answering the critics...

Do you really think denying yourself Starbucks and Cheetos is going to help poor people?

Yes.  The money we save this month will go to World Vision.  But more than that, I am poor myself -  I have traded riches like love and compassion and service, for cheap baubles like Starbucks and Cheetos.  If I can learn to trade some of them back then I will indeed have helped this one poor person. 

And No.  I don't think this fast will directly alleviate suffering in other countries.  That is not its purpose.  The purpose is to change ME  into the type of person who will want to help alleviate the suffering  in the world.

 Don't you think this idea is simplistic and romantic?

It is simple, that's true.   But again, I'm not trying to solve world hunger with this fast.  I'm trying to let God change ME.

Why don't you do something worthwhile like go on a missions trip with your family and build houses or a medical center of whatever and REALLY LIVE the way the people you pity actually live?

I would love to do that - and it is a family goal to do so.   For right now, I am working on the things I can work on - like my heart and my spending habits. 

 Are you trying to make yourself more holy through deprivation?

I don't have the ability to make myself more holy.  I am just shutting out the clutter for a month so I can hear God's voice.  It is up to Him to work any holiness in me.

I am concerned that those avoiding WalMart will think themselves more holy than those who don't, when the person going to Wal-Mart might be going with God's blessing.

I try to mainly concern myself with my own heart before God - not another's potential sins.   I say, if God has given you His blessing to shop at Wal-Mart - shop away! and don't worry about me.  I won't be there for a month, at least.

 I am just concerned we will content ourselves with depriving ourselves when there is no warrant for that in Scripture

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. "  Matt. 16:24

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”   Mark 10:21

"If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. "  Matt. 5:29, 30

"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."   1 Corinthians 9:27

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. "  Phillipians 2:3-8

Comments

[Randi]

Good stuff, as usual!

[Jennifer]

<<Why don't you do something worthwhile like go on a missions trip with your family and build houses or a medical center of whatever and REALLY LIVE the way the people you pity actually live?>>

OoooH! This one aggravates me so much! We cannot in any way shape or form really live like third would peoples because we can always go home!!! We will travel with money, with all our shots, with good clothes, with money to buy food, and a western passport to return home! We cannot even begin to imagine what it would like to live like that permanently.

Secondly, short term missions are not always beneficial. http://www.christianity.ca/mission/global/2004/03.000.html
In fact supporting native missionary organizations is probably healthier for all involved. It's arroganct to think they needs us, when really, they need our money!

We sponsor four children. Everytime we deny ourselves something in order to pay for that sponsorship - WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

I can't believe you're taking flack for this idea. It's incredible and I'm so thankful to have heard about it!

[Lyn]

Thank you for handling these questions so gracefully. Again, you set a wonderful example.

[Jenn Turner]

It's amazing how other people feel attacked when you decide to follow through with a personal conviction. This is a problem we often encounter because we got rid of our TV. It's not about other people. It's about obeying what God is asking you to do. That obedience is where we learn to trust God the most. Everyone struggles in different areas and God asks everyone to lay those things aside for a period of time - whether a day or forever - to focus on him. When we quit comparing ourselves to one another, and judging one another and start focussing on what God is asking us to do, we will grow. Satan wants us to get side tracked by all of this condemnation so that we lose focus on the real issues...our own heart before God.

All of this to say, way to go Tonia. I hope that others will look at their own lives and see what God is challenging them to do, and not feel judged or condemned by your stepping out in faith.

[HeyJules]

It appears some people are getting a little bit touchy about all this. Kudos to you for keeping your head above water. What grace! What elegance!

I have to admit, it appears some don't quite understand the premise of this whole thing. For me, personally, it's about taking the reins of self-control back - something I promised God I would begin working on. Spending money on things that look good today and do nothing for me tomorrow is a way to do that.

But, even more than that is this - if you've ever seen the movie Schindler's list...towards the end when the last Jews are being set free and he looks down at the ring on his finger and realizes he could have bought the lives of a few more people if he had not loved his "stuff" more than his fellow human beings...THAT is what this is all about. I better go blog at my place. This is going to get way too long for me to adequately say it here.

Again, thank you for starting this. For those who are in, may God change our minds and hearts as we go about this challenge. For those who are out, may God bless you in other ways. To each his own journey.

