Going Against The Grain of Society

Many of us can’t imagine living any other way. Yet there are those who are near to you questioning your sanity. Many of us see life today with way to much focus on consumption and at times narcissistic behavior is hugely obvious. Yet those who we may say are narcissistic say that we shelter ourselves, our children, and our lives by not having TVs or living the society norm. Seen as though we are staying within ourselves to achieve our goal. Many of us can’t imagine living any other type of life but our own because we see it as right… we see it as our own. Yet we continue to be seen by others as going against the grain of society.

It’s difficult when you are different. It’s like you have a bad rash and everyone is afraid to touch you thinking that you are contagious. From the distance it looks funny to me but reality is it gets annoying and old after a while. It’s work having to be the way you are. Between trying to explain why you have so many children… why you dress like you do… why you shop at the Goodwill and not a regular store… why you don’t drive a brand new car every 3 years… and why you would ever invest so much precious time to a church.

I typically turn to the person with a smile and say something like this. I do the things I do because it simplifies my life. If I buy a car every 3 years when I can’t afford to now I have another payment/debt that I have to write a check for. If I bought everything at full price I certainly wouldn’t have the money to support the running of our home. Why not buy it cheaper and have a savings account. Boy what a concept… savings!

If more people went against the grain many would not be in debt like they are today. I learned this mistake a many years ago when I was in college. I got into debt and boy that wasn’t fun. I’ve learned that if I don’t have the cash I don’t need it. Clothes do not have to be brand new and they don’t need to be designer. Cars don’t have to be new they just have to be reliable and affordable. Don’t by a tank when all you can afford is a go-cart. A little savings goes a long way.

I will admit that I go against the grain in many ways as many of you who read already know. I’m certainly not in any way compared to some who live these homestead lives homeschooling their children and tending only to their homes. I in contrast send my kids to school, help my husband run his business, tend to the home, and my house is not always in perfect order. To many I live against the grain but in a different direction. I am one that doesn’t hide my views on issues I strongly believe in and I hope that others will be honest in their views as well. Because frankly I appreciate honesty and humbleness. I appreciate the person who writes that they would love to homeschool their kids but just can’t because of whatever reason. I appreciate the person who writes that they lost friends along the way because of what they believed. We all live so differently but in the end we are all going against the grain of society.

I think that we can all relate to one thing and that is simplicity of life. I see many who write about that and I learn so much reading everyones blogs about it. I appreciate everyones openness about how they live their lives. I appreciate when someone fails or feels rotten that they shake it off and walk in the right direction to resolve the issues.

It is hard living against the grain of society especially today. Maybe some 60+ years ago it wouldn’t have seemed to strange but today it’s really out there. So when you are feeling overwhelmed just think to yourself that you are doing right by God. In the end we will all meet the Lord for judgement. So who cares what others think of you and your life or whether they think you are living it “pure enough” in Gods eyes. You know what you need to do.

Peace be with you

As-Salamu Alaykum
السلام عليكم