A purse by any other name is still just a purse...

So, today's blog takes on the racy issue of "materialism."  I was thinking about this today while driving home from bible study.   During the study, we discussed how difficult it is today to be Christian in a very material world. (Didn't Madonna sing this?)  If you say you are Christian, many times you are judged harshly or looked at as a "bible beater."  I shared that I used to be scared to use Jesus as an example and to share my faith because I was afraid that I many be judged.  It was terrifying to say, "I believe" and more scary to ask, "do you?"   I know everyone, including myself, have done things because it was "cool" or bought something because it would be a status symbol.  As an adult, we want a new home, nice car, great retirement investment, and a college fund for our children. 

In the Ruley house, we are "smart shoppers."  I'm not afraid of Goodwill Stores, consignment stores, or a garage sale.  On the way back from a meeting in Des Moines a few weeks ago, I stopped in Williamsburg at the outlet mall.  I have never been in a Coach store in my entire life.  It seems everyone I know has a Coach purse, so being the follower, I went in the store to see what was there.  As I walked in the store, I could tell that this little Baldwin girl was WAY out her league.  I made my way to the clearance racks and picked up a purse that caught my eye.  $150.  If you know me, you know I'm rather blunt and I use humor in strange places.  I carefully put the purse down and began hypothesizing what size of purse would fit in my $20-$30 dollar purse splurge category.  My eyes were drawn to a table with a $20 sign over it.  I walked up to the table and looked down...  There it was, the Coach purse in my price range!  It was a cell phone purse smaller than the size of my hand.  Seriously!  I began to think of all of the things I could buy for just one Coach purse.  A wave of guilt swept over me.  Why am I in here?  This is not who I am or what I stand for.  Don't get me wrong, if you are a "Coach carrier," I'm not judging.  I just can't understand what the big deal is about spending over $100 on a purse!  If the purse also baby sat my children and could cook a 4 course meal, then I would be interested!  A purse by any other name is still a purse.  It does everything a Coach purse does, it just doesn't say Coach on it. 

Bottom line.  Money can't buy you happiness.  Things can't make you happy.  You have to find happiness in yourself.  I know that many times I feel judged by others because I don't live in a new house, I don't drive a new car, and I'm not a part of the upper class.   I don't have cable and I shop at Aldi's.  But, I'm happy.  I'm thankful for two healthy children, a wonderful husband, a faith-filled job, and the 10 purses I own that cost me $10 a piece! ;)  I'm not here to please anyone or buy into a life that I can't afford.  I don't need to prove myself to anyone who feels they are above my station.  There is only one judge and He won't be judging me on what I'm wearing on the outside.  Heaven is free.  It is the ultimate deal.  Faith is free and the ultimate accessory that I wear everyday.  It may not always be fashionable, but it is very comfortable in my life.