“Begin the mission and the means will come.”

I know I talk about my favorite saints, on any platform quite a lot. St Francis Cabrini, or affectionately known as Mother Cabrini has always been a part of my life and continues to intercede. From being my childhood parish to where I experienced my conversion, to the relic you see me wearing around my neck. She has always been praying for my benefit and my miracles. And making her prayers known. Boldly. 

So how does this have to do with the quote in the title? Great question, I would love to explain. This quote came from the Cabrini Movie that was released by Angel Studio’s this year, 2024, in March. Ever since I heard it, it has impacted me. I mean it has really impacted me. To the point where my best friend will continue to remind me of it when I am discouraged, or feel like a failure. 

B*B is a mission. It always has been from the very start. It’s been a mission that is much larger than my comprehension. But most importantly, it’s a mission that wasn’t created by me and it’s not just about selling blankets. When I say that my mission is to bring back the intention of a gift, it goes far beyond the ‘perfect’ gift. It’s a reminder of the gift {we are} to this world. That we are gifts from God. Who we are, what we do, the talents that we have. All of these are ingredients to the recipe of His greater glory. Or as I like to say, a stitch to build the foundation of His eternal loving blanket. 

Quite a twist huh? It seems so simple of a sentence but the depth is far deeper than the ocean. That’s why, I try through my business to promote fruitfulness to y o u and your families.  Whether it be my productus or my affiliate products.  It’s because YOU ARE WORTH IT! And I desire to give you reminders of just that. Praying for you, and asking that your prayers be answered according to His will for you and your loved ones. 

A mission and a talent such as mine comes with challenges, costs and sacrifices. You see, I am still a single mom, on a single income to support my son. When I embarked on B*B full time, it was because I clearly heard the Lord ask. And I blindly accepted. By the grace of God, I’ve had help from what I call, ‘my biggest investors’. 

It’s allowed me to humble myself, work twice as hard; building this new website, blogging options and new email system.  All of which I feel that the Lord has continued to call me to. However, you can’t always account for the times we live in. Finances… increased costs… and luxuries… If you haven’t noticed, it seems as though the United States is on a strange pause. Wonder why? Well, I would say that a lot has to do with the upcoming elections, some has to do with inflation, and I’m not blind to everyone having their own challenges and obstacles. I speak often to the Lord about mine, and the impact it has on my life, my livelihood.

What I mean by this is that business has slowed, significantly and I understand the reasons why.  Increased costs of yarn, increases my prices.  Increased cost of food, necessities become the focus.  It is easily observed that most of my small business friends from MANY areas of small business are on this same pause as I am.  I often get overcome by anxieties that I am going nowhere but have a whole lot to fight for: the future of my child and the mission placed before me.  I have two hands, and a full heart.  The Lord has provided for me through darker periods of my life before, and a little light of hope has always been the customers, readers, and supporters of B*B.

I can say from my perspective that even with the holidays coming up, and daunting unknowns that impact the future of how I proceed with Blessing of Blankets, we will be alright.   Even when it affects our livelihood, operations, or continuation of life, He will provide.  I understand this level of trust is challenging, and it can be rather discouraging. This leaves opportunities for the devil to impede on our thoughts and life.  Resist. 

“Begin the mission and the means will come.” – Cabrini Movie 

Mother Cabrini was not short of many obstacles, shortcomings and challenges. Yet she remained entirely faithful to what she knew God willed of her, and her vows as a religious sister. In the most unique of ways, the Lord would grant her exactly what she needed to plunge further. But she didn’t just sit around and wait for His answers. Like the boss babe she was, she worked H A R D. Never once not seeing the miracles around her as the gifts God gave her to keep going. 

Why is this so important for me to share this comparison? Especially because most of my readers aren’t small businesses. I feel that this is an excellent example of whatever mission the Lord is calling you too.  It might seem impossible or unrealistic, like things might seem right now, but Mother Cabrini overcame similar obstacles.   

I use the word mission intentionally. A mission by definition is “an important assignment carried out,” or “the vocation or calling.”  We all are called to a mission, and at times we are called to multiple at a time. For some it’s the vocation of a parent, caretaker, or spouse. For some it’s a mission that requires giving of something; money, time, and talent. And more often than not, that little idea in the back of your head, that just randomly moves its way into the front of your thoughts, is really the Lord asking of you to move forward with it. 

Often we have multiple missions at a time. He knows what you can handle, and through this He calls you deeper into himself. 

We are all not short of an assignment from God that often seems daunting or challenging. I myself have not had it easy with this mission He had placed before me. Especially recently, I have felt like I am not succeeding in the ways that God has desired of me when I drove head first into these projects. 

However, I am reminded that if I stick to this mission placed before me, God will provide the very rest. And the best part is, He will do it for you too. 

Please allow me to say that again. “God will provide the very rest, and He will do it for you too.” 

I want to empower you brothers and sisters. To dive into your unique mission. Whether it’s been started already, going for years or is only an idea. You have never been abandoned. Even on your darkest day, or lowest point, He is with you, loving you, feeding your soul. No matter the state of our world, or the fears and anxieties that come with it. God is never changing. God is greater than all of this. He desires more than this. He wants you, and to love you. 

Mother Cabrini, in her wisdom and example, dove head first into the mission God placed on her heart. Against all odds and those rooting for her to fail, she placed her trust in the Lord’s will. She said yes to Him, and not to this world. She saw the sorrow and the pain that surrounded her and used it to fuel her desire to bring about the good that comes from service. 

It’s in these moments I feel closest to her, and close to my own missions. Taking a moment to step back and observe the chaos around me, and opening my heart to God guiding hands. I continue to ask for Mother Cabrini’s intercession for myself, my miracles, and B*B. Today specifically I ask for her prayers for y o u. That whatever mission is placed on your heart by the Lord, that you faithfully dive into it. Confident in His guidance, presence, and perseverance in Faith. 

St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, pray for us.