Black Friday…Evil…
First and foremost. I know! I wrote a post! Haha. Well, let’s see if we cant get this thing going again 
Black Friday! Ahhhhhhh! It’s Awful! It’s Evil! It’s UnChristian. It’s proof that America has forgotten all priorities, and only seeks to serve self. It’s consumerism at it’s worst!
These are all things I’ve heard today in response to Black Friday. However, I have a different perspective. Let me explain.
I’m not going to argue whether or not today can be a terrible day. Some awful things will happen today. People will argue fight, even kill. We’ve seen this happen in the past. I pray people are safe today.
There are people shopping today, that have nothing in mind, but self. This is true. We are human and sinful. we are selfish and have unhealthy desires. But I also know many that use today for good.
After reading some crazy tweets this morning, I put this tweet up…
So. If I need to buy socks. Why is it wrong to buy them at 80% off? Why is that evil exactly? #blackfridayhype”
We seem to over hype events in America. Both in defense of it…as well as opposition to it.
I know people that have saved all year to go shopping today. That takes discipline
I know people that wait all year to buy underwear and socks on Black Friday. Because today is the cheapest price they’ll pay. That takes planning.
I know people that have put a budget in place for Christmas, so they can enjoy giving gifts to friends and family. They use today to shop, because, today is the best bang for their buck. That’s financial wisdom.
I know people that will be at the mall all day, enjoying time with family and friends, and smiling at people as they shop together. That takes patience.
I know people that will actually see people in public today, that they normally will only see inside the church walls. They will have an opportunity to see each other in a different space and possibly even create a new relationship because of it. That’s living life together.
I say Black Friday is what we make it.
I contend that Black Friday is not the issue. People are. So, let’s be people of virtue and grace. Maybe, then, Black Friday, wont be so Black.
Do I consider this my Christmas present? A blog post.
Guess it didn’t cost you much on this blackfriday. You bargain hunter you.
Brent’s Blog´s last blog ..Black Friday…Evil…
Consider it Christmas, Birthday and belated thanksgiving
brent(inWorship)´s last blog ..Black Friday…Evil…
Absolutely. Attitude is everything. But I still will not go out today. Scary! Upon more spiritual maturation I may reconsider. Thanks for your positive insight
Thanks for the kind words. And, we are staying indoors today as well
brent(inWorship)´s last blog ..Black Friday…Evil…
It is about choices. I choose to stay home. I don’t like shopping in crowds where a few are so undisciplined they ruin a perfectly good shopping experience for all around them. It’s that trickle down thing. If I were out there I would choose to keep a smile on my face. If I were out there I would choose to see the crowd as Jesus would have seen this chaos. And love these people anyway! I don’t have to like them necessarily, but I do have to love them. I don’t know them. I don’t judge them (well, maybe a little).I think I’ll just go out & love people another day.
And it will always be “black”. As long as people keep doling out the cash to keep those business’ in the “black”. I want to be thoughtful when choosing a gift. And I can’t do that in a mob scenario!
Shellie (baylormum)´s last blog ..Stats Suck Sunday
Love your thoughts Shellie.
And I agree, I think there are huge unhealthy issues in America dealing with consumerism and selfish behavior. Unfortunately, we do have to “support” these businesses in some ways, but we can do it ethically and morally. And your point to giving thoughtfully is absolutely correct and necessary.
brent(inWorship)´s last blog ..Black Friday…Evil…
Well said!!
BrunetteKoala´s last blog ..St Andrew’s Day Blog Carnival
Good point, but you have to put it in perspective. For every person who plans, saves, and waits for today there are hundreds who don’t. Many of them profess to be Christian but live an abundant lifestyle that doesn’t reflect their profession. The average American has $18,600 in debt not including mortgage debt. American consumers are 2 trillion dollars in debt. Two. Trillion.
Yup. Exactly my point.
So what are you going to make of Black Friday?
brent(inWorship)´s last blog ..Black Friday…Evil…
BTW. I’m the woman who just moved from Tx to Central WA in Sept. I was tweeting back & forth with @jesusneedsnewpr the other night when the veggie tales cookie cutters were being discussed. (one of the nights anyway!). Enjoy your messages. Need to join you on-line for church soon. Not much choice in this part of the state.
