This really happened, and it made me think. I was strolling down Fifth Avenue and saw this woman handing out flyers, I paid her no mind as, well, just paid her no mind. I was taking pictures of windows and of street chic, people that I felt were letting 5th Avenue have it!!! When she came to me and ask, “Are you saved” WELL! I have no time for religious fanaticism whatsoever, but thought, I would indulge her for a minute. Her question to me was this, how can you serve God and an industry that celebrates one of the seven deadly sins…VANITY.
Well, I was not ready for this at all; it totally shattered my face, as they say. So without thought I said, I celebrate “fashion” by wearing high end clothes as praise to God and the temple He has given me. LOL…and bided her a good day. But as I made my way to the subway on 57 Street, I began to think, what does this mean. Got home and Tweeted and Facebooked, “How do you praise God in an industry that celebrates one of the seven deadly sins…vanity.” Well, I knew no one on Twitter would respond, but my Facebook friends rallied, and gave me some very interesting perspectives…in short, I do not celebrate “vanity” nor am I absorbed in Vanity, I dress well as a means of glorifying God, there is a difference. It is like I do not want to only look good for myself but for God as well, I mean He has blessed me with the means to wear YSL and Gucci loafers and whoever else I want to get done up in, so why not…but I am sure God is not in heaven saying werk it Hamilton! LOL
Very well stated, there is a big difference in being vain and being fashionable, you sir, are extremely fashionable, not a vain bone in you...keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Michael, true I do not think I am VAIN...never have.
ReplyDeletewell let's think this way how we can glorify God in the fashion industry, not being vain but being grateful to God for what we're able to do in such an industry.
ReplyDeleteIndeed V. indeed, gratitude is way up there on my list. Rest assure.
ReplyDeleteVery well written. I also have thought about this from time to time. I have always had a close relation with my Maker. I attended Christian schools growing up (dont get it twiste though lol) I have a strong sense of right and wrong. For whatever reason, as I have been resurrecting my passion for the arts/fashion/photography....in the back of my head Im wondering if I am indulging in "sin" with the whole VANITY aspect...also Greed. The "industries" is a mecca for greed...."Do You"..."Get Yours"...it promotes selfishness. But yet and still I pursue. How can I find that balance between remaining the oh so humble person that I am, and still trying top pursue the arts. I am afraid I will loose my soul. Seriously. =(
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog about your friend questioning your sexuality and the "what he thought" was a total contradiction to your being a priest. I find it interesting how the Bible and the verses are deciphered by different logic and perspective. Christianity in particular I feel is horrid about the damnation of homosexuals. I agree.There is NO verse that says verbally that same sex sexual preference is a "SIN". If you really want to break it down, I agree with the bible verses that you pointed out. We are not to judge our neighbors and we should do unto them as you would want them to do unto you. So saying that It is also on the contrary. If He made everything perfect than why would homosexuals be singled out as not worthy and not Holy. I commend you for your bravery and self actualization. we live in a world where people judge each other all of the time. To be a genuine person that holds on to their beliefs even though it may not be supported by the majority is rare and should be admired and given more credit.
ReplyDeleteCrescendochk, welcome, WOW on both comments, the first, I often feel I am going to loose my soul in this endevour *I pray I do not* and am sure I will not, but it does rear it's ugly little head at times. I have been around the block once or twice and know a few things about humility and on keeping grounded in the real, thank God.
ReplyDeleteSecond post...okay they take one verse and run hog wild with it, not giving it any forthought, they just spew their hatred and judgements like the wind, and think we are just going to sit back and take it, not me,been there done that and it is not cool!
I wish you all the very best in the industry and will keep you in prayer, trust me, you will not loose your soul, I will not have it!!!
=) Arndas Cobb...reall name Sandra Cheeks...I have two fb profiles...lol
ReplyDeleteOh, I hi sweetie!!! So do I...lol
ReplyDeleteWilliam & Anthony Hamilton...as you can see I use Anthony more...lol.
To look good is to feel good...I doubt the Creator wants us running around in rags...gasp...there was that ripped moment back in the 80s when Barney's was selling tattered t's for well over $200...now that could be qualified as a certain "vanity"...to dress the best you can is not a sin...since I imagine back in the "original" day there were those that wore only "first pick" flax linen garments and those that had to settle for second best...to do the best you can and achieve the best you can and to help others along the way, have compassion and empathy and understanding, it's all life is about, however you express your art, be it fashion, painting, writing or working 9-5 we can only be the best we can be. On the second subject, I believe in reincarnation, next time you could be male or female, live, learn, get it right and come back and get it right until you get it right and then become one with the eternal energy...xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh yea, and keep the faith.
ReplyDeleteIt really is not Louise, and I do not know why I allowed her to rent space in my head the way I did, I think I am a good person at heart, I mean I treat others the way I would like to be treated, and isn't that all we are asked to do.
ReplyDeleteYes, keep the faith.
Yes, you are sweet and kind and generous of heart and insightful with a sense of humour and a sensitive soul, what could be better than that?
ReplyDeleteCOMPLETELY BLUSHING....SHUCKS
ReplyDelete