God calls us to plant seeds of love that might include clothing that covers shame and His words that free us all from shame.
The LORD God said to Adam, “You shall not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for you will certainly die.” … Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make him a helper suitable for him” … Adam and his wife were both naked, but they were unashamed … When the woman saw the delightful tree that the serpent said would make her wise, she took some fruit and ate and she gave some to her husband and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together as a covering. When God was walking in the garden, He called out, “Where are you?” Adam answered, “I was afraid because I was naked and I hid myself.” The LORD God cursed the man and He cursed the woman for eating from the tree of life, but He made garments of skin for them and clothed them. Then He drove them out of the garden. From Genesis 2 and 3
Shame has been with us from the very beginning. Eating from the prohibited tree of life and gaining the true knowledge of who God is, in comparison to who they were, brought about shame for Adam and Eve. The realization that they were naked, unprotected and totally open to the scrutiny of God was eye-opening.
People who need to be served by receiving clothing feel the same way. They may not be naked, but they know they are not dressed appropriately. Like Adam and Eve, they feel unprotected and totally open to the scrutiny of others. They feel like they fall short and they are ashamed. We are so blessed that Jesus came to take that shame from us (Romans 1: 16).
A thrift shop in my county (Emmanuels Closet) provides gently used and laundered clothing, but it is all complimentary. A needy family can make a shopping appointment in their boutique once a month. They are given a budget, so they know what they can “spend.” The clothes are displayed like they would be in any clothing store. There is an associate volunteer there to help them shop and find the best fashion, there is a dressing room to try on clothes for the best fit and they are treated with respect and friendliness, just like a high-end boutique. The volunteers are open to sharing the gospel and offering prayers. Sponsors, a church and individual donors help support this ministry financially. They have been serving for more than ten years!
Another situation that brings about shame is the inability to launder clothing. Often clothes are worn until they are too dirty and then thrown away, when the person happens to find a replacement. Nice clothes tend not to be an option in this situation. My church, Salty Flagler Beach, provides free laundry services every other month. We take over a laundromat for the day, take laundry in, wash it, pay for it and fold it for the customers. Along the way we get to connect with them about the beach where we all live, about life in general and sometimes, if there is a green light, about Jesus.
What ideas about serving God do these two ministries give you?
LORD God, Your love and Your justice is demonstrated by You sending Jesus. I am now unashamed because of Him. Open my bashful mouth to share with the needy what they really need to hear. Amen.
happy hunger 
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