This chapter really got to me. Convicted, disgusted, overwhelmed.
I’m convicted, disgusted, and overwhelmed with stuff.
I remember when we first got married. Everything we owned was given to us and I remember thinking, “I can’t imagine ever having enough stuff to hold a yard sale.” We had everything we needed, by American standards, and not much more.
Fast forward five years later and I’m overwhelmed with stuff. Honestly, most of it is Moriah’s. We were so blessed when we brought her home. I can honestly say, we didn’t have to buy a thing for her until she was six months old, maybe longer. And when we did, it was either diapers or formula.
But, with her growing so fast, I’m overwhelmed with clothes that are too small, toys that aren’t age appropriate. I’m drowning in stuff.
I’m realizing that we’re stuck in the “machine”. The consumerism “machine” and I honestly don’t know how to get out. We are bombarded with stuff at each turn. We can’t do anything without consuming; whether it be food or possessions. As Americans we just can’t stop consuming.
I’m to the point where I just want to get rid of it all. But, are my desires for wanting to get rid of it pleasing to Him?
“But if I’m being truthful, this is a sickening cycle of consumerism that I perpetuate constantly. I used to pardon excess from the tension of the gospel by saying, “Oh, it doesn’t matter how much you have; it’s what you do with it.” But that exemption is folding in on itself lately. Plus, let’s be honest; what does “it’s what you do with it” even mean? Are we really doing something honorable with our stuff other than consuming it? I’m not sure carting it all of after we’re bored with those particular items is a helpful response since we just replace it with more.”
– Jen Hatmaker
Is taking all my “leftovers” to Goodwill or the consignment store really what the Lord would have me to do with it?
And, is giving the bed away just to buy a newer, bigger one pleasing Him?
I don’t think so…
But, I haven’t figured out how to do it differently.
I was getting Moriah dressed the other day and realized that she had worn the same outfit earlier in the week (FYI, it was a clean outfit!). For a split second I worried about what others would think and even contemplated changing her. Honestly, the only reason I didn’t was because I was in a hurry.
It wasn’t until I was almost to where I was going and I thought, why am I worried about what other’s think? My little girl is beyond privileged to be able to wear a different outfit every day, for weeks. There are children in other countries that have nothing. There are children in other countries that wear the same outfit every day. There are children in this country that have nothing! You have too many possessions and so does your 19 month old little girl.
And in that moment I felt the lump in my throat. I was convicted and conflicted. He’s blessed us for a reason and it’s not for our own good, but His.
How do we change the American way in our own lifestyles? How do we have less and give more? How do we not let our possessions define us and instead let our love for Christ define us, through action?
I’m praying for the Lord’s wisdom on this one.
How did this chapter affect you? What have you done to stop the “machine”?
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Christie is a stay-at-home mom to two beautiful little girls, a pastor's wife, and lover of Jesus. Her hope is that STC would be a source of encouragement for women all over the world!
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Hi Christie! This was a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing it and for linking up on my Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop. God bless!
Tina
http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com
wow, what a great reminder. we live in a society where it is all too easy to accumulate things. lately my husband and i have been reevaluating and taking a look at all of our stuff. and it’s so important to have a biblical perspective as well. thanks for sharing!
morgan
quitetheblog.com
I read this a few months ago, and it really helped me change my perspective. Instead of wishing for new or different furniture, toys, clothes, etc, I’ve been learning to be more grateful for the abundance I have, which in turn prevents me from wastefully shopping for more. Now I’m not living like a nun or anything, but I figure if everyone shifts their perspective just a little, we’d have a vastly different society – and church for that matter.
I am definitely looking forward to reading this book. I think I may start it in January as part of a New Year’s Resolution. I am in the same boat as you. I want to know what we can do to not be so materialistic and “American” on this issue. Lee and I have already discussed how when we have children, we want to raise them differently. We don’t know what all this means, so we’re still trying to figure it out too.
I read this a few months ago, and this chapter really helped me change my everyday perspective. Instead of looking at my furniture, clothes, etc and wishing I had something more or better, I’ve been more grateful for the abundance I already have. That prevents me from wastefully buying things I don’t need and leaves room for God to use our finances in a more honorable way. Now I’m not living like a nun or anything, but I figure if everyone changes perspective like this even a little, we do big damage to that ever-consuming machine.
Nice Blog! Thanks for sharing with us.
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Convicted and conflicted here, too… but learning. Thanks for visiting this morning. You’re always welcome at My Place to Yours!
What a wonderful post. Certainly has me thinking. Thanks so much for sharing it with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party 🙂
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
From one family with too much stuff to another who understands it, this was a great post.
Hi Christie,
Thank you for linking up and for following ModaMama. Following you too! I look forward to future posts.
Sincerely,
Joanna
http://www.ModaMamaBlog.com
Stopping over from the networking blog hop!
I´m your new follower via GFC!
Check out my blog sometime and follow back if you like!
http://wesens-art.blogspot.com
Hug from Germany!
Great post! I certainly have a lot I could learn from this book. With so many kids, I am always drowning in too much stuff.
Thanks for linking up with the GtKY hop!
Hi, Christie! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and encouraging me! I’m following yours and looking forward to more uplifting words of wisdom! What an inspiring blog!
Mandy
http://www.proverbs31motherhood.blogspot.com
I agree as Americans we have too much stuff – I’m just as guilty. When we moved earlier this year, I made a huge dent in our stuff – got rid of the stuff that was really no use to anyone and donated what we could. I haven’t done it in a few months – maybe I should reevaluate our stuff 😉 Just wanted to thank you for linking up last week and let you know the party is live now! I can’t wait to see what you share this week at All my Bloggy Friends!