Clerics and Jeans

I told myself when I started this blog that I wasn't going to try to go back and catch up on everything that's been going on, but this one story is too good not to post. It is by far one of my favorite moments thus far in my ministry.

Every Thursday we host a lunch where the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission brings the food and a mobile shower so the homeless/needy can have some very basic needs met. So it was a Thursday, I was wearing my "uniform" jeans and a clerical shirt (I promise this is relevant later) and I was out mingling with the people as is my custom. I was having a conversation with two gentleman who are regulars, and mid-conversation one of the guys says to me, shouldn't you be wearing slacks rather than your Levi's? I mean that just makes more sense doesn't it?" I just laughed politely and said something like, "I'm trying to make the clerical collar look hip, don'tcha know? And truthfully I just left student life and don't have slacks yet. I'm going for casual and approachable." Yeah... something like that.

Then the other guy who we were talking to turns to him and says, "You're getting on her for wearing jeans, and you're not even wearing a shirt!" The man starts to laugh, "yeah I woke up today and couldn't find my shirt so I just came over here without one! HAHA!" So yes, I was getting my clergy fashion sense critiqued by a shirtless, scruffy, grey hairy chested old man. Classic!