Gratitude for a Child-Like Faith: Kyle Sherman

In December of 2022, I made the decision to walk away from my job with no plans for what was next. The role and organization weren't good fits (that's for another story), but it did provide for my family, and it was a role I had worked hard to earn. The idea to step away had been looming for months, and I had prayed about and discussed it with Emily a lot. I was confident in this decision, but still, I felt ashamed. Perhaps it was because the decision went against worldly, conventional wisdom to never leave a job without another one lined up. Or perhaps it was because, let's face it, most of my community, at Third and in Richmond in general, is amongst those who are well-educated, accomplished, and put together. Simply put, I didn't want to be seen as foolish, lost, or behind. 

The fact that I was unemployed wasn't a secret, but I wasn't going to volunteer this news to anyone either. 

This all changed one Sunday in February, when someone at the coffee bar, who I later realized was a Parish Elder and who I didn't know knew my name, came up to me and said, "Kyle, we're praying for you and your job situation." I nodded and said, "thanks," but inside I was surprised and embarrassed. How did this get out?!   

I didn't have to wait long for an answer. 

In the service later that morning, during the offering, I noticed that my oldest daughter, Ginnie (9), put a card in the offering tray. In the box labeled "How Can We Pray For You?" she had written, "Help my dad find a job." On the car ride home I learned, much to their squealing and smiling delight, that Ginnie and her younger sister, Lucy (6), had both filled out prayer request cards the previous week when I was out of town at a football game. 

Talk about being convicted. Here were my young children, reminding me of the joys of active participation in worship, the belief in prayer, and how we're called to invite others into our supplication. And here I was, hiding my need and not asking for help because I didn't want to lose face. Oh me of little faith. No wonder Jesus calls us to become like little children.  

As I reflect on this season of unemployment (which ended in September!), I'm filled with overwhelming appreciation for how God revealed himself time and again through friends, mentors, and church leaders reaching out, praying, and sharing words of encouragement. 

Somewhat ironically, I didn’t get the chance to share that I had gotten a new job with some friends at Third because they already knew! Ginnie had told her Sunday School class (who had been praying faithfully for months and let out a big cheer when they heard the good news). These sweet kids had told their parents.

I'm so grateful for the myriad ways God has worked in and through Third Church and this community to shape my family and me. And what's amazing to me is that my story is not unique. God is at work and on the move in so many hearts at Third. Not only am I excited to see all the ways He continues to call us to himself and change hearts, like he did mine, I'm so thankful we can participate in His renewal work during this unique and important time in Third Church's story.