Letting Go: My Journey to Biblical Minimalism

By Anna Davis

Minimalism has taken the world by storm.

Whether it’s the aesthetic of bright white, empty rooms, or an excuse to (finally) clear out your basement, the art of getting rid of stuff has had a renaissance these past few years.

Items we take for granted, wares that are easily hidden in drawers, and other clutter become hard to ignore when we’re suddenly confronted with them. And let’s be honest, these things were always there, we just never got around to asking the hard question, why do I still have this?

The goal of minimalism, broadly speaking, is to make space for the things we love, by clearing out the things we don’t. This can include duplicate items (hoards of Tupperware, anyone?), dated clothing (I’m looking at your shoulder pads!), or any other relic that has faithfully carried out its service. Despite what the influencers claim, minimalism will look different for everyone. Especially for Catholics. And sometimes, even if it “brings you joy,” you should still let things go.

So what’s the Church’s stance on this?

Technically, there aren’t specific church teachings on the concept of minimalism. But that doesn’t mean we can’t look to Scripture for answers and/or direction. Take the following verses, for example:

Concerning Treasures

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:21), NRSV-CI

The Rich Fool

And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions’ (Luke 12:15 ).NRSV-CI

Do Not Worry

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). NRSV-CI

Practicing What He Preached

Jesus didn’t just come as a spotless lamb on our behalf. He came so that we would have life and have it abundantly (Jer 29:11). Like any good father, Jesus taught us how we should regard our possessions and how we should be careful not to elevate them to the extent that they cause us to stumble.

One way I’ve come to terms with the concept of minimalism is to look at everything I own as a loaner. The skirt I’m wearing? Loaner. The car I drive my small family around in? Loaner. The people I love and cherish? Loaners.

That’s not to say I’ve downgraded the dignity and importance of everything in my life, not at all. It’s that I’ve purposely chosen to reframe how possessive I am with the things and people I surround myself with.

I think it’s this level of detachment that has given me a quiet confidence that, while possessions will ebb and flow in life, God truly takes care of His children.

Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t always this good at detaching. It’s taken time, trial, and error, and I’m constantly working at refining what I let into my life as well as what I let go.

My strategy over the years – I’ve been a minimalist since 2010 – has radically changed in large part to my recent conversion as a baptized Protestant to the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Here are some simple tips that have worked for me over the years so you can start minimizing today:

Pick it Up (yes, seriously)

Staring at my closet, overwhelmed with the thought of separating the ‘yeas’ from the ‘nays’ never did me any favors. All I could think to myself was, “how am I going to eat this elephant?” (Hint: one bite at a time)

Luckily, I came across the deliciously simple concept of physically picking up each item. It was none other than the renowned Marie Kondo and her world-famous tome, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up that helped me pick up my metaphorical knife and fork.

I know you’re probably asking yourself right now, “Seriously, you want me to just pick it up? That’s it?”

Yes, my friend. Pick. It. Up.

Picking up an item and holding it in your hands – or up against yourself in front of a mirror – is a surprisingly thoughtful way of asking if an item brings us joy. If this item is something that makes us feel good about ourselves. If this item will stay in our wardrobe, go to charity, or wait it out in Purgatory.

I liken this stage to an Examination of Conscience. One where I ask myself what needs to change so I can make better decisions whilst honoring the Lord with my resources and my life. It’s pretty deep, right?

So, go ahead: pick it up, examine it, and let it go.

Trial Separation (aka Purgatory)

A paper bag is a lonely fate for the unwanted wares of yesteryear.

The tourist-trap shirts purchased with reckless abandon (how else would you remember your trip?).

The scarves you tied in intricate ways to stay au courant but left you feeling more Michelin Man and less Audrey Hepburn (blanket scarf, anyone?).

The list goes on.

Throughout my years of decluttering, minimizing, and other purge–tastic activities, I found I made the most mistakes when acting with reckless abandon. In my naïveté, high from the thrill of eliminating the excess, I was throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

In an attempt to be done with it, I didn’t give the items the consideration they deserved. I also realized I wasn’t being a good steward of the resources God was placing in my life.

The sad and sobering truth is that many of our brothers and sisters will struggle to meet their basic needs.

Every time I let something go, I realized I wasn’t treating my blessings in a charitable way. Sure, I could continue to donate the items I didn’t want, items that were no longer serving me. But was that really getting to the heart of the matter?

