by Claire Stewart, Executive Assistant
One year ago
I watched the clock as the seconds ticked by … 9:36 a.m. … 9:42 a.m. … 9:55 a.m. … Emerging from my cramped intern cubicle, I entered the conference room next door. Outside, the bustle of the city matched the nervous energy pulsing through my body.
Two sheets of paper lay on the table, covered in highlighting, arrows, and scribbles: “project management example,” “story of failure,” “phone skills,” “why I’m a good fit.” I spread the pages in front of me and situated myself facing away from the hallway. Straightened my blazer. Cleared my throat. Waited.
Finally, my phone rang. “This is it,” I thought. “BE PROFESSIONAL.”
“Hello, this is Claire.”
“Hi, Claire! This is Anna. How are you today?”
“I’m doing well. How are you?”
“I’m well! Hey—before we dive into my questions, may I pray for us?”
Oh yeah. Prayer. Asking God to enter into the decision process. Had I done that yet this morning? Of course I was approaching this opportunity prayerfully—but had I actually prayed? As Anna—who was about to interview me for a position at HOPE International—lifted up our conversation to the Lord, my tense shoulders relaxed and the anxious knot in my stomach loosened.
Little did I know this simple act was an informal initiation into a posture of prayer that is the core of HOPE’s workplace culture.
Today
