The journey of unemployment for my family has been a long one. The emotions have been raw and have run deep. Everything from anger to loneliness to depression. If not for our faith, I'm not sure our family would still be strongly united and hopeful. God's hand has been hard at work over us.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
I can't fully explain how I feel today. I know I feel free. Like I can breathe deeply. And I'm tired. Very tired. But there's something else brewing inside my heart. Inside my soul. Giddiness maybe? But at the same time, I almost feel like falling to my knees in tears.
I received this note from a dear friend yesterday.
"Wow, I feel like I know a real, live celebrity! Congratulations!"
The accomplishment?
My book is published. It's done!
I stayed up until a little past midnight Monday fighting with technology, table of contents, cover images, and Kindle. I wrote a book description and an Author Bio. I determined pricing. I prayed. And then I said, "it's good enough" and with my hand shaking, centered the little arrow over the word that could completely change my future...
...PUBLISH.
Click.
Moments later I carried my weary, yet nervously excited self, up the stairs to bed.
At 4am, I popped awake and my mind instantly reminded me of my accomplishment. I can't believe I wrote a book! How did that happen? Where was this written in my childhood dreams for what would become my life?
I forced myself to go back to sleep.
At 5am, my mind wrestled me awake again. I wrote a book! I shared deeply raw details of our journey. Will this end up hurting my family? Is this really something my husband supported? Was this a mistake? Will I look like a fool? What if my readers hate it?
A quick prayer for peace of mind, and I forced myself back to sleep.
At 5:20am, my eyes opened and stared at the clock. It was no use. Sleep wasn't an option anymore. I was awake. So I got up and started my morning routine of immersing myself in God's presence. About an hour later, I got an email from Amazon.
The book "UnEMPLOYED Faith" you recently submitted to KDP has been published to the Kindle Store and is already available* for readers to purchase here.
My heart skipped. Only God! He prompted me with the idea. He pushed me to start this blog. He gave me the courage to share our story. He gave me the words for this book. He gave me the fortitude to conquer technology even though I felt completely overwhelmed by the process. And He will determine who this book will speak to.
No, I'm far from a celebrity. But I do think I'm getting a very tiny taste of some of the pressure a celebrity feels. It sort of feels like I'm running around naked in front of a crowd of spectators. I know my flaws. I'm my own worst critic. It's a little unnerving to reveal those imperfections to the world.
But this is obedience. This is faith. This is what God called me to do.
Friends, if God is calling you to do something big and bold, swallow your fear and your pride. Pray for courage. Step forward in faith. Trust God's lead. He knows what's best and He deserves to be glorified.
One of the best ways we can glorify God is through our own faith-filled obedience.
Have you gone through unemployment recently or are you enduring it now? If so, purchase your copy of UnEMPLOYED Faith today.
My prayer is for those enduring a lengthy season of unemployment to be encouraged by the words of this book. So if you happen to know someone who could use some encouragement, hope, and JOY through their unemployment journey, please pass this book information along to them.
If you'd like to download your digital copy but don't have a Kindle, Amazon has a FREE Kindle App you can download to your PC or smart phone. Then simply purchase your copy of UnEMPLOYED Faith for only $4.99. Also be sure to visit the UnEMPLOYED Faith Facebook Fan Page and give it a Like. This will ensure you stay up to date on the latest developments. *By the way, as of mid February 2012 this book is also available for sale via Barnes & Noble NOOK.
A BIG thank you to all of my readers who have followed me, prayed for me, and encouraged me on this journey. I am forever grateful for your love and friendship.
~Until next time, may God empower you to respond to His call with faith-filled obedience!
Rosann Cunningham
Latest posts by Rosann Cunningham (see all)
- Staycations Offer Family Fun! - May 17, 2013
- A Letter to My Future Son-in-Law - May 15, 2013
- Beauty is More Than Skin Deep - May 14, 2013
 |
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I'm so proud of you, sister! I pray that the Lord touches and blesses your work and that it reaches and blesses readers! You are going to touch the lives of those (like me) struggling with unemployment and all the negative yuck that goes along with it.
I love you and am proud of you!!!
~Erin
Erin, thank you so much for your prayers and your loving words. Your friendship is precious to me and I love you too!
~Rosann
Congratulations Rosann. I can't wait to read it. I know I will be encouraged as we are walking similar paths.
Thank you, Barbie. I pray you will be encouraged by the words God led me to write. I continue to pray for you and your family.
