The Hermansen Family Spending Fast

This week my family and I are trying something for the very first time, a spending fast. We are going to try and go an entire week without spending a dime, not one penny! Now we did plan accordingly by filling up our gas tanks and our fridge but I am excited to see if we can do it.

One of the comments I have struggled with regarding our economy is that any hope for an upward turn hinges on people spending money, that the financial success of our country depends on whether or not people buy things. I don't know how that sounds to you, but to me it sounds silly. Consumerism is running rampant in our culture and it is attacking our families, relationships and our faith. If we put our hope in shopping, if we find our value in possessions and if we buy into the lies of advertisements then our sole identity becomes as a consumer, we are nothing more than a potential buyer.

Over the past few weeks I have been meeting with a bunch of teenagers as they finish up their confirmation requirements by completing their pastoral interviews. One of the questions I ask each student is to tell me about an experience they have had that impacted their faith. Most of them talked about working at a soup kitchen. Each one has shared with me that they are blown away by how happy these people seem to be, even though they have virtually nothing more than the clothes on their backs. I encourage each student to look closely at that experience to understand where true happiness comes from.

The notion that the success of our economy relies on whether or not we take out our credit cards is ridiculous to me because I know we are far more than consumers. I want to challenge you to join the Hermansen family as we attempt a week long spending fast. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I am guessing it will be a liberating experience.

See you Sunday,

Chris Hermansen