“Perhaps you were created for such a time as this.” – Esther 4:14.

Amidst the uncertainty of these darkened days, our guiding purpose as artists and creatives becomes ever clearer: we were made to bring beauty and light into a shadowed world.⁣
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I’ve hesitated to post on this topic, because our hearts can only handle so much consumption before the intake and overwhelm begins to fray the delicate edges of our souls.⁣
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We can only take in so much advice, no matter how well-intentioned. We scroll through these feeds seeking comfort and solidarity. We feel the urge to grasp at information and resources… we feel compelled to speak our thoughts and share our opinions. But does that really soothe our hearts? Perhaps, on a deeper level, it feeds our fears instead.⁣
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Even if content is well-intended, that doesn’t mean that it is life-giving or nourishing.

What are we really yearning for?

We yearn for a deeper sense of peace. Clarity. Truth. We yearn for a reminder that beauty and light do exist behind the darkened clouds of doubt.⁣
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True solace won’t be found inside our screens. Instead of consuming or contributing to more information, more media, more information, more fear…⁣
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Maybe now is not the time to speak. Maybe now is the time to listen: to listen to our hearts, to listen for His voice, to listen to the light within us… to enkindle the whisperings of hope within our souls and turn them into a thing of beauty: proof of light and goodness.⁣
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Abundant information is available to you… but none of it will be so important as the voice within. Listen. Ask yourself: what will nourish my soul during these days? Continue to bring beauty and light into the darkness. Perhaps you were made for such a time as this.

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When I step back to think about how I can bring light and beauty to you, my friend, a couple of thoughts have surfaced:

First, I can help you create a purposeful brand and website—designs that elevate your business and consistently attract your dream clients.

And honestly? I hesitated to share that, because I didn’t want to come across as salesy during a time when small businesses need to be smart with their savings. But after reflecting on it, I truly believe that intentional design can serve your business now more than ever.

Secondly, I just wanted to encourage you and say that you are doing perfectly well right where you are.

Nobody knows how to navigate these circumstances, because they are unprecedented. Anybody claiming to know the right way to proceed during this situation is misguided… Don’t let them misguide you.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the social noise and information overload… it’s easy to feel the pressure of all the things you “should” be doing during this time. I want to ease the weight of burden from your shoulders; you are already dealing with enough.

You are not required to somehow maximize this time with a flurry of productivity. Let go of the idea that you need to “make the most of this.” Let go of the idea that you need to fill your days with activity or ambition or optimism.

Release the notion that you ought to be thankful for this newfound time. Gratitude is good for the heart, but not when it’s forced. It’s also okay to experience grief. You are also allowed to be concerned over lost income. It’s okay to be concerned about the safety and well-being of your loved ones. It’s okay to feel fear or anger over these circumstance beyond your control.

As an artist or creative, it is your purpose to pursue beauty and light. That may take time. Sometimes you need to feel the weight of the shadows before you can enkindle the whisperings of hope within your soul and turn them into a thing of beauty.

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I’ll be gathering a collection of resources to help you nurture your business (if that’s what you choose for this season). But I also want to ask you specifically: What can I do for you? How can I help your business during these times? What questions do you have or which resources do you need?

If you want to take this time to work on refining your business, I’m here to help. If you need to take this time to process the ponderings of your heart, I fully support that too.