I know this space is normally Wordless Wednesdays. But I had to do this TODAY. Y’all, I am locked up in the jaws of Jen Hatmaker’s 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. I am not going to explain the book, read it if you dare, but I am trapped in Month Two: Clothes. In this second of seven months, Jen only wears 7 items of clothes. And she gives away a lot of her 327 items of clothes. I have more clothing items than that. A fair amount more, they take up two full closets, though I refuse to count how much more. I won’t bore you with the historical reasons of why I overspend on clothes and I refuse to blame it on some psychological childhood need. The reality is, if I truly believe my needs and cravings can be satisfied in God, then why do I keep buying?
I gave away two big trash bags of my clothes to friends and family this week, but those items were low hanging fruit. Now I have a career that requires a certain kind of clothes, so I’m not planning on giving away half my wardrobe. But I have too much. And I am convinced there is actually someone specifically in need right now of some things that I could provide.
So if you know someone in the greater Houston area (it has to be in my general region because I can’t afford to ship stuff) that is a size 9 shoe or anywhere from a size 8 to a size 12 in clothing that has a specific need, would you contact me? Just fill out the little contact form and I’ll get it. Since I’ve worked for 15 years, I have a lot of working women things that might come in handy for someone trying to get a job or starting a new job.
I leave you with her words about why she’s undertaking reducing the amount of clothes in her closet: Sadly, I wear only a tiny percentage of these clothes. So while my mouth is yammering about my laissez-faire attitude toward my wardrobe, my hand keeps reaching into my wallet to buy more. If I am serious about addressing overindulgence and irresponsible spending, I need not look any further than our closets. I spend more just on clothes in one year than the average Ethiopian family earns in almost five.
Gindi…You’re an inspiration! Love watching our generous God work through you. I can’t think of anyone who might need the clothes right now, but I’m praying about it.
Thanks Tina. I feel less like an inspiration and more like a glutton right now but am working on letting God use my indulgence for good and to turn my ship around so I’m more cautious with our spending. I appreciate your prayers – at least you’ll have your eyes open if you run across a need.
As I type this, I am babysitting for a single mom who is looking for a job. She looks to be right about that size. I would love to bless her with some clothes!!!
How wonderful! Find out what she needs – type of clothes, sizes, and shoe size too. I’ll get a bag together for you.
Gindi: You might check out Dress for Success.
It looks like they have a Houston affiliate. This is what it says on their webpage:
The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Since 1998, Dress for Success Houston has provided business attire, a much needed boost of confidence, career tools and educational services to more than 40,000 in our community. In 2012, we served more than 6,000 women adding to the countless success stories. An independent 501(c)(3) corporation registered in the state of Texas, Dress for Success Houston is part of a worldwide network of more than 120 affiliates.
One woman, one suit, one job can change the world!
http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=30&pageid=1
Cheryl – I have worked with them in the past. But I loved something Jen said about giving to an individual. I give so much to Goodwill and Dress for Success but there’s something compelling about being able to give to individuals in need who might not be in touch with the system. Like it begats more giving. I’m excited to have found out about a few individual women who are in need right now.
Out of curiosity, what are the 7 items she wears? I keep thinking I do that every time I get dressed. And does she wear the same thing to church every Sunday? Isn’t that strange that my biggest concern in this is that people at church will see me in the same thing week to week? Waiting on the book’s arrival myself, but my curiosity is getting the better of me!
a – so she’s a preacher’s wife, but at a very casual church in austin so she basically picked a few t-shirts and some jeans and a nice top for when she had to speak.