“Two or three things I know for sure, and one is that I’d rather go naked than wear the coat the world has made for me.” ~ Dorothy Allison
If you grew up in a large family or an economically challenged family, then you may have had to wear a lot of hand-me-downs. Can I get a witness? Having new clothes to wear was a rare experience; if it did occur, it was before the start of school, your birthday, or at Christmas. Only a few decades ago, people wore their clothes for a long time. I still hang on to clothes forever and wear them until they are obsolete, but not the case with the current generation.
Studies show that, on average, the world doesn’t wear 50% of their wardrobe.¹ That is a significant shift from the turn of the century. If you were to go through your closet and drawers, just what percentage of clothes and shoes do you rarely wear, if ever? How many different sets of clothes does a person even need? Is clothing an idol for you? Many people who are struggling economically in society could use what you don’t wear. You might say, “I paid a lot of money for those clothes,” true, but it’s doubtful you will ever wear them again. Gather up those items and give them away, or sell the clothes and use the money to help fund a mission at your church?
Jesus said, “when I was naked, you clothed me” (Matthew 25:43). Since you are blessed with clothes and shoes, then be a blessing to others, and pass down what you no longer will wear or need. You may also consider starting a clothing ministry at your church. Many churches create thrift stores to generate income for the church and make decent clothes affordable for the less fortunate. The church should also allow those who don’t have any money or resources to shop for free. Sharing our wardrobes is one area that most Americans can make a difference, so let the sharing begin.
O Lord, my God, I thank You for all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and especially for the gift of faith. Lord, grant that I reciprocate Your love for me in a manner that is pleasing to You. Lead me, Lord, and grant that I will do Your will and go and find You in the poor and the hungry, in the sick, the lame and the disabled, in the socially excluded, in those on the fringes of society. Help me, Lord, to look beyond myself, beyond my family, and my direct interests so that I will share my blessings as well as Your love, joy, peace, and hope with those others who are less fortunate than me. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will and not mine be done, always and forever, Amen.²
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