The inspiration behind the design series aims to inform our customers/followers about how we came up with the idea for our designs. Ultimately, all of our designs come from God's vision given to us in some way. In any case, each blog in this series will focus on one design from its birth to its first sale.
A new design has been born in Season 5...
Having started promoting the new season this month, I've had lots of feedback on several designs.
We've decided that...
With every new season, we will be representing a different Bible Verse.
As many of you are aware, Season 5 is all based on the first book of the Bible, Genesis.
The Genesis Range is available now for pre order and it releases this Friday the 23rd November.
One design that has got our followers talking has been the Image of God sweater.
Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Being Bold in Faith
One auntie at church told me:
"You've got to be quite a strong Christian to wear that!"
And I'd agree.
This design is meant to be "out there."
How else can we combat stigmatism in the modern world?
There's a lot of Christians nowadays that hide their faith.
It's obvious why they do it.
They're scared of what others may think about them.
And who can really blame them.
We live in a world where a lot of stigma exists around Christianity and its morals.
We live in a world where the views of others are considered more important then your own views.
The bottom line is.
It's hard to be bold in faith.
But...
We should always remember...
How God views us is far more important than how others view us.
As He says in His Scripture:
Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The main reason that we created the "#nomorehiding" and the "Be Bold. Be Firm." designs was to empower Christians in their faith.
Now the Image of God design takes this concept that one step further...
A cool story at the G12 Conference in October
Empowering Christians and spreading the light of Christ through fashion is our goal here at Hosea.
At this conference I was asked a question about the #nomorehiding long sleeve shirt.
Let's say, I received some constructive criticism.
The customer loved our products and purchased some for himself and his son.
However.
He pointed out that the #nomorehiding long sleeve could be an advocate for the LGBT community rather than for empowering Christians.
A really eye opening statement that had me flustered...at first.
But...
Then I realised this was exactly what God had envisioned for Hosea.
In response, I said something along the lines of:
"Hosea spreads the light of Christ through clothing.
Our goal is to empower Christians and spread the light of Christ through fashion.
In all of our designs, we want people to ask the Hosea customer:
"What brand are you wearing?"
"Why do you support that brand?"
If the person asking is not a Christian, this gives the Hosea customer the opportunity to open up about their faith.
A brand new technique in turning someone's direction to Hosea, to church and most importantly to Christ.
If someone asks if the #nomorehiding design is about LGBT rights.
We're still achieving our mission.
As they're still noticing your clothing.
And this gives you the opportunity to not only correct them but also to connect with them.
You can say:
'This is not about LGBT rights. This is about being bold for God.'"
The man seemed satisfied with my response and he loved the idea behind the brand.
After this encounter.
I thought to myself... why not be even bolder?
And empower Christians even further.
Thus, the Image of God design was born...
Design
I love this design a lot.
Mainly for the reasons just mentioned.
But predominately because this design is exactly what Hosea Clothing stands for.
Firstly.
It empowers Christians in their faith.
And Secondly,
And perhaps more importantly,
We may be the only exposure that some people will ever get to God.
We are His image.
The sweater serves to remind fellow Christians that in everything we do:
We must remain patient.
We must remain kind.
We must remain loving.
And we must remain as Christlike as possible.
Because we are His image.
All of these things can go such a long way to making even the smallest movements in another person's life.
I touched on this on one of my previous blogs: A Christian Clothing Brand for everyone?!
Where I believed my mother and pastor's kindness was central to my willingness to come back to church after so many years.
The Image of God design does not intend to intimidate others about the Christian faith.
Instead, it aims to do the opposite.
Yes, it is a declaration of faith.
But, the design aims to accentuate the qualities of a Christian mentioned above of...
patience
kindness
and lovingness.
If our Image of God design instigates a point of contact between the customer and other people.
Then we are going some way to achieving our mission.
In other words...
By providing the conversation, we can change the nation.
A final note
Last night I had this blog all finished and ready to post.
However, after reading this morning's devotion, I feel like I have to include a small extract from my findings.
For those that don't know.
Our church has a devotion list that allows us to study the word before starting our day.
This allows us to connect with God before going about our day.
Today's devotion was Psalms 71.
I decided to focus on the 7th verse.
Psalms 71:7
I have become a sign to many,
you are my strong refuge.
I believe that we are all signs.
We speak through many ways.
Whether it be through our body language or through the way we speak.
As Christians, we should ask ourselves, how are we speaking to people?
Where is our sign pointing?
Are we pointing others towards Christ? Or are we pointing others elsewhere?
I'd like to think of the Image of God Sweater (as well as other designs) as a signpost.
Pointing others directly to God.
Stay Blessed and God Bless,
Chris Stroud