[wendy]

I (one of "the critics", lol) have decided for now to decline from partaking in this. When I first came accross this challenge I jumped on immediately because of the "fast from consumerism" part, which i still really love. But there have been other aspects here that over time have just not felt right, one of them being the body punishing/deprivation aspect--when one treats their own body with detachment and austerity, it has been over and over again my experience that this often leads to treating others in the same austere and detached way. And frankly, that really scares me, there is dangerously far too much of that detachment already.

I crave simplicity, and also living more kindly and gently and healingly with one other, so very much. But after some soul searching I just dont think this aesetic means is the path for me to do so. Maybe for some it is, and will have a healing result, and if that is the case for them then I wish them sincere well in this journey : )

[Columbine]

<<In fact supporting native missionary organizations is probably healthier for all involved. It's arroganct to think they needs us, when really, they need our money!>> Jennifer, Jennifer - I really, really hope you were being sarcastic when you wrote this! Over and over again (am I repeating myself again and again?:)) living here we have been told that Americans like to throw their money at problems but don't like to actually live what they say they believe by living with the people they throw their money at. In fact, not too long ago a dear national pastor said to my husband that he is willing to listen to my husband because my husband actually lives here. We "suffer" the hardships of never knowing if the water will be on or not, living through the times without electricity, walking miles each week because we do not have a car, poorer quality of many items that can be bought, and so forth. This man - and MANY others that we have met - think Americans (and Canadians, British, Westerners) are arrogant because they don't have a willing spirit to give up stuff but think money will take the place of them personally being there. Please, please reconsider your idea - pray this through completely. Jesus did not say "Send your money first to Jerusalem, then to all Judeah and unto the ends of the earth." He said: GO. I am touching just the very tip of the iceberg on this subject...there is much more that can be said with different emphasis.

Another thought: Tonia, I like your spirit in this. Why? Because you want to be changed. We have had several short term teams come over here and the ones that have really accomplished something have been teams that say: God brought us here to change us. We want to see what He is teaching us. This attitude is an attitude of humility before God, not an attitude of "I am here to help you fix all your problems." You are right - we will never stop world hunger (or get all the street kids off the street, or whatever the problem happens to be), but we can be changed to better glorify God with our lives. We can be willing servants, willing vessels to carry His love to others, however He calls us to do so.

Thank you for your attitude of submission to God's leading and willingness to be changed. I would join this challenge - because I still have things I could give up - but, I am not ready at this point. I have my own struggles and battles going on. :):):) I'm going to be following your thoughts on this, though, because I think you have much to teach me.
Columbine

[Tonia]

Hey all, I really want to respond to everyone's comments here tonight...you all are teaching me so much...but I am fighting sickness and I am going to go rest. I'll respond when I am feeling better - and less muddle-headed!

Until then, thank you all for your thoughts.

[Patty in WA]

I've not forgotten the words our pastor used to state one reason for a Lenten fast: "to remove the things we use to anesthetize ourselves from the pain of our sin."

[Roberta]

Reading those scriptures together moved my heart. I can get so caught up in the "here and now" moments, and fuss that I just want a moent to step back and take a deep breath, for pete's sake!...aren't I entitled to that?
Yet Christ, who was without sin poured himself out, suffered and died for my sins. Lord, create in me a clean heart.
God bless

[Jennifer]

Columbine,

Criticism accepted and apology offered.

However, I was in no way implying that long term mission should not be done. I was referring to those short term mission trips where a bunch of us go down, spend a day or two "helping out" and then go back to our nice hotels and relax and enjoy ourselves. I truly believe that the money spent going down, staying in the hotel, and buying souvenirs would have done more good, if we had given all that money to an organization, or missionary who is living the message of Christ among the people he or she is ministering too. It seems to me that many short term missions are just a way to assuage our North American guilt - a way to try and fulfill God's call and then get back to our lives.

(Our youth went down to Mexico and many said they were glad the slum part was only two afternoons - but the hotel and beach and such and such were great!...I was saddened that none of the young people seemed changed by their experience. Maybe it's made me a little jaded.)

Now as too whether or not there are enough of us obeying the call to go into the world and choose long term mission, over our secure jobs and cosy homes...that is an entirely different discussion that causes me regularly to lose sleep.

Jennifer

[Tonia]

Jennifer,

I hear what you are saying and I, too, wrestle with these issues. My birth as a U.S. citizen (and as a caucasian) provides me with advantages I can barely begin to grasp. How then, being born into *such* privilege do I walk out my existence?

