Living Light: Trusting God’s Hand in Lean Seasons as a Catholic Woman Entrepreneur
‘’I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.’’
— Philippians 4:12–13
In the world of business, especially as a woman entrepreneur, it can often feel like your worth rises and falls with your business’ revenue. But in the eyes of God, you are never measured by the peaks or valleys of your bank account balance. Your provision flows from a Source far deeper than any sales funnel or contract.
This month, we turn for inspiration to St. Clare of Assisi (1194–1253). She was a noblewoman who renounced wealth and privilege to follow Christ in radical simplicity. Inspired by the preaching of St. Francis, she fled her family home at eighteen to embrace a life of poverty, prayer, and sisterhood. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies (now the Poor Clares), insisting that her community live without property or possessions, relying entirely on divine providence. With unwavering courage, Clare held firm to her Privilegium Paupertatis—the privilege of poverty—even when Church leaders urged compromise. Her life was a quiet, luminous resistance to power, choosing instead the richness of Christ’s love.
Inspired by the example of St. Clare of Assisi, let’s explore what it means to live lightly—rooted in simplicity and trust rather than anxiety about money.
Detach from the Idol of Financial Control
Modern entrepreneurship can subtly teach us that safety lies in control. We cling to forecasts, savings goals, and contingency plans as if they alone guarantee survival. Scripture and the saints show a different way: God invites us to surrender the illusion of control and trust His providence. This doesn’t mean neglecting prudence, but releasing the fear that keeps your heart clenched around every dollar. When financial anxieties drive your decisions, they become idols that dim your joy.
Action: Say the Litany of Trust daily for one week and surrender one major financial worry to God. See your business as bread in God’s hands—broken, blessed, and multiplied in ways you can’t predict.
Related CWIB reading: Unshaming Stress around money
Give as an Act of Faith
When cash flow is tight, the last instinct is to give anything away. Yet radical generosity loosens greed’s grip and declares: “I trust God more than my bottom line.”
Even the smallest offering—an alms, a tithe, a meal shared—becomes a powerful proclamation that your security is in Christ alone. Giving plants seeds of abundance in the soil of faith.
Action: Give a portion of this month’s income—no matter how small—as alms or a business tithe. Let your offering be an act of worship, not an obligation.
Explore more on CWIB: Giving Tuesday
Choose Holy Frugality Over Scarcity Fear
Frugality born of trust is radically different from fearful scrimping. Frugality is financial freedom and the ability to savor simplicity without stress. St. Clare’s life of radical poverty was not grim deprivation but joyful detachment. She showed the world that having less makes space for more—more peace, more gratitude, more intimacy with God.
Action: Plan a joyful “zero-spend” weekend: no buying, only gratitude, rest, and service. Notice how little you truly need to feel fulfilled.
More CWIB inspiration: Goal-Based Saving and Investing with God
Measure Abundance by Grace, Not Gain
If you only tally success in dollars and financial milestones, you’ll miss the quiet miracles of God’s provision. True wealth is measured in trust, peace, and purpose.
Reflect on the year behind you. Where has God shown up in unexpected ways? What unseen blessings have sustained you?
Action: Journal five ways God has provided for you in the last 12 months—spiritually, relationally, materially. Let gratitude be the ledger you keep.
Related CWIB reflection: Is comparison the thief of joy?
St. Clare, who clung to Christ and nothing else, help me release my grip on worldly wealth. Teach me that provision flows not from panic, but from prayer. May I live with open hands, content with less, and radiant with the light of trust. When I fear there isn’t enough, remind me: God is always enough. Amen.