Why I Created The Work of Staying

I’m a writer and entrepreneur who loves Jesus and is trying to live out her faith in life and work.

Much of that happens in ordinary working days: conversations, commitments, decisions and the way I treat people. Some days, following through on what I believe is right feels straightforward. Other days, it asks more of me than I expected.

Living out our faith in business can come with challenges. Holding on to our integrity does not always bring recognition or reward. Sometimes it costs us income, opportunities or relationships. We may know why we made a decision and still feel anxious about what follows.

As a woman in business and leadership, I have sometimes struggled to find a safe place to talk about that.

Somewhere I can admit that the cost feels heavy. That I am afraid or uncertain. That being able to carry responsibility does not mean I always feel able to carry it alone.

That longing helped bring The Work of Staying into being.

Why “staying”?

I keep returning to Jesus’ invitation to abide in Him in John 15. He describes Himself as the vine and His disciples as the branches—an image of connection, dependence and fruitfulness.

The name speaks to the daily practice of remaining close to Him.

For me, that includes returning to prayer, spending time in Scripture, examining my motives and asking for wisdom about the work in front of me. It includes receiving grace when I get something wrong and seeking help when I am struggling.

I am still learning how to do all of that.

What I hope we can find here

This is a space for honest reflections on faith, business and leadership.

I’ll share what I am learning, the Scriptures I return to and the questions that stay with me. There will be difficult experiences, but also gratitude, enjoyment and the excitement of watching something meaningful take shape.

My hope is to connect with other women who recognise something of their own lives here. Women leading teams, managing organisations and building businesses while trying to remain rooted in Christ.

Perhaps, over time, we can hold space for one another: speak honestly, pray together and share the responsibilities that can feel lonely when carried privately.

For now, I’m glad to be beginning.

And I’m glad you’re here.

—Leslie