AS TIME GOES BY
by Ricky Doc Sauceda
John 5:31-32
If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true.
I met up with a former co-worker yesterday. We worked at Schoenmann Produce Company here in Houston, Texas in different functions then. I was the so called "numbers guru" at the time...Inventory Controller/Auditor. He was one of our delivery drivers.
He asked me the typical questions that take place when I encounter someone from my previous employer. Truthfully, the bottom line is that I became distasteful to the vice president due to my personal changes. I was doing a good job but my personal life was being scorned.
I was "let go" on January 20, 2010, because I was adhering to my passion of Christianity. I played my radio on FM 105.7 which is a Christian radio station here in Houston, Texas. I became heavily involved in my local church and resumed teaching bible classes. I was becoming someone very strange to the company.
My bosses were very intolerant about these changes. That is funny because both proclaim to be men of the faith. In the end I was rudely shouted at and placed into unemployment, although my work was solid and good.
I spent nine months on unemployment learning how to live on half of my salary. I lost my car and could not pay money on things that were very important. I went into debt and was in misery.
Fast forward to January 15, 2016 and I meet up with another former co-worker who is curious about the "fallen one." So I answered his questions patiently. I allowed him to feel superior and higher than me, as what is normally the case in this situation.
I then asked what he does these days. He actually has another job during the week and works on Sunday for the produce company as a delivery driver. He says it is to earn money on the side. Which is a reason of caution to me regarding certain situations in the history of the company.
I then told him that my son is now part of warehouse management. He asked who he was. I gave him the name and he was shocked.
He said,"He is your son?"
I said,"Yes. So in a way I am still there."
My oldest boy never had a job before this one. He was sitting around at home wasting away. I got him an interview and he was hired and re-hired. Today he is one of the people who run the warehouse.
He had no managerial training. He had me as a daddy. I taught him all the ins and outs of life and management. What he is doing today comes from God, his Grandma Mary Jane (my Momma) and me.
I still reflect a good walk with God these days. I have to. It is all that keeps me "going."
I am happy for my son. In time we will be together with my parents and all of our loved ones who truly believed in Lord Jesus Christ as we do. Indeed.