I read “Our Daily Bread” fairly often and some time ago (well 8th October 2023 actually) Monica La Rose wrote about #slowfashion’. In the article she explained that the hashtag captures a movement focused on resisting ‘fast fashion’—an industry dominated by cheaply made and quickly disposed of clothes. In fast fashion, clothes are out of style nearly as quickly as they’re in the shops—with some brands disposing of large quantities of their products every year.
The slow fashion movement encourages people to slow down and take a different approach. Instead of being driven by the need to always have the latest look, slow fashion encourages us to select fewer well-made and ethically sourced items that will last.
This slow fashion look caused me to reflect on my own approach, not only with fashion, Heather tells me that I don’t have any interest with that, not quite the sackcloth and ashes approach of John the Baptist but not too far away. But as I reflected on #slowfashion’s invitation, I found myself wondering about other ways I might be tempted into a ‘fast fashion’ way of thinking – looking for fulfilment in the latest trend, as Monica puts it. In Colossians 3, however, Paul says finding true transformation in Jesus isn’t a quick fix or a fad. It’s a lifetime of quiet, gradual transformation in Christ as Monica so correctly states.
Monica finishes her article by quoting Paul’s approach by saying that instead of needing to clothe ourselves with the world’s latest status symbols, we can exchange our striving for the Spirit’s clothing of “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12). We can learn patience with each other on the slow journey of Christ transforming our hearts—a journey that leads to lasting peace (v.15). Well put young lady, and something we can all learn.
Let us pray
Dear God, thank You that I can surrender my anxious strivings for a better, fuller life by exchanging them for the peace of a quiet walk with You. Amen