A friend asked me about my website and business name, Magnificath, specifically why Magnificath? I chose the name Magnificath because I am inspired by individuals throughout history who chose meaningful work that helps others. As a child, I admired the work of Mother Teresa and the kindness of Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers). As a teen, I drew inspiration from people around me who helped me in my difficult times: a favorite teacher, a caring Uncle, trusted friends. Following their example, I chose to become one of the individuals willing to step up and be a protector of the small* and an advocate for those I can help.

In the Christian tradition, the Magnificat is a song of Mary which she proclaims upon seeing her cousin Elizabeth. Magnificat is the first word of the Latin translation from the original Greek text. The canticle begins:

Magnificat ánima méa Dóminum, et exultávit spíritus méus in Déo salutári méo. Quia respéxit humilitátem ancillae suae.

Translation: My soul magnifies my God, and my spirit exalts in God my Savior for he has shown favor to his humble servant.

The canticle continues describing the works of God:

The Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.

He has mercy for the humble in every generation.

He separates the proud from their arrogance.

He deposes the mighty from their thrones, He exalts the humble.

He fills the hungry with good things, He sends the rich away empty.

He fulfills the promises of mercy He made to our ancestors and comes to our aid forever.

These verses inspire and motivate me to serve individuals and organizations whose missions show mercy, uplift the weak and the humble, and feed the hungry in body and soul. 

The Magnificat guides my vocational decisions. When choosing work, I ask:

Is the work meaningful? Do they act with humility and respect? Do they help others? Do I have capacity to magnify their mission?

I am happy that my grant writing career began serving a nonprofit choir that uplifts the words of living composers, a school that provides affordable learning opportunities and special education screening and resources to families, and an organization that provides respite services and lifesaving support to individuals with Alzheimer's and related dementias. 

When I focus on beauty in photography, I am seeking to live the life I am called to.

When I write, I hope that my words serve to uplift.

If the work uplifts, then I seek to model Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel and answer, "Let it be with me according to your word."

*Protector of the Small is the name of a young adult fiction series written by Tamora Pierce. My daughters and I love this series and the title has stuck with me as a name for the person I strive to be.