Below is a promotional video for a movie called, "Ordinary Radicals." In it, you will see a few of my mentors--Shane Claiborne and Jim Wallis.
The Ordinary Radicals - Trailer from Jamie Moffett on Vimeo.
This holiday season, David and I have decided to try and live as ordinary radicals. It feels small and insignificant--but it is the only way we know how to start. For one, it means we are trying to be creative in our gift-giving and in what we ask for. We are trying not to ask for consumable goods--things that can be bought and thrown away. Instead, we are hoping to spend time with friends and family this holiday in a meaningful way. This seems especially appropriate since we live in Denver and are far from the people we love most.
Second, it means that the gifts we DO buy or ask for must support the values we uphold. Those of you who know me know I LOVE to shop at the GAP, but I have decided that this Christmas, I will not ask for GAP gift cards and will not spend money there. I have read about their sweatshops and human rights abuses, and have decided I cannot, in good conscience, wear items from their stores. As an alternative, I have found a company called Green Label clothing. Their tagline reads, "Respect Labor. Respect the Environment. Respect Yourself." The clothing items are more expensive and less fashionable (mostly t-shirts and hoodies) but I figure that will only encourage me to buy less, which is appropriate!
Third, our Christmas cards this year will come from Amnesty International. The boxed sets are more expensive than what we could buy at Target, but they are printed on recycled paper and a portion of the proceeds will go to Amnesty, an organization that supports human rights around the world.
I know it may sound crazy, like we are turning into hippies (although I'm pretty sure Jesus would have been a hippie!) but really we are just seeking alternative ways to celebrate Christmas that align with our values as Christians. Please leave a comment if you have other ideas! =)
4 comments:
I agree that God would've been a hippie! Tie dyed t-shirt and all. :o)
Something that I'm thinking about participating in is the Wish Tree program that we have at Jostens. The tree is filled with cards, from children, each with a description/name of a present from their Christmas list. Giving is so much more fulfilling than receiving!
We can't wait to see you all during Christmas!
I admire and applaud your efforts to be "congruent," living your lives in a way that aligns with your values. After viewing and discussing, "What Would Jesus Buy?" at church, I've been doing a lot of thinking, too..........
...can't wait to have us all together again. That will be my BEST present!
Love,
Mom C.
I think these are great ways to start...
Wow. You go girl!
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