I just read the introduction to 7 and I am floored. At first, I was totally overcome with guilt. When Jen said how $10,000 could be used in Africa, I felt so guilty for the home improvements we have planned. We have spent way more than that on our house, just to improve OUR lives a LITTLE, when it could have been used to improve so MANY OTHERS’ lives a LOT.
And she said she was so tired of justifying her spending. Even as I read it the intro and started to feel guilty, I started justifying our spending, as well.
The way she described her church was just amazing to me. They are truly putting others’ needs in front of their own, and it is so unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my life.
Lent just started, but I’ve never given anything up for Lent. However, last year around this time, I spent around $25/week on groceries (without coupons) for 4 weeks in a row, and it was such a great learning experience. I learned to be more resourceful in my meal planning, and I learned to be pickier in the grocery store. When you only have $25 to spend, you want to make every dollar count, so you avoid unhealthy foods and instead spend the money where you’ll get the most nutrition and “filling.”
I think I’m going to do it again this year, for Lent. But this time, I want to donate the money that I save ($100/week.) I am thinking two different things:
1) maybe donate $100 worth of non-perishables to a food pantry.
2) help a young, married, pregnant, un-insured girl with her medical expenses.
