This article was originally published on March 24, 2020.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your kind spirit guide me on ground that is level” (Psalms 143:10).

BOLD WOMEN: PRESENCE AND PASSION AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

Catholic Women in Business’ Lenten Theme

On reflecting on and discussing Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection, the Catholic Women in Business leadership team saw a common theme: women. In the New Testament, we read of bold women who encountered Jesus and were forever changed. These women boldly spoke to him, boldly loved him, and boldly took his message into their communities. This Lent, our writers will be exploring this theme in their articles. Share how you are carrying your cross boldly and passionately in our Facebook group!

I chuckled as I wrote the title of this article. The Holy Spirit (aka “the boss,” as I now call him) directed me toward the craziest initiative three days ago in response to coronavirus pandemic … and it’s taking off. The world feels like a strange movie. When are the zombies going to come? What’s this elbow bump thing? How can I live when the grocery store is out of butter? are some of the less noble thoughts running through my head.

At my parish’s last Mass before closing for the pandemic, the mood was fearful and cautious. My heart was heavy with the heartbreaking stories coming out of Italy. I asked God, “What more can I do?” and the Holy Spirit inspired an idea: a free online conference given by top speakers — because everyone’s events are cancelled, anyway — to combat the fear and uncertainty. An opportunity to turn self-isolation into a fruitful retreat instead of a month-long Netflix binge. “Don’t wait,” the voice said. “Start now. Start this week, when people need it.” As soon as the idea came to me, I asked God, “Do you really want me to do this? If you do, can you please give me everything I need and perfect clarity?”

By the end of Mass, I had it all planned out in my head. With my husband’s encouragement, I started reaching out to speakers. Within 72 hours, I had 30 speakers and musicians committed to giving talks. Less than 48 hours after the marketing began, the number of participants almost reached 2,000. Generous donations meant that the Be Not Afraid Conference’s operating fees are fully funded, with some left over to compensate the speakers.

Wouldn’t it be great if business decisions were always this quick? I know they aren’t, because many a time, I’ve agonized, wrestled, discerned, worried, and flopped. But I see now, clear as day, that every one of those agonizing decisions and failed attempts prepared me for what I’m doing now. Setting up my online retreat, which sold only modestly, forced me to learn the technical aspects of running an online retreat. Hosting the Called and Caffeinated Podcast, which I’ve done for passion rather than profit, helped me build the connections necessary to mobilize this conference. Crafting social media posts, many of which have failed to move people, pushed me to become a better communicator.

If you’re struggling to make decisions in your business or feel like you’re going nowhere, be comforted knowing that nothing — nothing! — goes to waste. God’s ways are not our ways, and none of us can know what his plans are for us.

Over and over again, people have asked me the question, “How do you recognize God’s voice? How do I know it’s his voice and not mine?” Here are some guidelines to take into your discernment:

SURRENDER

Every idea and ambition you have, hand it to him immediately. As a visual learner, I imagine myself literally putting the issue/question/project in God’s hands and saying, “This is for you. You take control. Show me what you want.” Taking my own stock out of it helps me see things clearly. It shows me my underlying motivations. It gives God room to move.

I’ve learned things are always, always better when I take a position of receptivity. God knows what we want, and we can trust him to supply. If he wants something for you, he’ll hand it back to you. (Note: God speaks to each of us differently, so he could call you in any of a number of ways: a literal voice; people telling you, unsolicited, “You should do X project!”; or even a deep sense of peace.)

IDENTIFY THE WAYS HE SPEAKS

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve compared my path to another’s, I’d be a rich woman. Maybe you felt a pang of jealousy reading how the Holy Spirit enabled the Be Not Afraid Conference. If so, I get it. But I’ve learned that God never works through comparison, jealousy, hatred, or selfish ambition. He works through collaboration, generosity, a sense of mission, and kindness.

Don’t start a project in order to one-up someone else. If you hear a voice inviting you to do something for the goal of beating someone, I’ll bet you my bottom dollar it’s not the Holy Spirit.

BE INFORMED

How much do you really know about the project you’re discerning? Do you already have the skills, or will you need to build them? Doing research, talking with mentors, and honestly assessing your skills can be a great way to move your discernment forward. The decision often becomes clear when talked out with others. And with the internet at our fingertips, we have endless resources for being informed.

TAKE ACTION

Maybe you’ve surrendered and informed yourself, and it’s still not clear. That happens often. I usually take an open door as a call to get started.

When I interviewed him for Called and Caffeinated, Fr. Mike Schmitz said, “Taking action purifies desire.” God directs the steps once you begin. You may write a few blog posts and realize that you have no desire to be a blogger. Great! Your action has clarified that decision. Or, you may write a few blog posts and feel a million more ideas pop into your heard. Great! You’re called to blog.

OBSTACLES ARE OPPORTUNITIES

When the Be Not Afraid Conference idea came to me, I knew I had built the skills and connections necessary to take immediate action. However, in pretty much every other endeavor, I’ve had to stretch myself and learn new skills. A common question I hear in decision-making is, “What happens if I start and it’s difficult? Does that mean I’m not called?”

Marie Forleo’s mantra “Everything is figureoutable,” or the Christian version, “With God all things are possible,” have been enormously helpful in encouraging me through tough spots. When the computer breaks, I no longer question whether it means I’m not called to podcast. Instead, I ask for God’s help, and then I decide I’m going to complete what I’ve begun. Success is entirely up to him; I’m just a worker in the vineyard.

Stacey Sumereau is the host of the Called and Caffeinated podcast and founder of the Be Not Afraid Conference.