I wasn't sure how this chapter would impact me. The general challenge of this chapter was to examine the excess clothing that soaks up so much of our resources. Jen limited herself to 7 articles of clothing (not including undergarments) for an entire month.
I'm in no way a "fashionista." I appreciate those who can pull together an outfit that represents their personalities. I'm not really one of those people. I also know that being "plus size" limits my ability to find clothes that are affordable AND fashionable....and addressing the "plus size" is part of what God has worked on in me over the last year or so. But, THAT is another story....I'm sure more of that will come up later.
Despite not being driven by clothing options I did get some worth while things from this chapter. I still have far more clothing options then I need and certainly have clothes that I don't/can't/won't wear. My pledge is to do the purge!
Jen writes: “As I gaze upon their hopelessness [the families of her Ethiopian children], I imagine them calculating what I’ve spent on clothing alone, realizing that same amount would’ve kept their family fed and healthy for thirty years.” I've been thinking about this a lot. I recognize that I am blessed so that I may in turn bless others. How horrifying it is to me that it my unnecessarily extravagant living could be used to help others live. I believe that God does immeasurably more in our lives...and the purpose of that is to bring Him glory by blessing others.
I can choose to adjust my budget so that I can provide relief to someone else. I can choose to be responsible in my clothing choices so that those involved in the process are being treated with dignity.
My goals in this area:
-purge the closets
-buy from socially responsible suppliers
-use what we have before buying new (I see a trend....)
4 comments:
I LOVE your goals, Kara!! Those are great!!
If you need a scarf, buy one from here! :) http://livefashionable.com/ Check it out even if you don't need a scarf, it's a pretty awesome thing.
I love your goal of "using what we have before buying new." I kid you not, I had been thinking that I really needed some new shoes. Maybe some sandals, but I'm not painting my toe nails right now, so maybe some close toed somewhat dressy shoes. Then yesterday I came across some shoes in a box that I had been planning to sell on eBay. Guess what was in there? A pair of white strappy sandals (though with a huge heel and I'm sure they won't be comfortable until I've worn them for a loong time), and two pairs of brown closed toed shoes that I never took the time to break in. I'm thinking I should just use what I have...
these are great (and practical!) goals. :)
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