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Too Many Clothes


About a year ago, I read Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne and I remember being so overwhelmed with all the things I felt I needed to change in my life. At that point I made a decision to take one thing from each book that I read. I couldn't handle more than that.

A few weeks back I finished reading Ronald Sider's book, Rich Christians in an Age of Poverty. I once again could have been overwhelmed, but I decided to take one thing, (I might cheat and take a few) here is the thing I am taking from this book.

Sider talks a lot about living more simply and giving more to help the poor (especially giving to micro loan organizations), he mentions in his book that he thinks that most of the people reading the book could go 2 years without buying new clothes. I have decided to take the challenge (many people I know, especially the youth from my church, are thinking - hasn't he done that the last 15 years already?). Regardless, here are the items in my closet that I am starting out with.

Shirts
  • 1 hoody
  • 6 long sleeve shirts
  • 2 sweaters
  • 5 short-sleeved button up shirts
  • 12 long-sleeved button up shirts
  • 18 T-shirts or polo shirts
Pants:
  • 4 Jeans
  • 2 Cargo Pants
  • 3 Casual Pants
  • 4 Shorts
  • 3 Swim Trunks
3 Suits and 1 Coat

44 Shirts! FORTY FOUR SHIRTS, am I serious?! I don't know if that is normal, but it is sickening to me. I really don't think of myself as being concerned about fashion, but somehow I have obtained XLIV shirts! Especially button-up shirts, I don't even like dressing up! I will not see new clothes for the next 2 years.

Anyone want to join me? Or at least let me know how many shirts you have just to see if I am a freak (or a pack rat) or not.
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Comments

Brian said…
Exciting challenge! I've recently been wondering if I have too many clothes. Part of my committment is to not only abstain from buying new clothes, but going through and figuring out which ones I "need" (or at least wear often) and which ones I can go without.

I have a friend without a coat and I have two, he's getting one next time I see him.

I'm not quite ready to commit to going two years, but I'm there with you in spirit.

PS Now I have another book to add to my reading list. Thanks!?
7:48 am
Anonymous said…
Great book isn't it? I just read it this summer, loved it. I just ordered Re:jesus from Michael Frost, Alan Hirsch. Anyway, i think you can do it. I decided a while ago if I get new cloths, which is never that i will give away my old ones, or at least go one for one.
MIss ya
2:31 pm
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