Last weekend I attended a day long "Young Women's Conference" at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, CA. I have to say, it was one of the most thoughtful, intentional conferences I've attended. It was intentional in these ways: on the back tables were quilt squares to decorate and later would be made into a quilt for a local women's shelter, the bag we received upon arrival was a Freeset bag, and the food, speakers, worship were all well planned, thought provoking, deep and excellent. When you've put a zillion ministry events on, you can imagine that there's a certain amount of jading that happens...so it's immensely refreshing to sit back and enjoy something.
My friend Kate invited me down and I was initially hesitant since I don't attend the church. I didn't want to be intrusive to someone else's church retreat. However, I was supposed to lead worship with her at a different conference in the morning...so the idea was that we'd do both...and then it turned out the other one was canceled. I think God may have had a plan and wanted me to go to this retreat.
I've had many creative ideas since then as I think about taking the "next step" with the things that I am doing in ministry. How can I be more thoughtful? How can I be intentional with the things I buy personally?
One thing I loved were these Freeset Bags made by women coming out of prostitution in India. They are taught how to make these bags and then by purchasing them you are supporting the industry they've created to stay off the streets. Poverty breeds very few choices for women in underdeveloped countries (and arguably developed countries for that matter)
I guess the question that I am continuing to grapple with...and have been for years...is how can we be good stewards of what God has given us...and also be consumers that support the economy we live in? If our economy is dependent on our spending money, then I want to find ways to responsibly spend it. I'm excited to explore this and share with you what I find. There are so many great options that are emerging.
I recommend these bags. They're great quality and really fun. I love that you know you've supported someone in their journey to freedom too! They make great Christmas gifts too!
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