Anabaptists: More Tea Leaves -- Pride and Purses

More Tea Leaves
compiled by Nancy Stutzman

Pride and Purses
by Susan Kim Glenn Martin
Page 153

Proverbs 16:2, 3, 5, 17-19
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Have you ever noticed that life has a way of humbling a person?

Staying presentable is a challenge in Guatemala where we have two seasons: muddy and dusty. I try to keep my family and myself clean and neat when we leave home. After all, appearance affects our testimony for Christ. But our appearance can become a matter of pride.

Once sitting primly in the doctor's office, I glanced down my dress. Horrors! Where did that huge spot of mud me from? Now what would I do? There was no convenient way to hide it or wash it off. I was on pins and needles trying to keep the purse over the stain. If only my purse were bit bigger! I thought.

After several babies and years of dragging a gigantic diaper bag with me everywhere I went, I wanted a change, a different look. I went shopping for a new purse, something small. I didn't mind being a mother; I just wanted a break. Sorting through the handbags, I found the perfect one, my purse. Small, sleek, and lovely, this one would make me feel and look like a lady. I bought it, almost unable to wait until I could load it with my wallet and other feminine articles. I arranged it in my mind on the way home.

Once at home, though, I felt foolish. My wallet did not fit into my purse! So much for my pride! I kept the purse but had to buy a change purse for it. Whenever I carried that handbag, I was reminded of my pride.

You may purchase More Tea Leaves from Anabaptist Bookstore: