I am a very low-maintenance dude and stopped asking for Christmas presents years ago. This video pretty much sums up where my mind is right now.
I still have clothes (that I wear) from my senior year in high school 11 years ago. I bought my tennis shoes at Costco for $16.99 and they weren't even on sale – they are Costco (Kirkland's) brand shoes…and they look and feel nice. I tear paper towels and napkins in half (or quarters) for dinner to save money and to be better on the environment. I eat food that I don't even like just so I don't have to throw it away.
OK. You get the point. I am a pretty frugal guy. I don't expect you to do all of those things, but I want to encourage you to do something VERY, VERY different this Christmas. Beyond the fact that money is tight in my house, my family is choosing to be a part of a fast-growing movement of women, men, and families that are refusing to allow consumerism destroy the real (and powerful) meaning of the Christmas holiday.
Am I saying that I won't get my wife anything for Christmas? No. But we have set a very low dollar limit and will be pouring the rest of what we have into a cause that we feel honors God more than credit card bills and gifts that you will forget about by February.
The Courageous Church is going to be sponsoring a STUPIDLY HUGE Christmas extravaganza for Bethune Elementary School and its students here in downtown Atlanta. This is an awesome school with an amazing staff that happens to have the highest rate of poverty of any elementary school in Georgia – 97%.
Some of these kids don't have winter coats, socks without holes, or shoes that fit. Most of these kids live in a neighborhood too dangerous to walk around or play in. We are going to shine the light of God so bright on this school that it changes the lives of everyone involved.
Don't worry – I'm going to be asking for your help (not just your money) very soon.
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Let me know how our faith community in NC can help with your Christmas outreach/inreach.
Thanks a ton Jimmy! We’re going to need as many churches to partner with us as possible. Details are coming soon man!
-Shaun
Shaun this is an awesome idea ( you guys keep doing that over and over again). Our home church is hosting a coat drive for a local elemenatry school. One of the younger teachers at our church came into a youth meeting once and talked about how many of the kids came in during the winter months without a coat or hat. This was something we could easily help with (got to admit I was surprised when she first told us though)Keep up the good work.
Awesome. I can’t see anyone who would say this is not worth their time and money to be a part of. We’ll be all in for sure. Get me details soon and I’ll try to get this church involved before I leave.
Shaun, I frequently read you and your wife’s blog and just wanted to say what an inspiration you both are to people everywhere! I really admire and respect the way you live your lives, give back, expect less and give more. Your story really inspires me to want to do more in my community, I really wish I were in Atlanta so I could attend your church when it opens, but promise to make a trip down sometime next year! Keep doing the amazing things you do, you inspire us all!
Best,
Alison