Judie, I need some help making a very important decision. I believe the university for which I work is very unethical. Faculty and staff are treated very abusively and the students are receiving diplomas for programs in which they have not mastered the skills. Also, the university has a written guarantee that all of its graduates are proficient in writing, although about half of them can barely string a sentence together. I came to this secular school from a Catholic institution, which I dearly loved, but I do not believe I can continue to teach in a place that does not deal fairly and honestly with its employees or its students. I believe with all my heart that God does not want me to work in an institution in which I feel so sorely compromised. My family can live without my salary until I can obtain a position at my former Catholic university. Ideally, I wish I could wait until I had the new position and then make the transition without placing even the slightest financial burden on my family. But I don't think I can, in good conscience, return to my current university in the fall because I feel dirty and unchristian working in such an atmosphere. I've prayed to God for quite some time now to let me know his will in this matter. Perhaps he has answered in that I was hospitalized at the end of last semester due to the stress of this job. I want more than anything to do what will allow me fully to serve God, but I'm not quite sure what that is. How can I discern what God wants me to do in this situation? I just can't imagine that he would want me to remain in an environment that, I feel, promotes policies and behaviors that violate christian values. Thank you for any advice you can provide, as I'm going to have to give notice soon to my university if I'll be seeking employment elsewhere.

Dear Rox

As I read your email I am convinced that you have already discerned God's will but are resisting it because of the financial concern you mentioned. To my mind the overwhelming feelings of guilt you express from being in a dishonest atmosphere tell me you already know what the best decision is.

You are in my prayers.

Judie Brown

COPYRIGHT 2013

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