WORKPLACE PERSECUTION...

Greetings -

Please pray for Christians and others who are persecuted in workplaces.  Some Christians are even in hostile work situations because of their faith.  I know of some Christian whistleblowers who suffered significantly for obeying the Lord relative to reporting workplace malfeasance.  One of them, a friend of mine, was instrumental in the implementation of U.S. federal law 107-174.  The law is called Notification and Federal Employees Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002.  It is popularly called, "No-FEAR Act."  George W. Bush signed it into law on May 15, 2002. The law seeks to discourage managers and supervisors from engaging in unlawful discrimination and retaliation.

Years ago, I was involved, though not on a large scale, in a whistleblower situation in my workplace as a federal government employee.  I was vindicated but it took a major toll on my mind and spirit.  The practice is a lonely one even with the Lord as strength.  It is something that I stress DEFINITELY needs to be led by the Spirit.  My experience gained rewards - as the Lord manifested precisely what He needed exposed.  It was necessary to do because the Lord fully endorsed that harrowing journey.  

My friend also was vindicated.  She received monetary compensation, but the stress upon her was enormous.  GOD provided what she needed; however, what she did would consume most people.
An associate became a whistleblower and won her case.  Again, the toll.  Neither of us regrets the actions that we were led to do.  All three of us were led by the Lord to begin our own businesses, me in March 2010.  Financially, the profit is limited.  Indeed, there is a price to pay for obeying our Lord.  It is so worth it, though, to be in His will.

There are scores of people who are unhappy in their workplaces.  Many do not speak out and indeed that is not for everybody.  Those who suffer in "silence" have major stress issues.  In my work experiences, I have observed more than a few in management who are not skilled in their roles.  Some have technical and educational skills but little or no people skills. I commend the people who know how to properly manage subordinates. They are such an asset to the workplace dynamic. It is a win win when employees and management can harmoniously labor together as true team members.

I read a book once where a woman told of how she worked in a business and got fired.  She knew that she was adequately qualified.  Her supervisor told her that she had no people skills.  That is why he fired her.  To her credit, she corrected herself, and wrote a successful book about the importance of people skills. 

Many of you may have heard of the former Mayor of Washington, DC, Marion Barry.  He now sits on the D.C. City Council.  He has had numerous public airings of his personal failings.  Years ago, on internationally broadcast media, he was shown smoking crack.  He has been to jail, had substance abuse and tax issues.  Yet, he has continued to get elected.  He has been elected as Mayor of Washington, DC four times and elected to the D.C. City Council three times, the last election was in 2008 when,  according to Wikipedia.com, he "easily held off all five challengers in the Democratic primary."  The topic of Marion Barry has been of high interest - some love him and some don't.  Whatever the sentiments, it cannot be dismissed that the man is a master politician.  No other politician in the history of the world has been elected as many times as Marion Barry.  What is incredible is that with all of his "negative baggage," people have re-elected him time and time again.  He has done better politically than many who have never went to jail, did drugs, or had tax issues. 

What gives?  I do not fully understand, but one thing I do know is that Marion Barry is adept with people.    He has superb people skills.  I do believe that he genuinely and sincerely cares.  Many people here in D.C. love him, regardless of his failings.   He started the summer youth job program here years ago and people still discuss their gratitude for how he got their children jobs.  The program remains in place.  Senior citizens still speak of how he helped them.  Marion Barry's political record is unprecedented.   

We have all heard of reports of workplace violence where people have been murdered.  Certainly workplace issues should never be handled with violence.  But when I hear of the murders, my mind does go to - what made the murderers snap?  Some workplaces are so hostile that people feel hopeless and resort to violence.  There is more need to examine workplace environments and interpersonal dynamics.  Recently, I read about an employee who committed suicide because of a supervisor who was very unpleasant to work with.  The employee had complained to human resources.  His co-workers agreed that the manager was a major source of discontent throughout the workplace.  The latest that I heard was that the employees are vehemently urging the ouster of that supervisor.  An investigation, I believe, is still underway.   

My belief is that the Lord needs more Christians to become entrepreneurs.  Everyone, of course is not "wired" for that career choice, but more Christians need to seek the Lord relative to that path.  People need more Christians as leaders in workplaces.  Christian business owners and Christian managers benefit the business world.  One benefit is that employees can work for people who lead godly lives and therefore exude peace.  Some employees yearn to work in placid workplaces where skills are on display with fairness, integrity, and compassion for people.  Also, the Christian witness is a great asset to the kingdom of GOD and, with Christian business owners, for the most part, worldly constraints are not obstacles.  There are challenges in any endeavor, but with the Lord as FIRST LOVE AND ANCHOR, all things are possible.   

Source for electoral, and No-FEAR specifics: www.wikipedia.com

Note: I wrote a piece, "PARACHUTES OR EAGLES WINGS?"  I will post that on this blog soon.  It expresses more about work choice decisions.

Copyright 2010