Dear Goldie
In these two months, six people in strategic positions from my organisation have resigned – all of them in major, front-line posts. The most senior manager has been with me for 17 years. Only recently, she told me she will never leave me. Then tearfully handed me a resignation letter saying that her health is not holding up, and work pressure is becoming unbearable for her physical condition. Others are dropping out for their own reasons – nothing to do with each other. It seems the pillars holding us up are shaking and about to collapse. What do you suggest I do?
Shaken
Dear Shaken,
The first thing you need to do is to look into the reasons for each resignation.
As a Christian employer, there may be something you need to change. For example, have you appreciated or acknowledged those who have served you faithfully? Do you have clear career paths for your staff to look forward to? Is their pay commensurate with their work? If these resignations are not due to dissatisfaction with you or your company benefits but they happened just like that, then let us consider some ways to help you cope. While some things are beyond your control, there are things you can change, including your attitude, perspective and approach.
The Right Attitude
It may sound cliché, but have faith in God’s goodness.
Remind yourself that since He cares for you and His plans are for your good, you can trust Him. Pray for a fresh attitude to change. You are not a victim of this new set of circumstances. Therefore do not wallow in self-pity or hopelessness. As a child of God, you are not helpless. Declare aloud: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Don’t let fear and uncertainty paralyse you.
Give Thanks
A thankful mindset will give you a different perspective.
It will bring you calmness and peace. That’s why Paul says, “Give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). You may not give thanks for everything but you can give thanks in every situation because you have God on your side. Someone joked, “If it wasn’t for stress, I’d have no energy at all.” Be thankful that your mind is alert, your creative juices flowing, your faith activated. When the dust settles, you may see God using this crisis to restructure your organisation. Be thankful for a smooth transition as people leave on their own accord without any conflict and without incurring any compensation costs to make way for new people, fresh ideas and different strategies.
Embrace The New
Welcome new experiences.
He may be leading you into something different and better from what you have been doing. God’s plan is the best so seek His will. You may have to surrender the old in order to move in a different direction – enter new doors with the closing of old ones. When you are pushed out of your comfort zone and lifted out of your rut, you will be forced to consider alternatives. Seeking His guidance helps you to focus and make the right choice. He wishes success for those who seek Him. Be ready for the excitement that each season of your life brings.
Practical Steps
Taking some of these practical steps will help you relieve stress:
* Spend time each day listening to God through prayer and Bible reading
* Eat a balanced diet
* Exercise as it is nature’s remedy for stress
* Get enough sleep
* Do things that are fun and relaxing
* Take a holiday
* Forgive. Grudges are a burden so get rid of them
* Live each day to the fullest
* Count your blessings
Come what may, strengthening yourself spiritually, mentally and physically will enable you to be ‘more than a conqueror’
with God’s help. 
Goldie
Do you have an issue you need advice on? Write to Dear Goldie at goldie@deargoldie.com for her godly counsel. Selected questions may be featured in this column. If you leave an email address, you will have your question answered, whether it’s published or not.
