I lost my dream job yesterday.

I received the notice of termination around 3:00, then was immediately summoned to HQ to sign papers. I was locked out of my government account before I could print off the email.

The decision to terminate was based on my “probationary” status, I was in the first year of a 4 year IRA funded term position. The park had no say, they just received a list of four employees to terminate.

Did those who made the decision know or care that the main objective of my position is to provide preventive search and rescue education, to keep park visitors safe?

Did they know that I have assisted with at least 20 SARs and a few recoveries over the last five years?

Did they know that I am part of the visitor and resource protection division, and that I spent my days on the frontline, looking out for the safety of park visitors?

Did they know that I have worked in various roles in the park for five years, including my primary positon of river ranger, upper district fee collector, emergency hire interp at BPVC, and assisted the concessions division and maintenance divisions as well?

Did they know that I stayed in that GS 5 river ranger job, despite opportunities for more permanent positions because I loved looking out for the safety of people on the river, it’s a calling of sorts.

Did they know I spent countless hours picking up trash, probably at least 100 mesh bags full over the 5 years?

Did they know I spent countless hot summer days at Grinder’s Ferry, talking to campers and passing out mesh trashbags, and countless hot, dusty evenings at Gilbert, attempting to control the chaos?

Did they know that I truly loved my job? That I wholeheartedly love the river? That the river is home to me?

They had no idea.

The park also lost the one and only interp staff at the Buffalo Point visitor center, the only fee collector for the upper district and one of only three maintenance staff in the middle district. Tough times.”

(Published to Facebook on February 15, 25, shared with Stacy’s permission)

Stacy also took to Facebook to post 2 Timothy 1:7 which says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Reactions to this post varied. Christians sympathetic to Trump are currently accusing her of causing Trump to look bad, and giving the left something to talk about. Other Christians seem to be encouraging her. Reactions to her initial post also varied, with some once again outraged that she is making Trump look bad. This is sadly a reflection of the American church at this time, a church so enamored with American politics that they forget the very basics of their faith.

Reading her initial post saddened me, and then seeing her cite Paul publicly deeply convicted me. May goodness, mercy, and truth emerge out of all of us when the unknown comes knocking hard on our doors. To me, Stacy Ramsey is an inspiration.

Let us remember to pray for her and all those losing their jobs at this moment. Pray for God’s peace and provision to meet them where they’re at.