When I think of the possessions Jesus and the Apostles lived with I sometimes feel guilty about the excess in my life. I think of St. Mother Teresa, St. Benedict, and other religious people who choose to live a life of poverty. I sometimes wonder how I might live more like them. How might I do more with less? How might I give myself the grace to be content with what I have and to let go of that which no longer serves me?

As a recent convert to the Catholic Church, I’m in constant awe of the Saints who’ve gone before us, both the well-known and the lesser-known.

Outside of the Bible, I didn’t have many models to mold my life to be more like Jesus. I was never exposed to anyone other than Jesus as the model par excellence. And while He is, He also sent beautiful examples of how to live through people who used their time, talents, and treasures – a foreign concept in my Protestant experience – to glorify God on earth.

My understanding of “giving back” had sadly been relegated to being guilted into tithing a tenth of my gross income. I struggled to be a cheerful giver because the truth is, I have a limited income and another mouth to feed. This is my lot in life and I accept this willingly and obediently.

Yet, I still felt guilty. Guilty that Jesus would shake His head at my stingy heart knowing full well I was doing the best I could with my paycheck while trying to meet the needs of my small family. Through time, I realized our God is not a God of Condemnation. He is good. He is just. He freely gives to His children.

Graciously, God meets us where we’re at.

And while I’ll never have a vault of gold coins to swan dive into (I’m looking at you, Scrooge McDuck!), I can use my time and talents to donate clothing to those in need which ends up freeing a couple of dollars for my parish food pantry. Talk about a win-win!

Now that I’ve given you permission to let a few things go, will you please do yourself a favor?

Whatever you’re on the fence about, put it in this paper bag. It’s not going anywhere and you’ll come back to it, I promise.

Donate the Good Stuff (even if it hurts)

Congratulations! You’ve done the hard, yet necessary, work of allowing your items a brief stay at Le Sac en Papier, otherwise known as wardrobe Purgatory.

If you’ve given this exercise its proper dues, you shouldn’t have any issues with the next part: guest check-out.

Like any trip, we’ve come to the part where we collect ourselves and get back to real life.

You’re refreshed and invigorated with the progress you’ve made remembering this is an opportunity to recalibrate your priorities. A shift in our mindset. A new beginning.

Moving forward, instead of mindlessly filling out closets, whilst emptying our wallets, let’s look at our closets as a place to grow and reflect.

And on the off-chance you still need some nudging, meditate on two things:

1. I’m glad this will find a new home.
2. I want to be a better steward of God’s gifts.

I find when I’m struggling to let something go it’s because I’m doubting Jesus. I’m scared I won’t have enough. I’m afraid I’ll regret my decision. I’m worried I’ll have to repurchase an item I already owned.

Spoiler Alert: all these things happened. And that’s okay!

I do get scared, I am afraid (not always, but sometimes), and occasionally, I worry.

But we can turn these negative emotions into positive affirmations to remind us that He’s got it taken care of:

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

We can rest in the peace that Jesus gives His children what they need when they need it. We can meditate on Jesus’ words to give away what we have and follow Him. And we can absolutely let go of things that no longer serve us so we can let them serve others.

Letting go is hard, but I challenge you to do so. Give boldly, and not just the ratty things you can’t be bothered to wear. Take something you paid good money for – but don’t wear – and give it away. Then open your heart to giving away what you can: be it your time, your talent, your treasures, or all three.

Now breathe.

No one out-gives Jesus!

If I’ve learned anything from my years as a minimalist, it’s this: stuff doesn’t make you happy.

It won’t hold your hand when you’re sick or lonely.

It won’t pick up the phone and wish you a ‘Happy Birthday’.

Material possessions can add to your life, but they can also steal them away from you.

James 1:17 reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from God.

So why the death grip on things?

If we trust Jesus with our whole heart (a perennial effort, if I’m being honest), we’ll lack for nothing.

I’ve seen time and time again just how much Jesus out-gives me – especially when I rely on Him and not my own understanding. It’s an exercise He loves to see me grow in and one that’s proving to challenge me in ways I couldn’t appreciate in my Protestant days.

I’m grateful for my path to the Holy Catholic Church. I’m grateful for my days as a minimalist. But if I’m being honest, I’m grateful for the day when I can cast my earthly possessions (and cares) away and bask in glory with my heavenly King.

Anna Davis:

Anna Davis is a writer and editor for a major non-profit in New England and has spent over 10 years in Sales & Marketing. She enjoys learning about her Catholic faith, listening to podcasts, reading multiple books at a time, watching vintage and indie movies, and spending time with her family.