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Our Daily Bread

Album: 17: On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Episode: 234

Lesson/Theme: Seeking God first; trusting in His protection and provision.

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:31-33

Characters: Donna, George, Jimmy, Mary

Writer: Phil Lollar

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: June 12, 1993

Last Air Date: November 10, 2008

Description:
At the Barclay home one afternoon, Mary, Donna, and Jimmy are talking excitedly about a promotion and raise they all expect George to receive at work that day. Each one of them has elaborate plans for future purchases: Mary wants to go on a cruise to some exotic location and then remodel the kitchen. Donna plans on buying an entirely new wardrobe and also hints that maybe Mom and Dad could get her a used car. And Jimmy talks about going to several baseball camps this summer. Then George enters, subdued. In typical Barclay fashion, the family immediately grills him for answers. They ask when George will be receiving his increase, while telling him about all of their plans. George, however, just goes silently into the living room and sits on the sofa, stunned. Mary asks him what's wrong. George takes a deep breath and tells them that there won't be any increase, because he got laid off. He doesn't have a job. The family all reacts differently. George is depressed. Mary is calm and rational. Jimmy and Donna panic at first, then decide to get jobs. Mary decides to go to work as well. The only one who canÕt find work is George. He is despondent until the family comes up with a solution: George will be the managing director of "Barclay Co" a new firm which offers unconditional support from his family. George accepts the job, and gives his family a big hug.

Questions:
Why was the family so stunned when George lost his job? What do you think about the family's solution for George? Has your family ever faced a situation like the Barclays'? How did you handle it?