Article January 1, 2001 ISSUE

Beate Hathaway

Tax consultant

with contributions from Beate Hathaway—Covina, CA

Every day my work gives me opportunities for more growth. When there are new things to learn, I see them as opportunities — even if a catastrophe seems to be happening.

Yesterday was such a day. Our computers in the office crashed, and nothing was working. In order not to panic, I withdrew to a quiet corner and prayed. This helped me find my inner balance again.

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When I pray, I start a conversation with God. I try to be very still and listen for an idea, for “the still small voice” the Bible speaks about (I Kings 19:12). And an idea always comes. Sometimes it's just the thought that I'm God's child and that the burden of solving a problem doesn't rest on my shoulders. Then I hold on to that thought. With it, I can face the challenges of the day.

Frankly speaking, one problem women face in the workplace is that people often don't treat them as equal with men. In our business, for instance, many people want to talk only to my husband. When I give them some information, they still want to talk to him. He will tell them the same thing I did. But then it's correct, because it came from a man.

When this happens, I realize that this behavior is not directed against me personally. It's just how someone grew up or has been socialized. It has nothing to do with me, so I don't have to internalize it or feel offended. My job as a Christian, and as a Christian Scientist, is to pray about these things. I pray to understand that there can be no attacks against me as a child of God. I am protected—even against my own negative reactions to people who are prejudiced against women. Above all, I pray to realize that God created men and women as equals. He created them in His likeness. I have the right to see this equality expressed more and more in my life. And so do all women.

About the author

Beate and her husband own a tax consulting business where she works part-time. Beate is originally from Germany.

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Kendra Nordin
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