When I was talking to my friends recently, I told them that I heard a really meaningful quote from Frank Sinatra. They laughed at me.
Frank Sinatra's Quote
"If you have a possession that you can't give up, you do not possess it... it possesses you." -Frank Sinatra
Like a ton of bricks
This quote hit me like a ton of bricks. As I have begun this journey, learning all of the ways that my consumption affects others, this quote was a gut check. Am I unwilling to give up, or greatly reduce, comforts such as heat, or A/C for the benefit of others? What about the food I eat, organic is so expensive! Is God really asking me to change so much about the ways I have always done things?
20 And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. 23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” -Mark 10:20-23
Not Giving Up
How many things am I not willing to give up, like the rich young ruler? Are my possessions mine, or do they possess me?