Day 062: Your Elevator Pitch

You’ve probably heard of an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is what you would say if you have a great idea for a new company or a talent you want to showcase or know of a job really want or some similar and find you are in an elevator with an important person who can make this thing happen. The idea is to get your ideas from to deliver an elevator, you need to be clear, concise, confident, and humble.

The elevator speech is a clear example of living intentionally. It shows you know what you want and know what you want is worth taking a risk.

This weekend I went to a pride event. I guard my eyes and soul carefully and did not go in. Instead, I walked the four block perimeter praying 20 decades of the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and the Litany of Humility for myself, my family, our churches, and our country.

Most of all, I prayed this all for the people who have fallen for the sin of pride and lust. I prayed for those who have rejected God’s gift of sexuality being for both pleasure and procreation. I prayed for the children being led there by parents. I prayed for the teen girls in knee high rainbow socks, goth outfits, and dark make up. I prayed for the woman wearing the, “Everyone loves someone who’s had an abortion” tee shirt and her little girl who is lucky to be alive.

My heart hurt and was filled with sadness as I prayed. I was hoping for the opportunity to talk to someone there. I had no delusions about converting anyone to God’s Will, but I did hope He would use me to crack open a door He would allow someone else to open later. Then the opportunity came.

Two people walked toward me then stopped and said a surprised hello. I didn’t recognize them until the one took off her sunglasses and I realized I hadn’t seen the young woman in years but did in fact know and like her very much. I still couldn’t place her companion but tried sneaking glances at the person to try to figure out if I knew this person too or not.

We chatted a bit. Then she asked me why I was there and if I was going to the event. I explained that I was a devout Catholic and this went against everything I believe in. I said I was there praying the Rosary for those inside and hoping they would know they were loved.

They didn’t say anything in return. I knew from their stickers and pins that they’d come straight from the pride event. Finally I said something about being their to pray for humility for all of us because we should all be able to agree that we need to come together and need more humility in our world.

We quickly wrapped up our conversation and the two women walked away. A few minutes later I was able to place the unrecognized child of God and remember her name. I’d liked her so much when she was younger. I’m sure I’d like her now if we had more time to chat.

The whole experience made me think of how I’d stammered through my reason for being there and how ill prepared I was to, not just defend my beliefs, but to glorify the Lord and His creation of these two beautiful souls.

I had two minutes to give my elevator pitch, two minutes to open a door. I did not do a great job of it this time. I’m sorry for that, but I am also incredibly grateful for this realization and knowing I can do something about it.

There is a saying that goes, “You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.” That is what is happening to so many now. It would be easy for us to fall for ungodly things as well. I know my core beliefs. I live by my creed, but it has become clear to me that I must do more than that. I must dig deep and know precisely what I will say with humility and grace and then practice that elevator pitch so that I can articulate God’s goodness and love when given the opportunity.

I now believe we need to write out our beliefs and their connected whys. We need to rehearse these well and often if we want to deliver our elevator pitches. We never know when we will step into an “elevator” with another soul traveling up or down and how our words might prevent or accelerate descent or elevation. We can only know we must be prepared, open to opportunity, and prayerful.

While starting a new company, showcasing a talent, or getting a coveted job are nice, the ways of this world provide temporary happiness. Imagine the joy that can be felt when our elevator pitches are used to open doors to Truth and Love. Imagine what peace can be felt when we know we’ve done all we can do. Imagine the Love that will wrap around us when we approach the Glory of God to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Nothing can compare to that, and spreading Christ’s Love for His children is worth the risk of speaking up.

God Bless…

Gratitude Journal – June 12, 2023

Thank You, Lord, for…

1. Deciding to skip my morning run after so much walking yesterday.
2. Getting to Church in time to say the Memoraré with everyone before Mass.
3. The waves I get from people there even though I haven’t been in quite some time.
4. Time to get things done at school.
5. Using D’s room.
6. L switching duties with me so readily.
7. Getting caught up in emails to parents.
8. Having time with some struggling students.
9. L teaching the problem.
10. Calculators. Calculators. Calculators!!!
11. Father I sending the beautiful video, “What Really Happens at Mass that Many Catholics Don’t Know.”
12. Getting the gardening done to where I wanted to.
13. Getting the plants in.