~Rosann
[...] In Strength And Perseverance Through His Season Of Unemployment. For more details, click here. I hope you will find this book to be very encouraging. Also be sure to visit the Facebook Fan [...]
[...] In Strength And Perseverance Through His Season Of Unemployment. For more details, click here. I hope you will find this book to be very encouraging. Also be sure to visit the Facebook Fan [...]
Rosann,
Reading your thoughts today has given me courage to continue on in the 'out of my comfort zone' undertakings I've been given by the Lord. At times I sink with an overwhelming sense of unworthiness and inability at what the Lord has set before me to accomplish. Thank you for your example and strength.
I know your book and faith will be a source of courage to many people in need! You are awesome!
Thank you, Becky! It means so much to me knowing I've encouraged or inspired someone through this journey. I will pray for the goal God has set before you. You can do it. You are worthy. And God will carry you through the process. So go for it! What do you have to lose?
~Rosann
This is soooo awesome! Congratuations!! I have also been "prompted" to start my blog. Why I am doing it I'm not sure, but I'm trusting in God to show me what he has in store for me. I just wish he'd hurry up!
Diane, thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment. If you were prompted by God to start your blog, then I'm sure He has something wonderful in store for you. Go with it and write as the Spirit leads you. When I'm not sure what to write about, I spend quiet time in God's presence praying and reading the Word. I never fail to gain inspiration from those moments.
~Rosann
Sending peace, blessings, prosperity, goodwill and the favor of heaven upon your book. Amen
Thank you, Miriam. Your prayer is so appreciated!
~Rosann
Congratulations! You should be so proud! I know anytime we put ourselves out there it is completely unnerving but what an accomplishment! I think it's amazing!
Thanks, Christine! I do feel really good about it. I just pray others find it to be encouraging. It's in God's hands at this point. I've done my part.
~Rosann
Congratulations!!! That is so exciting!! I'll check it out today!
Thank you, Sarah! I have to admit it is pretty cool.
~Rosann
A huge congratulations and kudos to you, what an achievement Rosann! I wish you and your book much success!
Thank you, Mandi!
Congratulations! That is amazing news. I have been toying with the idea of sharing our story in book form. It's a scary thought let alone action. It's amazing what happens when you listen to God and his will for you. I know he is going to do amazing things for you!
Thanks, Julie! You totally should write a book about your story. If I recall, from what I've seen on your website, you have a very encouraging story to share with the world. God would certainly be glorified. And writing about it is healing too. It feels good to know you could touch the life of someone else experiencing the same thing.
~Blessings,
Rosann
Atta girl...you did indeed write a book. God Bless you hun. I'm proud to know you
Sharon
Thanks Sharon
Yay!! Congratulations, Rosann! It's wonderful when you follow your heart and where God is leading you. Then, you can truly accomplish great things in His name. Good Luck!
Thanks Michelle
I just saw your post today
And as usual, it was very inspiring. I love love love reading what you have to say. And I am sooo GIDDY and happy that you've finally published your book. 
I pray for great(er) things for you this 2012, and the rest of the years. Hugs!
Love,
Anne
No worries, Anne! I know you love me.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
No worries, Anne! I know you love me - Indeed I do! (aww, gotta get tissue fast)
So excited for you! God gave you a God-sized dream and you dared to step out in faith and answer. I know God's going to use this is a big way in hearts and lives!
Thanks Shannon!
I appreciate your sweet comment.
I'm happy and excited for you. I pray God uses your book in a big way - to bless you, your family and everyone who reads it. I gave your blog an award. Pop by and read my post. God Bless!
Thanks for your comment Taylor, and for the nice blog award!
Oh Rosann, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations on your accomplishment, and for taking that big, bold leap! I liked you on FB, and am following on G+.
I also wanted to congratulate you too on your WikiMommy award:)
Courtney, thank you for all of your support.
I appreciate you!
Oh I am so glad I found your blog...you have given me inspiration. My hubby too has been in a season of unemployment for the past two years and my Lord...it has seem to have been an everlasting battle...BUT GOD! HE has done so much and has kept a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on our table! I am so happy and excited about your book and can not wait to read it. Keep contending for the faith my sister! We will be praying for you and your family.
Mystiqua, thank you for stopping by and for sharing your story. I will be sure to add you and your family to my prayers as well. Enjoy the book. I hope you'll be encouraged in knowing you aren't alone and there are healthy ways to cope with the overwhelming emotions that consume us when our husband is unemployed. May God continue to watch over you and bless you abundantly!