I do agree with you that the insistence that the only worthwhile thing is actually living among people or going on a missions trip is foolish. Much has been said about all the money poured out on the poor...but surely no one thinks that money should stop? There simply must be *both* things - money AND service.

I absolutely agree with you that some short term missions trips are of no benefit beyond assuaging some guilt.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Jenn,

I keep thinking about that TV example. It's so true! *****
btw - you don't have a TV? What's wrong with you? *wink*

Hey Jules,

I think you're right that some people just miss the point all together. One woman seemed to think "nothing" means I literally won't DO anything for 30 days. (I wish!*grin*)

And the Schindler's List example is perfect...and haunting. Thank you for the reminder.

Wendy,

No worries. Not everyone will be called to fast in the same way I am. :) I disagree with you on the deprivation and austerity portion, as you know. For some of us, we have plenty of "fat" in our lives to cut and are nowhere near the deprivation part. Going without excess consumption for a month will not hurt anyone in this house, trust me.

God bless you as you learn to live in the way God has called you.

Columbine,

I think if I was in your position, as a missionary doing the work among the poor, I would feel the same way. It must be very difficult to hear people *talk* and not *do*.

You are right - He said "Go". But we all must go where He calls us and He does call some of us to stay in our own countries and serve Him there. One of the biggest joys in my life is to support various missionaries - financially, spiritually and emotionally. I know that is what God has called me to for this season - and they need our support in that way. My challenge is to not be numbed by the excess and comfort of my culture and forget that I, too, am a missionary right here.

Thank you so much for your kind words. After you've fallen down as much as I have, you figure out the most worthwhile activity for yourself is going about the business of getting the plank out of your eye.

I thank you for the work you do - living out what I am only talking about. May God *richly* bless your ministry. I am blessed to have your contributions and thoughts here.

Patty,

aneshetized...yes. Thank you.

Roberta,

Amen. It is powerful to remember what He actually called us to...

[susan]

Nicely articulated and further explained.

I also believe the key to this is God changing each ME who particiaptes. I am looking forward to His changes in me.

[Tonia]

Susan,

Absolutely! I just didn't want to speak for anyone else...since I think God is doing different things in each person who takes this on. I didn't mean to sound like I want anyone else's focus to be on ME. :) Heaven forbid!

[Julie Forsythe]

I read about your fast on the blog of a friend - and I get it - I totally get it. Jesus was not a Savior unfamiliar with our sufferings - it allowed Him to understand our experience. In a small way - you want to experience what it would be like not to have all the "trimmings and trappings" of life as you know it. God bless you - and post post post. Our family did a one month TV fast - but that was before I was blogging. It wasn't because we were judging others who did have a TV - but you can hardly mention it without someone becoming defensive. I can't wait to read about what your family experiences. I have fasted from Walmart for two weeks at a time before - and it really does change your heart. Like you said, it isn't Walmart - it is the enticement of the flesh - and all the things you want that you didn't even know about five minutes before you walked in the door!
May God bless you and your family through this time!

[truevyne]

Isaiah 58:6
Is this not the fast I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?

Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry?
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light will break out like the dawn,
And your recovery will speedily spring forth;
And your righteousness will go before you;
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.


Oh, Tonia. Critics of a godly fast? I don't understand. I'm personally praying for your light to break out like the dawn as a result of your offering.
I think I see rays of it now...

[Tonia]

Julie,

"Like you said, it isn't Walmart - it is the enticement of the flesh - and all the things you want that you didn't even know about five minutes before you walked in the door!"

YES! I'm so immersed in my consumer mentality I can't even see how it keeps me from living as God wants. Thank you for your gracious understanding. I know I will learn a lot during this month.


truevyne, thank you for the prayer. I need it. I will say, I've received far more support than criticism, and so many people are taking the idea and going in thier own directions with it...I love it. God is good. Thank you for your friendship.

[Miz Booshay]

Your mission field IS your home and family!

[Joy]

I haven't read all the comments but I am really sorry that you are having such "pious" people try to nail your motives to the wall. Any day we can die in our flesh is a spiritual win!!

I will be back to read more... Stay encouraged!

[sue]

I am joining you and your thirty days of nothing.It will be a chance for our family to use what we have, make do without, and if we really need something( although I can't imagine what) we will check out the thrift stores first. One is supporting the ARC and the other is run by a local church. If I do have to shop, I hope to spend it on used items and/or organic, non toxic products.Just having to STOP and THINK about where we want our money to go is a big step.