I have something important to share about Dressember. I started my Dressember project oblivious to possibility that other Dressembers may be occurring and that there may be a higher purpose other than “amusing style challenge.” Turns out there’s a much more valuable reason to wear dresses in December: to raise vital funds for International Justice Mission, a human rights organization that works to combat human trafficking and end sexual slavery. The official Dressember has raised more than $70 000 between the US, Canada and Australia! Since December 1st!!! That is astounding. While I’ve been busy Instagramming cute outfits, these girls have been changing the world. What can you do?
- Keep wearing dresses this month and tell everyone about the official Dressember mission.
- Consider donating to this worthy cause. Every little bit helps. Canadians can click here to donate. Americans can click here.
- Follow Dressember on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and keep using the hashtag #dressember.
DO #2: Lightweight Layers (and skirts, shhhhh)
While the official Dressember has drawn a hard line about wearing dresses specifically, I decided from the start that skirts could count and have been enjoying styling them for the cold Canadian North! I was on my own last week so didn’t have much time to breathe plan my outfits, but I was pleased with how this one turned out…
Do #3: Read a Good Book in a Dress
In between painting rooms and wrapping up work for the holidays and doing a million other things like every mom, I finished my latest book from Book Sneeze and it was awesome, just like my Dressember casual outfit below.
- It was surprising to me to learn that someone like Lotz could have experienced wounding at the hand of other Christians, but after reading the book, I realize this is a very common experience.
- Lotz’s emphasis throughout the book is to move past wounds into true healing. She doesn’t just talk the talk; she has walked the walk and she gives specific ideas of how you can find healing.
- Focusing on your wounds, nursing them and holding onto them doesn’t “punish” the wounder but only keeps you stuck in blindness, bitterness and unforgiveness, which is exactly opposite of what the Bible commands.
- Lotz gently helps the reader to examine both the wounds you’ve experienced and inflicted (on others and yourself). She even helps readers understand that sometimes God not only allows wounds but wounds us in order to “prune” us, forcing us into new growth and fruitfulness.
- Lotz emphasizes that wounds don’t heal themselves nor do we have the power to heal our own wounds; we need to turn to God for true healing. She also emphasizes that there is no expiration date on God’s offer to heal us. Anytime, anywhere, anyhow, He is ready when we are. He is standing by waiting for us to call on Him to experience the full blessing of His presence.
- Instead of focusing on our circumstances, Lotz encourages readers to focus on God’s Word and God’s character.
My copy of this book is covered in underlines, stars, double underlines and boxes! I could not say enough how much I loved it. I don’t even want to put it on my bookshelf, but think I might need to keep it handy for easy reference! Though I think God prepared me to be able to hear and accept the messages in this book, I also liked when Lotz noted that “wounds can be healed. Quickly. You don’t necessarily need years of therapy and counseling.” Not that those aren’t valuable too, but just in case, why not pick up a copy of this book as a starting point towards healing, joy and peace?!
Do #4: Host a Holiday Sweater/Dress Party
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