I have made my way through the Live Dead Journal and know it’s not the end. My heart is challenged. All the way through I have been challenged with, “How do I live dead in the land of plenty?”

How can I stretch myself is this place of comfort so that those who are called to these hard areas of the world don’t have to beg for resources? How can I contribute from this place in such a way that is truly “living dead?” Or, is the only way to truly “live dead” to go? And if I don’t go… I’m not living dead?

In my place of ministry, and I know this is the place of my calling, I need to constantly evaluate how I am living… and dying to myself. One key area is giving. What can I do in the area of thinking better about how I spend my money? How can I overcome the gods of consumerism and materialism so I give in deeper ways to reach the unreached?

In my place of ministry I also want to resource students who come through and sense a call to the world. I want our church to be a place of sending.

We need to also learn as a church how to live dead in our own community. We will stretch ourselves to make sure the margins of society are noticed when at all possible.

I leave this journal, but I know I can’t leave this conversation.

One of those battles with consumerism and materialism is about to commence. It is almost “Black Friday.”

This year, I’ve decided I don’t want a thing. Those who would give me gifts can breathe a sigh of relief. “Whew! Saved some money!”

Could I challenge you with a couple of things?

I don’t want anything for myself. I have enough. For those that would think of giving something, give it in a place where the need is great. Do it for me rather a gift to me.

One place I would ask to give in this season is THE ELIMINATE PROJECT. I belong to Kiwanis service organization and the Eliminate Project is an incredible partnership with UNICEF to help wipe out maternal neonatal tetanus in the poorest areas of the world. Kiwanis is raising $110 million over 4 years to help get rid of this problem. I encourage you to give to this incredible cause.

Since I love Bible translations, I would also recommend the Bible Alliance.

Then, of course, the missionaries dedicated to the Live/Dead project.

I know this will get misunderstood because people I don’t know are reading this as well. I’m not asking anyone to give me Christmas presents!

I am asking that we think about the consumerism of our culture and think differently about where to give our dollars this year. If you know someone who “has everything,” and you want to honor them this Christmas, think of giving to another organization in their honor and let them know.

We need to live differently. Let’s start today.