~Rosann
PS...I'd love to know what you think of the book when you finish reading it. Drop me an email with your thoughts.
Rosann, I must say THANK YOU! I just read the introduction to your book and it bought me to tears...everything you have said and listed I am emotionally feeling as we speak. No one understands...my husband has been told that he was over qualified...the anger, resentment, family etc. OMGosh...I will read your book and place a review of it on my blog also. I believe in it so much that I will be posting a link on the sidebar promoting it. This needs to get out to the masses of women that are experiencing the same thing. God Bless you my sister for allowing God to help you to help women like me in this same situation. ((HUGS))
Mystiqua, thank you so much for your incredible support! I hopped out to your blog earlier today (in between house cleaning and feeding the kiddos lunch) and saw that you had placed the book in your side bar. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you!! Thank you so much for doing that. It's sad that there are so many women out there going through the exact same emotional battle with their husband's unemployment and there are virtually no resources or communities available (that I've been able to find) to help with the coping. If you haven't already, please make sure you stop by the UnEMPLOYED Faith FB Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/unemployedfaith) and give it a Like. My plan is for this to be the community where women can post on the wall and share their stories, encourage one another, and pray for each other. Also, I'd be so appreciative if you'd be willing to pop out to Amazon and write up a review once you've read the book.
Again, thank you so much for your loving support.
Hugs,
~Rosann
Congratulations, Rosann. Very happy for you! I pray big things for it.
Thank you Don! Your prayers are so appreciated.
Rosann, Congratulations!! A major accomplishment.
Thank you Val!
Well done Rosann! It is a marvellous achievement! I hope your work goes onto support many in their struggle and that you inspire others to put pen to paper & write their own book!
PS I've done it! My book will be published by Random House - Vermilion in June 2012! I'm so excited to spread the word about The Blossom Method!
Thank you Vivien! Congratulations on your book writing accomplishments. I'm heading over to your website soon to see if I can discover more about your book. I'm curious!
Blessings,
~Rosann
Good Morning and Congratulations on the publishing of your book. I, too, have been working on a book since my layoff in 2008. Mine, UNEMPLOYED: A Modern Day Lament, will be sent to the publishers this weekend. God willing it, too, will be available for hope and healing. For me this has been a time of transition and changing of vocation. Jobs are few within ministry but God has reminded me again and again that I am going in the right direction by caring so deeply for us. So, writer to writer, bless you for following the promptings of the Holy Spirit .
Jennifer, thanks for your visit and comment. I'm praying for the success of your book now. And for your circumstances. When your book is published, if you'd like someone to help you spread the word, let me know. Maybe we can arrange an author interview or I can do a book review for you on my site. Just let me know.
May God bless you abundantly for following His promptings!
~Rosann
I know I'm a little late to reply on this post, but I wanted to anyway. I think it is amazing that you followed your dream, swallowed your fears, and made this happen. It is truly inspirational. I think I find the fact that you wrote and published this book almost as important as the message that is in the book, if that makes sense.
Congratulations again!!
Christina, thank you so much for your very sweet comment.
Thanks Christina!
I appreciate your kind words.
I'm a mom of three children, and through a very unfair process, were retrenched last year December. Ever since then I haven't been able to find suitable employment and find myself increasingly frustrated. Maybe your book does give advice on this, I don't know, but after 8 months of unemployment, purchasing books is definitely not within my budget. My unemployment benefits will soon be running out, we're living in a family member's home and I have no other purpose to get out of bed at the moment than doing a bit of laundry, cooking for the family or tidying up a bit. This is in such starch contrast to how my life as a teacher was like. I barely had time to hug my kids. Now I don't want to. And I can't get over this darn frustration at feeling unneeded and useless!
Carina, I believe God led you to this post for a reason. My book is written mostly for wives of unemployed men, but many who've read it have commented that it is beneficial for anyone dealing with unemployment or hardships of any kind in life. I prayed for you this morning when I saw your comment and will continue to do so. Be encouraged, friend. You are not alone. There is joy to be found and there is reason to get up out of bed. You can either allow this challenge to destroy you, or to grow you. Dare to grow... and remember, this too shall pass. I always hated when people said that to me, but being on the other side of numerous life altering tests of faith, I can look back now and understand that yes, there is so much truth to those words. It may feel like this horror will last forever, but it won't. Lean into God for comfort and wisdom. Let His Spirit guide you one baby step at a time to the next chapter of life.