Have you ever taken a gander at where your clothing, shoes and accessories were actually made? Being a business major I am very aware of our global economy and commerce but with my expansive closet I can mentally travel to foreign lands that expand this entire terrestrial ball in minutes. What I never took a second to consider was that God might actually use my passion (addiction, rather) for fashion for His purpose. Hmmm…use the impulsive and frankly stupid decisions of my past for His good? This intrigues me!
Yesterday kicked off our 2011 Missions Conference at church. We had an amazing speaker named Paul Borthwick. He challenged us immensely with being “sold out” for Jesus. We can say we would go anywhere, do anything, and die to ourselves…but how many of us are actually willing to do that? I’ve never been much of a traveler, but I’m really starting to wonder if I could be, or should be for Christ. One thing Paul told us we can do each day is pray for the people of the country where our clothing was made…more specifically the person who made it! I came home and sure enough, my J. Crew merino wool cardigan was made in Hong Kong. So, yesterday I prayed for the people of Hong Kong and more specifically, the person who made the sweater.
As I started to think more about it I realized that sweater was purchased this side of 10 years ago…and God knows the exact person who made it in Hong Kong, or wherever they live today! Today my peasant blouse made in the U.S.A. and my camisole made in Mexico and my Italian leather heels…and the Chinese skinny jeans and my khaki cargo jacket made in “United Arab Emirates”…yeah…all of those were purchased 6 or 7 years ago…but God knows who made each and every single item and when I pray for those specific people to come to know Him if they don’t already…God can use that! Wow! Now there’s a challenge. God CAN use those stupid and impulsive buys for something! Sweet!
Paul also reminded us that Jesus said in Matthew 6:6 to “go into your closet and pray”…thankfully this isn’t what He was talking about. Me going into my walk-in would certainly create distraction from prayer! BUT…taking time each day to pray for the people of the world, the people whom God made and loves…it is so exciting to me! I’m not sure how God wants to use me when it comes to missions…but God has my attention and this is one small start in the right direction. I want to pray for the people of the world each and everyday…not just when natural disasters strike or when I’m reminded of a missionary or short-term trip now and then. When I think of global fashion I no longer want to visit Paris and London and Milan to do some once-in-a-lifetime dream shopping…I want to go there for Jesus!
Wonders of HIS Love 