...and when necessary, use t-shirts.

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I was the poster boy for Christian t-shirts in high school. I still have them, reminding me of earlier days:

My Christian T-Shirts

But I think my thinking has shifted.

When I was in high school, I was fired up to tell people about Jesus. I left my life of homeschooling to go change my campus for Christ. I was a man on a mission. And like all good agents, I had to wear the right stuff: the hospital band thingy from summer camp that I wore until it fell off, Christian dog tags, and, of course, the Christian t-shirts.

They weren't cheesy. They were a cool way to remind people that I followed Christ.

Looking back, the shirts were cheesy. Like, not even a good Gouda, but a can of spray-on cheese.

And I was a punk.

Granted, real punks wear their hats incorrectly, their pants at their ankles, and a look on their face that says, "Just try tellin' me I care!"

In the same way, what I was wearing was intended to make an impression, take a stand, and get people to think... and I didn't care if it upset you. You needed to get upset! My t-shirts were there to remind you of the eternal significance of your choices today.

And today, t-shirts are back into the forefront of my mind (though now I wear polos).

I first came across Mrs. C's post. And then Meg's ...followed by her followup. All of this eventually made it onto JJ's blog where the comments are alive and well.

As a young man, I never considered how bothersome my garment choices could be. And, if others could wear their Bad Religion shirts, well, then I needed to represent.

The Christian t-shirt phase was an important time in my life, but I have since learned that loving others is often much more important--and effective--than simply touting stuff on your bumper sticker or t-shirt.

I've seen similar things in the world of politics and education as well.

So, again, I think my Christian punk phase was important, but I'm very glad I grew out of it.

 ~Luke Holzmann
Filmmaker, Writer, Expectant Father