currency. It is a bit frightening in a way when you realize how the governments of the world are pushing electronic currency. This is also one of the biggest obstacles for the disenfranchised.

Contrary to popular belief not everyone uses credit and debit cards to pay for items. Some of us still  prefer cash because it is solid and tangible...unlike electronic currency. Then there's the increasing push not to accept cash at certain restaurants or making the person who hands you cash feel like a pariah for having it. It just isn't right.