Always Reforming

    Let me start off by saying that I'm not trying to be judgmental here.  I really, really do not intend to come off that way.  That being said, let me proceed to judge an entire segment of modern culture--hipsters.  Don't get me wrong--I like hipsters.  I have a lot of friends who are hipsters.  I pretended to be a hipster for about 5 minutes back in '07.  Let me tell you why I ended up not being a hipster. Frankly, I just wasn't very good at it.  I was/am just too normal.  Of all the hipster distinctives, the apparel was always the hardest part for me.  I like indie music and a good cup of tea.  I enjoy the great outdoors and home remedies.  The clothes though...it just takes so much effort.  There's something about blue jeans and a Michigan shirt that just work for me.  I actually do enjoy plaid shirts, well-trimmed hair, and unusual footwear, but I just don't have the time or energy to invest in going throug...

     As I look around at the present state of the world, I find the amount of time and money we pour into our appearances to be a little bit alarming.  It makes me think that maybe the Amish (and other similar groups, like the Quakers) had a couple of things right.  I can't help but to respect the practical simplicity of the Amish way of life.  The specific applications of the movement in modern day aside, their emphasis on simplicity and their aversion to vanity are admirable. Clothing, in their minds, should not be something that draws attention to oneself.  Now, drawing attention to ourselves should not be our ultimate goal anyway, but if people do find something about us attractive, it should be our character.  This is certainly a Biblical concept.  1 Peter 1:3-4 says: Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the...