As of March 22, 2011, I am committing not to buy any new clothes 9 months.
No new shoes.
No cute new jewelry.
No more adorable vintage inspired fashions.
Nada. Nil. None. Zilch. Zero. Nix. Nothing...until December 22, maybe even after that.
To be perfectly honest, I felt like I should do this last summer after reading Radical by David Platt. But I didn't. Instead I said to myself, "I just won't buy anything I don't need." Well, that ambition was done in after I laid eyes on the wonderful fall fashions at Target. This time, I have to obey. I cannot keep spending money on "cute" things I don't really need when there are so many ways that my money can make a difference for those who truly need. No more justifying my spending because "I find stuff on sale" or "I don't buy very much at all." No more!
I'm calling it the difference project. One person can make a difference. Giving up buying new clothes may make the difference between life and death for a poor starving child. It could be the difference between disease and health. And I want to be that difference.
I'm calling it the difference project. One person can make a difference. Giving up buying new clothes may make the difference between life and death for a poor starving child. It could be the difference between disease and health. And I want to be that difference.
For my last purchase, I decided to get a pair of TOMS. Fitting, no? I needed a good pair of "missionary" shoes for a mission trip (hopefully!) this Fall.
Of course when I went in the store to buy them, I was bombarded with so many new (and adorable) Spring clothes. This is going to be hard people!
I debated on whether or not to even post this. I know that the Bible says that you should give in secret, not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing. However I have decided to do so for two reasons:
First, to keep myself accountable. Obviously, I tried this before and failed miserably! This way I can share my struggles, temptations and stories of how God is using this to make a difference for His kingdom.
Second, to encourage YOU to do join in. Can you imagine if 10 people gave up buying clothes, eating out, or something of the like in order to really make a difference in this world? That would be a lot of money! Together we can be a force for good in this world. We cannot ignore the call to care for those who have needs. It's all throughout the Bible. Just look for it and take it seriously. I can't wait to see how God is going to use this project!
I would LOVE to know if you are joining in on this project. Please feel free to comment to let me know how you are going to be a part of the difference project!
You can grab this button if you are joining in!
Updates:
First month - here
Second & Third month - here
18 comments:
Great project you got going here. I hope to be able to participate/contribute in some way.
Took the button, creating a reminder at my desk, and officially taking this challenge!
hi there! this is something i was totally thinking of doing and i'm so glad you started it! for lent this year, i am participating in the H2O project, where you only drink tap water and donate the money you would normally have spent on purchasing beverages to build water wells in countries with dirty drinking water. after lent, i am going to link up and start this project! let's keep in touch on our journeys :)
I have thought about doing this for a long time...I actually thought about doing it as a new years resolution, but then chickened out. It is amazing how much security I get from STUFF!! I am impressed and re-motived to try!!
In love this project! I gave up "non essential" shopping for lent and plan on donating the saved money to a new ministry center for our church. I am not catholic but I appreciate this fasting as a daily reminder of Christ's sacrifice for us. I pray The Difference Project will be a blessing to you. Maybe I will extend my shopping fast and join your cause;)
This is fantastic! Thank you for your inspiration to make a difference in this way! I will be back to visit on this issue!
I just completed a Bible Study on Radical. It is life changing. I've never considered myself materialistic, but when you REALLY focus on what we are here for..."stuff" doesn't matter.
I recently did a post on Feed My Starving Children (heard of it?) after volunteering with them. Providing a meal for these children is only 24 cents!
We have so much, but God has called us to do so much more!
Sophisticated Steps
I love this! Not only are you donating your money but you're living like they do. You know just how long they go before buying a new pair of shoes. And here I am, "Oh, the hem ripped on my jeans. Need a new pair. Nevermind that I have 6 in my closet." This is seriously so great. I want to participate. And be a part of this accountability group.
officially taking this challenge. thanks for posting. :)
This is amazing!
You've inspired me to start this...
Thank you! :)
I love this project! In a way I am participating but it is not clothing that I am giving up, although I will be more concious of my spending (which is pretty much nothing) on clothes.
I am serving a mission for a year and a half (I'm about a month and a half in so far!) and so what I am donating to the Lord and His children is my time.
My blog is about things I've learned as a missionary and I'd love to share the message of this project!
I am inspired and motivated to do this because of your project. In 2005 while studying abroad in hong kong a Christian friend of mine took upon herself a similar challenge. I look back now and realize how much time and money I spent on clothes in that city justifying the purchases as "steals.". I so often forget that the resources we've been given on loan from god, are not our own.. And we can use our spending money to glorify Him or ourselves.
I'm in!!!!! I will be blogging about it soon!
Such a great idea! Be strong you can do this!
This is such a great idea! You have inspired me! Great blog. God bless! :)
yes. i am so doing this.
tried to steal your link (pic) but how do i add to my blogger??
www.thebookisaworld.blogspot.com
thnx!
ana
Go girl! I have decided to not eat out for a month. And with some money set aside to sponsor a child in need. Amazing- there are others out there!
Oh btw..I am gonna grab your button- and share with others- thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment