Is ignorance bliss or denial?

I rarely watch Oprah, but today her show was actually quite eye opening.  It focused on the oppression of women and girls around the world, specifically in Cambodia and Africa.  Being an emotional person, I found my face covered by a waterfall of tears as I learned about individual struggles and losses.  Starvation, prostitution, and lack of medical supplies/services blanket so many countries.  So often, upon hearing this news, I turn the other cheek pretty quickly.  Overwhelming grief, sadness, and despair flood my being.  What can I do?  Little me, in a great big broken world?

Well, something clicked today in me.  I can write.  I can talk.  I can shine a light in the darkness.  And, so can you.

Heading into a meaningful season, full of wonder, grace, peace, and love — I feel convicted to fall on my knees in thanksgiving.  We have so much here in the United States.  Our country is overflowing with abundance and opportunity.  Yes, there is hardship.  Yes, there is pain, poverty, and injustice.  Here, there, and everywhere, people are hurting.  Voices are silenced, as shame, control, and oppression contend to take their place.  It’s just simply not okay!

Feed ONE.

So really, what can we do?  We can start small.  I find that an overwhelming anxiety soon follows an emotional outpouring, which often leads to inaction.  Yet, by starting small, we can and will make a difference.  Like the butterfly effect, where everything is interconnected, change happens from little acts.  Simple acts. We have no idea how these actions from the heart change the world.  We can leave those details up to God.

For Christmas, I am once again challenging our consumer culture.  Gifts are not wrong or bad, but refusing to open ourselves up to the  larger picture is.  Allowing ourselves to become distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season decreases our heart’s capacity.  How might your gift giving change by focusing on the realities of this world?  Feeding one child, supporting a small business, or sponsoring a child are some ways to start small.  Maybe helping out locally, giving your time to those without a warm place to rest their head is a place to start.  Time is a valuable way to give, and often creates lasting change for all involved.  How might you start a new family tradition this Christmas by cultivating awareness?  Living simply makes room to see the truth.  And from truth, comes real living and awareness.

The Girl Effect is a movement started to create awareness.  Young girls and women around the world are not treated equally and fall victim to horrendous acts.  We, you and me, those living in a safe space, can be their voice.  After all, knowledge is power and starting small, is where is begins.

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”

~Mother Teresa

We can make a difference.  Will you?

]]> http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/12/01/ignorance-is-bliss/feed/ 2 Laura FEED Project http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/my-sisters-keeper/ http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/my-sisters-keeper/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:40:22 +0000 Laura http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/?p=303 ]]>

Frugality + Community. These words have been on my mind lately.  What do they mean?  How have they evolved over the years?  What will they look like in the future?

Out with the old, in with the "New"

On Friday, I had the opportunity to participate in a clothes exchange party.  It was out with the old and in the with “new” — a perfect, free way to spice up any mundane wardrobe.  I walked away feeling as if I just won the lottery!  And, my guess is that all ladies involved found “new” gems of their own.  Plus, an evening spent in the company of amazing women.  It was the perfect combination!

Community exchange.  Something so simple, yet not practiced enough.  Our consumptive, throw away culture seems immune to this type of sharing.  We protect, horde, and hide our things from each other.  And, when they no longer serve us, we often toss them at Goodwill or in the trash.  I do have to recognize that many donations go to very reputable causes, enhancing the lives of those that most need it.  But certainly, this type of conscious giving is usually the last place “stuff” ends up.

So, what if it went beyond clothing?  Household, electronics, kitchenware, gardening & lawn equipment, transportation, childcare, food.  The list is endless!  What would a community look like that learned and practiced the art of exchange.  How would this change you?  Your neighbor?  City?  State?  The world?

Over the last few years, Jeremy and I have learned that being frugal is not only savvy, but healthy (and good for our home, the planet).  It challenges us to think beyond our comfort zone and the boundaries set by the modern day.  Trading services has also been a valuable gift as it allows us to offer our talents, in exchange for something we’d normally pay money for.  Yet sharing of talent takes time, which is something many sadly can’t afford.

So, we start small. How aware are you of those around you?  Do you know about the lives of your neighbor?  How might you stir up a conversation of community sharing or exchange?  Plant a tiny seed and see where it grows!

I’ve heard about a time where people relied on one another, outside the family unit.  A place where exchange was a natural, normal way of life.  Everyone seemed richer, fuller, and more connected for it.  Surely, several church families have tried to bridge this widening gap, yet continue to fall short as energy runs low and visions lose steam.  Estranged communities and privatized homes are not the solution in a hurting world.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

How might you bring frugal (thoughtful) living into your community?  What gifts can you offer?

]]> http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/09/29/my-sisters-keeper/feed/ 0 Laura Clothes! http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/earth-hour/ http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/earth-hour/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:09:50 +0000 Laura http://findingsimplicity.wordpress.com/?p=281 ]]>

Mark your calendars!  This Saturday, March 28th at 8:30pm local time is Earth Hour.  Will you join us?  

…….

So, what kind of gifts do you give?  Creative?  Meaningful?  Special and unique to that person?  Made in China?

Over the Christmas season, my sister-in-law (thanks, Jen!) sent a unique gift that definitely warmed our hearts and

The Gift of Adoption

made us curious about a worthy cause.  The Defenders of Wildlife organization works for the protection of all wild animals and plant species in their natural communities.  For those of you still looking for that special someone on Valentine’s Day, adopting an animal is a great way to give back!  And, what a fabulous idea for any birthday!

After receiving this gift, it got me thinking.  I really want to be more conscious in my gift-giving efforts.  Where do these things come from?  How are they made?  What cause or population does it support?

So Sweet. So Local.

To get our minds rolling, I want to introduce two more ideas.  Although I have not yet done this myself, another wonderful gift idea can be found here.  You receive a reusable bag (better for the environment!) AND you get to feed  one child for an entire school year!  Now that’s a worthy gift!

And, the gift of time.  I recently had the opportunity to treat my good friend, Jessica, to a special afternoon at the Lavender Tea House.  Shopping and dining locally is another valuable way to not only give gifts, but to support those in your immediate area.  The Tea House is also a strong advocate for women in business.  They elegantly display and sell various homemade products and foods to help support the surrounding communities.  People working together to make a difference.  Now that’s something I can put my money into!

“If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.”

~George MacDonald

So, how will you give back in your gift-giving?  Who or what will you support?  Let me know…..really, I’d love to hear your ideas!

How much of life do we exchange for each other? 

As I become more aware of the simplicity that is sprinkled throughout our lives, I’m beginning to see patterns and themes each week.  I try to be aware of similar happenings and thoughts, which is how I often piece together my writing topics.

Lately, I’ve been feeling extremely overwhelmed and encouraged by the amazing community of friends around me.  This past weekend, I had the opportunity to spend a night with seven amazing women at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood.   One of our dear friends, Anna, brought us together to help celebrate her six year wedding anniversary and to talk about the love that we’ve experienced in our own lives.  How memorable!

While I was reminded about the importance of friendships and love, I was also encouraged by the sharing and exchanges that took place.  Anna had a wonderful idea of turning the “white elephant” game into an eco-friendly gift giving event.  She has recently begun taking steps to simplify her home and the materials in her life, and as a result, found several items that she wanted to share with us.  So, we each went around the circle and picked a bag from the table.  We were given the chance to open it and decide if it was something we liked or needed.  It was also important that Anna let us know that it was perfectly fine if we saw nothing we wanted to bring home.  I ended up with a beautiful bright green candle dish, which found a home in one of our bathrooms that was thirsty for color.  And the best part; it was free!

Another excellent idea that Anna included in her invitation was a clothes exchange.  Often referred to as a “Naked Ladies Party” , we were asked to bring any items that we no longer liked or fit into.  And, although I had recently been part of a summer garage sale, I was surprised to find myself easily taking things from my closet and tossing them into the giveaway bag.  After the exchange, I felt like I walked away with a brand new wardrobe!  One of the girls even works at Nike, so in a tiny way, I felt as if I won the lottery by finding several new workout pants and shirts.  Ladies, if you have never done this with your girlfriends, this is a must, annual event!  Clothes, shoes, meals, books, furniture, household items, music lessons, babysitting.  The options are vast!

In the world of exchange, another valuable option is trading of services.  As I look around, I see many talents and passions that people in our life encompass.  For instance, Heather, one of the sweet girls in our church community group, is an incredible hair stylist.  Recently, I asked if she would be open and willing to exchange a trim for an organizing session.  Honestly, I felt a bit nervous to pose such a question, but her quick response only helped encourage my newfound spirit of community exchange.  And, after conversations with her, I realize that so many of us are afraid to ask for the help that we need.  As a result of our talking, we ended up discovering another exchange!  A vacation townhome for babysitting!  Marvelous! 

While I understand that many people today do not have the time or energy to exchange talents, I do know that this type of giving and taking will cause a ripple effect of positive change and needs awareness.  Can you imagine a neighborhood of strangers coming together for this type of exchange?  Think of the support, understanding, and compassion that might come through such agreements.  Not to mention, money saved!

This type of mindset is eco-friendly and solicitous.  The communication needs to be open and authentic however, as to not take advantage of another person’s heart to give.  Honestly, I truthfully believe that God intended for us to live in this way.

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

~Henry David Thoreau          

How have you recently practiced the gift of exchange in your life?  What passions and talents might you offer to those around you?

Growing up, I can honestly say that I undervalued the friendships in my life.  At the time, I had no idea how important they are to the survival of everyday living.  Today however, I can genuinely say that friendships matter.  In fact, they are absolutely, positively necessary. 

Anna, Me, and Jessica

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend on the coast with two of the most amazing woman that have ever come into my life.  They inspire me, challenge me, and support me.  They help me to let go, and let God.  Both of them are so unique and passionate.  They just truly love life and the energy that comes from being around others.  I love them dearly, and cannot imagine how I ever believed that friendships were optional.  

During our weekend at the beach house, we found time to just be girls.  We laughed, we cried, we created, we listened.  We just took some time to care for one another.  It was beautiful, simple, and real.  I believe in these girls just as much as they believe in me.  How can it get any better than that?

As I step into living with more simplicity, I am reminded that girlfriends (and community) are an essential piece of the authenticity and accountability we need in our lives.  At the core of our being, we thirst for relationships and connection.  By finding them, we find ourselves.  And in doing this, we get a tiny glimpse of God and His magnificent creation.  Over time, the friendships we appreciate and nurture will turn out to be one of the true and lasting memories we hold in this life.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create).  It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

~C.S. Lewis

How have you made time for the core friendships in your life?  What are some of the lasting memories that you’ve recently created? 

P.S. ~  Jeremy and I were in Canada last week celebrating our four year wedding anniversary, so I missed posting to my blog.  In trying to live more simply, I intentionally chose not to bring my laptop.    More to come on Wednesday….