Not Just a T-shirt

Oh my stars! I was on the verge of tears at the end of this video. If this ain’t the clarion call to clean out my closet this weekend, I have no idea what would get me off my tush. I have the means and the t-shirts to do make something meaningful.

You can read about the Goonj project here. If you want to help a similar charity for school girls in Africa, visit Goods 4 Girls. You don’t have to sew pads in order to help!

Here is another charity that takes cloth diapers, which can be sewn from recycled material. I’ve often thought of doing something similar here in my town, where there are many poor mothers. They could literally save a $1000 + if they could switch to cloth diapers. Maybe we can talk to Crisis Pregnancy Centers or the local Salvation Army branch to see if we can teach about using cloth?

You can learn how to sew some simple diapers from used clothing here.

Transitioning into Modesty

Kim left a comment on my About page this week, asking:

Fifty years old and feel led to start wearing a covering! Last month I felt lead to begin wearing long skirts or dresses after wearing jeans for many years. I think I’m scaring my husband, not to mention my children. Been a Christian for most of my life, but only recently have been moved to modesty. Any suggestions for dealing with my poor family?

Many ladies have transversed this path, Kim; you are not alone! Any sort of meaningful spiritual change as reflected in our daily lives will inevitably cause  discomfort for someone. They may not even wish to understand or care, for that matter. You still have to live with them. So , what to do?

From my experience, being absolutely clear and upfront in your motives is the best amelioration. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a full family meeting (unless this is what your tradition is) to declare your conviction. Start with your husband first. Start off with an icebreaker like, “You’ve probably noticed I am wearing skirts/dresses more frequently now. What do you think of it?” If he is truly freaking over the change, try drawing him out as to why. Maybe he might offer some suggestions as to style of dresses he likes better (modest, of course.) Men appreciate direct arguments. He may argue, but at least he knows where you stand.

Children, I’m guessing older, are another kettle of fish. “Mom’s off her rockers!” “Will she make us wear the same stuff?” Simplify the argument from the husband conversation above and make it clear that this is your choice. You might encourage your girls to follow your example, but they need to look at Scripture/Tradition and make their decision.

I hope this helps, Kim. Anybody else have some suggestions?