Pretty Pink Purse

An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

Proverbs 24:26

Usually the first Monday in December is reserved for a special event—the annual Sweet Monday Purse Swap in our home. The December purse swaps are special because they fit well with the spirit of gift giving and Christmas shopping. Every woman brings a purse to exchange, and I share a five-minute devotion about the greatest exchange that ever took place when God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. God’s incredible gift is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.

At each month’s Sweet Monday outreach, I display things on my foyer table that I’ve gathered from my own home for simple shoestring-budget decorations that tie in with the monthly theme. For one particular purse swap I set my new pink purse on the table, a surprise gift from my sweet friend Katherine.

Toward the end of the swap, it was time for a newcomer to make her choice. “I don’t want any purses in this room,” she said. “I want the purse on the foyer table!” What did she say? I couldn’t believe it. My purse was a decoration, not part of the swap. I was so caught off guard that I didn’t know what to do except give it to her! After everyone had left, I told Kali and Mark what had happened.

A week later Katherine stopped by to visit Kali and me. I dreaded telling her about the purse. When I finally did, I wasn’t expecting her reaction.

“I wish you hadn’t given her the purse,” Katherine said kindly. “I wish you had said, ‘A special friend wanted me to have that purse, so it’s not part of the swap tonight.’” Kali, who was with me at the time, was as surprised as I was at Katherine’s honest response. Her feelings had been hurt, and I felt awful.

“I am so sorry, Katherine,” I said. “I wish I had been quick on my feet and thought of that. But instead, all I could think of was to give the purse up to Jesus and that He would have given it to this sweet newcomer.”

As uncomfortable as this exchange was for me, I’m glad it happened. It was a true “kiss of friendship” and a teachable moment for all three of us. I was tickled pink when Katherine replaced the purse with another one. God desires honesty from us at all times, and an honest answer is loving in the long run.

An honest answer honors God! Read Psalm 51:5-6, verses that confirm we need God’s help to be honest.