A postcard from PostSecret got me thinking…
A few months ago I walked into a Gap store and found myself scrummaging through the sale items. After finding an interesting shirt (if I recall) I walked up to the cashier to complete the sales transaction. On the counter was a clear plastic box filled with (RED) necklaces. Gap provides a whole line of (RED) products .. or is it (PRODUCT)RED… I’m not sure anymore. (RED) was originally created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise money and awareness for women and children affected by HIV and AIDs in Africa.
As I contemplated the necklace as a token gift for my daughter, I noticed a red tag covering the original price of $12.99 which read $1.99. I quickly grabbed a necklace and dropped it next to the cashier before the transaction was complete.
Something about that on sale purchase didn’t feel right. Yes, it helps raise awareness regardless of the cost.. but I still felt dirty. Was it the sale that made me buy the necklace?
My wife has always wanted us to go to Africa for a period of a few months or more to help first hand in that effort. I’ve always tried to delay her quest for the sake of the kids, our families, the danger, etc. I’m hoping one day I’ll lose that argument and feel clean again.
Until then, this will be stuck in my (HED) …