Shellie (baylormum)´s last blog ..Stats Suck Sunday
Where in Washington are you? I’d be happy to try and find something for you. Plus you are always welcome at Table Rock online
Quincy. Halfway between Moses Lake & Wenatchee. An hour from Ellensburg.
Shellie (baylormum)´s last blog ..Stats Suck Sunday
Ill look into it.
I didn’t even say thanks! Whether you find something or not. I’m not a Sunday morning church kind of girl anymore. Love the Saturday thing. Or the kind of Sunday’s at ubc (Crowder’s church in Waco). If you can’t tell by my twitter name, my daughter went to Baylor. Graduated in May. She was very involved all 4 years. Did the kids church stuff the last 8 months she was in Waco. She’s been offered an internship with Austin Stone with the youth group. It’s a raise your donations kind of job. Also I’m an addict in recovery. So I’m little picky because I have to be dedicated to it also. Thanks. Glad I “met” you.
Shellie (baylormum)´s last blog ..Stats Suck Sunday
Like everything else, it is what you make it and what you make of it is determined by your attitudes and priorities as well as your basic beliefs about Life and God. Of course there are times when even the most sincere Christian can slip into the “each man for himself” fever that typically marks this day…That’s why I stayed home!
lunamosity´s last blog ..Contrast
I think it is very appropriate to know our limitations and then set standards for ourselves, to not allow ourselves into situations that are inappropriate. well done.
I couldn’t disagree with you more.
Everyone has opinions, and that’s fine, but mine is always right.
Deal with it.
(I kid… nice post, lets cuddle)
joshua´s last blog ..We were the Kings and Queens of Promise
Snuggle? Only if you see my way
Besides. I think the consumerism of today is awful. But…I make it what it is.
I waited to go out until about 10 am, and did a little Christmas shopping. Surprisingly enough, in Tacoma, Washington where I am this weekend, there were no crowds! Like your thoughts though!
Sounds like a decent experience
This is really, really good! Brings a whole new perspective to a lot of things…
So… where can I find socks at 80% off?
Rand´s last blog ..Thankful
Ha!
I have some friends that go to our local Kohl’s every year for socks. Its like a tradition for them.
I love this Brent. It’s going on my Facebook page (you remember Facebook don’t you?). I have been bothered by some of the tweets and messages that I have seen about Black Friday this year.
Jocelyn (my 17 year old) and I get up extra early every year and hit the shops.. it’s part of our mother-daughter tradition. We have fun doing our one girl thing without Jesse and the little kids. More than the shopping we like spending time together sipping Starbucks and acting silly on a few hours sleep.
This year we, like many families, have less money to spend. We only went to one store but the savings was tremendous. I was able to stretch some of our Christmas savings a long way for our family of five just by getting up a few hours early. Where the harm in that? Thank you for pointing that out.
One more thing…(and I say this to prove a point not to brag) I’m frustrated by the generalization that some people are making about holiday consumerism. Because I went to the shops today does not mean that I am totally worldly (really I only partially am
. We have less to go around this year but as a family we agreed that we would not decrease our holiday charitable giving, in fact we increased it, and have chosen to spend less on each other to stay on budget. Shopping this morning helped us to accomplish that.
Thanks for sharing… this is the longest comment I’ve ever written. Ever!
nicole, i love you.
that is all.
your awesome wife´s last blog ..quote
Nicole, i love the traditions you and your daughter have started!!!
oh. and im gonna go to bath and body works later to buy some lip gloss.
for me.
your awesome wife´s last blog ..quote
nice post, brent. I was impressed with the number of comments you have already after being a non-blogger for so long. Then I realized over half of them are YOU.
I didn’t participate in Black Friday shopping because, sadly, 0 money = 0 money regardless of sale price. But I still appreciate your perspective.
Kim Bontrager´s last blog ..a winter’s night…
Ya. I talk a lot
yay you blogged.
black friday… i just don’t like getting trampled… and i don’t have money. that’s my input for the day.
Jenni´s last blog ..Christmas Trees For Kids
We are always blessed with your wisdom and insight Jenni
we are?
your awesome wife´s last blog ..a simple, thank you…
Brent… Brent… I think I know you. So you blog on Black Friday’s now. Cool, gives me something to look forward to next year. So I did go an buy 3 rolls of vapor barrier on Black Friday. I’m feelin’ fine with it.
You do know the “black” in Black Friday is ink, right? I think I had this discussion with you once before… or it may have been another Brent.
ric´s last blog ..Weeding