Wow! Challenges surround us, and striving for thriving seems like a call to be largely fierce! We are taught otherwise in so many of Christ’s teachings. Matthew 5:17-19 Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
I find it so difficult in trying to have a successful Christ centered art business, to also strive to remain small. The business demands with paperwork, web development, advertising, designing and creating the art. All of these bring a need for me to self promote which seems so counter to humility. How to find a balance that is still God serving and not self serving is a struggle. I must promote enough to make a living, and at this point that is still a bit lacking despite my being hardworking, prayerful, and frugal, so humility comes in asking for financial assistance to make ends meet. How many times will the answer be yes? How do you find a balance? Seriously, if you’re reading this I’d love to heard from you how you balance keeping yourself small in worldly importance yet large enough not to be eaten by the wolves. I want to be a good example in the world without being prideful. Okay Please, tell me how you find successes in this challenge by commenting!! Or send me an email! Whether or not you comment, I am grateful if you’ve read this far. I appreciate you taking the time to do so. In the meantime, please check out my art… you might find something for gift-giving or personal spiritual inspiration and you’d be helping me reach my goals. I’ll be praying for you, …Please, pray for me too! ~Love, Mary
Created4Christ 
How I find balance… I’m still working on that 😂 But I’d say that I work and promote myself in order to support my family and the Church and other causes that are meaningful to me. I can’t exactly take care of my children if I’m out on the street. But I don’t buy things extravagantly for myself. Every once in a while, my husband and I will buy something for ourselves that will make our lives a little less stressful so that we can be better parents (like a more comfortable bed so we can sleep better, a new fridge that works better, etc.) but other than that… most of our income goes towards supporting our kiddos, putting them through Catholic school, and building up their college funds. I hope I’m not coming off as prideful about that haha but it’s the truth. I think that putting our resources towards supporting the Church and our God-given callings is important.
I’m probably not one to ask about not being prideful because that’s my primary vice, but the Litany of Humility has helped me out quite a lot, as well as keeping a commitment to my weekly Holy Hour and reading scripture and good Catholic books. Right now I’m reading a book Beth gave me called Poverty of Spirit and still working through Bible in a Year by Father Mike Schmitz. One episode recently talked about “when you receive in abundance, you give back to God in abundance”. So, don’t be afraid to receive; just make sure you give your first fruits back to God. Also, I frequent the sacraments of reconciliation and communion when possible.
Sometimes asking for help is the humble thing to do. None of us exist in a bubble and are not sufficient unto ourselves. We need God and we need each other. Plus, you’re encouraging the holiness of others by allowing them to help you. Don’t say that to them necessarily lol, but just think on it.
That’s all I got for ya right now! Like I said, I’m still working on balance too so take all that with a grain of salt 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Tiffany. I would have sworn I replied.
I know what you mean as I seem to bring up pride a lot in the confessional. I forget about that litany and may need to print it out and pray it daily. I know it only takes a few minutes and does make a difference.
I appreciate your comments and will refer back too! God Bless you friend! 🙂
LikeLike