I came across this book thanks to Google or a blog or something that linked to it. The title was intriguing – 7, An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess – so I downloaded the introduction for free to check it out.

Upon hearing a 10 year hurricane evacuee declare that “this white dude is rich!” (referring to her husband), author Jen Hatmaker began a seven month fast to rid her of consumerism and make room for God’s kingdom to break through in her life.

I had this feeling that if I read this book I would be convicted of my own consumerism, living in an excess, an abundance that most of the world doesn’t know. So I didn’t buy the book. I wasn’t ready to change. I did put a hold on it at the library and guess what, today it became available.

Speaking of her church’s Nixon-era carpet, Hatmaker says “we won’t buy carpet at the expense of orphans. $10,000 for a new parking lot could find a hundred thousand tree seedlings to reforest Africa’s decimated land and stimulate their local economy. It’s kind of a no-brainer.”

I haven’t even finished reading the introduction yet, but I do want change. I want God to show me how to simplify my life so that I can amplify Him. Want to join me? Let me know if you want to read 7 along with me and chat about how our lives should look.

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Joel 2:12-13)