One of my most vivid prayers as a little girl was for L.A. Gear shoes and pierced ears. Thankfully my prayers have matured a bit since the fourth grade (and yes in case you’re wondering I got my way), but I weekly struggle with buying into our culture of over-consumerism. Even if I don’t act upon my purchasing compulsions, you better know that I waste hours window shopping online and coveting pretty things I think will bring me peace and perfection. Consumerism is a social and economic order which spurs on and fosters our desire or compulsion as potential buyers to purchase good and services in increasingly greater amounts. Girls, can I get a witness?
As I was exploring our culture of over-consumerism, I came across an idea that eloquently articulated something I’ve witnessed in my life, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and in the lives of most Americans (especially us ladies) and of course filthy rich celebrities. According to our friend Wikipedia, “Enoughism is the idea that there is a point where consumers [that’s us girls] possess everything they need, and buying more makes their lives worse rather than better.
There comes point when just one too many Lululemon workout pants, Anthropologie tops, H&M accessories, Forever21 finds, and Besty Johnson dresses are going to make our lives worse instead of better – they’ll make life more complicated and stressful instead of peaceful and perfect like we think they will.
Why do we believe the lie that more cute stuff equals perfection, love and happiness ever after?
Let’s talk about this – leave your comments.
- Do you struggle with the trap of over-consumption?
- What do you covet most and feel like you can never have enough of?
- Do you ever think “If I have [fill in the blank], then I will be content, satisfied and complete?
- How should we respond to this predicament?
Let’s ask God to give us discernment regarding when to put the credit card away and give instead of get. Recession-less or not, we are a blessed generation of women. Let’s be girls who create and give more than we consume, covet and get. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:18).”
Let’s say yes to “enoughism already. “
Love & Hugs,
Allie
