Does The Truth Punish Us?

Raya came to me in tears, begging me to help her. An incident happened at Malcom and Plyers Investments where she worked. She and another employee allowed something terrible to go on. She cried for a week because she was called in for a meeting and was at risk of losing her job. Jennifer Scott, the employee, was the goddaughter of the company owner and didn’t obey the rules. She came to work late every day. Her friend clocked her in early using her phone, which she got from her when she arrived, whenever that was. She didn’t complete most of her assignments, and that increased the workload for Raya and her group of six. Raya and Zora were the only employees in the group who were aware of what was really happening. HR was aware, but because of who she was, they protected her and themselves.

When Thomas Martin, the VP who opposed hiring her, learned of her incompetence and her abuse of her relationship with the owner, he was furious. He couldn’t fire her, so someone has to pay for allowing her to ruin the company’s reputation. A few clients that she was supposed to meet complained about her tardiness, unprofessional behavior, her slutty attire, and how she presented herself. One said she was drunk because he smelled alcohol on her breath, and her speech was slurred.

She didn’t represent the company positively. Thomas had to lower their rates to keep two of their longtime clients. HR denied everything, placing the blame on her team. The others knew nothing; they just did what was told. After weeks of investigation, Raya and Zora were left.

“Go in there and tell them the truth,” I encourage.

She sighed, then said, “I don’t know about that. Everyone else lied, and they accepted it.”

“Then saying something different says a lot,” I persuaded.

She nods, “I don’t know anyone who wants the truth right now.”

“If you lie, you win temporarily.”

She grinned then asked, “Who told you that? Look at Trump. You think he became rich by telling the truth. And he isn’t the only one. The truth is a death sentence.”

“Then follow the crowd and lie, and pay twice,” my anger said.

Two days later, she called me crying, “Zora lied, and she got back her job. I told the truth as you said, and they fired me!”

“Damn!” I said under my breath.

“The truth shouldn’t punish me. Isn’t it supposed to set me free!” she cried, in tears.

“You think the truth is punishing you?” I asked with a heavy heart, packed with pain, regrets, and many questions for life.

“I am without a job!” her anger said.

“What about applying at Young’s Investments? That’s where you wanted to go first,” my guilt asked. Yes, I felt as if I did something wrong by encouraging her to tell the truth. The truth shouldn’t punish us.

“And when they want recommendations from my past employer, what are they going to say, hire her because she told the truth?”

“You know, they probably will. Because when the truth punishes us, it does it sometimes to save us, thus removing us from hell and transferring us to heaven,” I tried my best to ease her pain.

“You have a weird imagination,” she said in sadness.

I prayed I cheered her up with my weird imagination.

Three weeks later, a package arrived at my house with beautiful flowers and a box of dark chocolate with almonds. The card attached said, “I was hired because I didn’t lie?”

My heart did a back flip, almost sending me to the floor. I quickly called her.

“Yes, Young Investments hired me, and HR told me that Thomas Martin suggested they hire me because I was honest,” she said with happiness.

I burst out in laughter, then asked, “Did you call him to thank him?”

“Damn right I did!” she said quickly.

“Did you ask him why he fired you?”

“Yes, and he said honesty would be devoured in so much dishonesty, and that was the only way to get me out. He said he was waiting for the recommendations from whoever was going to hire me,” her happiness said.

Silence spoke, and her gratitude explained, “You were right about the truth wanting to protect me. Thomas Martin took over the company and is cleaning house. He is replacing everyone.”

Silence spoke again, and she asked, “How did you know that this would happen?”

“I didn’t, but I know life and balance, and it pays us back.”

“Thank you. I am glad I listened to you and didn’t lie. I always wanted to work here, and I applied before I was accepted at Malcolm and Plyers. Thank you.”

The truth doesn’t really punish us; it often brings us pain, then turns around and rewards us. It usually opens better doors.

The truth depends on which side you are on and how you benefit from it. Annelise Lords

Thank you for reading this piece. I hope you enjoyed it.