Lucy Locket
Posted by Marjorie Ainsborough Decker text© 2010 on Aug 23rd, 2009
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Hello again Dear BlogNog Friends,
Today, I am pondering the amazing and mysterious storage facility carried by women around the world (otherwise known as a lady’s handbag). And so as not to be left out, our men readers keep their own mysteries in belt pouches, backpacks, pockets and athletic bags, etc., not to mention a man’s non-portable container called the top dresser drawer in a 
chest of drawers – into which my most lovable husband stuffed nearly every conceivable household and garage item that would fit!
All these contraptions are meant for carrying valuables, useful things, and even things beyond anyone else’s understanding. It seems ever since Adam and Eve walked the earth, mankind has been on the go and needing to carry things. And what fascinates me is how the contents of some of these bags, pouches and pockets have changed history – dramatically!
First, though, when Lucy Locket (in rhyme) lost her pocket in the middle 1700’s, a ‘pocket’ was the equivalent of a lady’s handbag. They were worn under the voluminous skirts of the day, hidden away, attached to belts, or pinned, or tied around the waist with long cords. Lucy’s pocket could also have been a drawstring-type bag – much easier to lose than a hidden pocket.
In my family souvenirs from England, I have my Grandmother Turton’s old pocket. It’s black linen, about 10 by 8 inches with two long ties. As she wore long skirts all her life, she favored the old-fashioned pocket tied around her tiny waist. It would be like finding your way through the Liverpool Mersey Tunnel to discover which layer of clothing housed the prized pocket and its undisclosed treasure.
My own dear husband, Dale, always told me my left arm muscle was stronger than my right arm because of the weight-lifting workout my handbag gave it.
He also wondered what in the world was in there that was so heavy! However, all our four sons, as well as Dale, knew it was off limits to look into the secrets of my handbag. (I think I hear “Amen!” from my lady readers.) But for emergencies, they would humorously say, “Ask Mom if she has something in her handbag!” – even when they needed a road map.
Keeping a family on track makes me wonder how Christoper Columbus found America without having a wife on board the Santa Maria sailing ship.
That is, considering how the sons of Adam have such trouble even finding a matching sock without the detective skills of the daughters of Eve!
As for Lucy Locket’s lost pocket, an honest Kitty Fisher returned it. And who knows what was inside. Something to save the day, perhaps, as many a lady’s handbag has done.
I recall sitting next to our town’s wealthy dowager who was giving a lovely banquet for the citizens from overseas. There were about 80 of us as guests, and as we stood to sing, “Getting to know you,” she winced, looking panicked.
Then I noticed the zipper on the back of her evening gown had broken open at the neckline. Oh, no! Dignity was about to vanish! But a small brass safety pin from my handbag saved the day. A little pin, not costing even one penny, sat discreetly under a costly emerald and diamond necklace. But it was the lowly pin that held the hostess’s dignity together for the entire banquet.
Looking back at the wonderful Bible story of David and Goliath, it was David’s shepherd’s bag that held five small stones of no intrinsic value that, nevertheless, dramatically changed history for all Israel.
To me, it is of note that the Book of Judges records that there were 700 famous sling-shot marksmen in Israel – all of them left-handed. 
It states that every one could sling stones at a single hair’s breadth target and not miss. (Judges 20:16). Yet, it was to the youthful David that God gave the stone of victory to fell Goliath.
Read these inspiring verses from First Samuel, chapter 17, where David raced to face the terrifying figure of the gigantic, enemy Goliath. Listen to David’s confidence in his Lord: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield, but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel… This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand.…” “And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord’s….” (verses 45-47).
“And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead.…” So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone…”
In the face of so many giants that God’s people are facing today, may we remember we have the same faith in the same God that gave David such a great victory over the enemy. Moreover, the Scripture, speaking of Christ Jesus, The Lord, says: “…Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner Stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” (1st Peter, 2:6) Then Romans 8:37 encourages us with”…In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”
The Book of Romans brings us back to a woman and her bag. And what a woman! What a history-changing bag for the world! I’m speaking of the woman the Apostle Paul specifically chose to carry the life-changing manuscript of Romans all the way to Rome from the small Corinthian seaport of Cenchreae. Her name was Phoebe. She was a mature, well-esteemed Christian who was of great help to Paul personally, and who served the church at Cenchreae.
Paul obviously had confidence and trust in her to safely transport what some scholars think was his most important work – the Epistle of Romans. Since Paul was an expert leather worker, I like to think he personally made the leather bag Phoebe carried to safely protect the precious Word of God.
And where would Martin Luther and the Reformation be without the intrepid Phoebe and her bag of Romans? This is the question that I’m discussing (pictured here) with my dear friend, Dotty Thur, at a Christian book publishing convention.
So, dear lady handbag carriers, take a bow on behalf of Phoebe! (Gentlemen may, too, on behalf of Columbus – if your socks match today!)
Until next time, Cheerio with bags full of blessings,
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Christian Mother Goose®
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a new idea for women – a swap meet of purses and shoes.
I asked one lady how many shoes she had and she counted and said 143 pairs.
gmack – I’ve heard of things like that. I read where they have swap parties to exchange clothing and accessories. They invite friends and family and everybody shows up with bags of unopened make-up, barely worn coats, dresses, shoes, and I’m sure handbags are included. They set up shop in someones home and everyone gets one ticket for each item they bring. Each ticket is exchangeable for something someone else brings. They “haggle over handbags and barter over boots.” Everyone walks away with “new” clothes and the leftovers go to charity. Have fun, save money, and help others. What a deal!
You have the right idea.
Susan, Gmack, Ol’ Bean, Carolyn, – Thank you for your neighborly comments and interesting thoughts.
Gmack and Ol’ Bean – It strikes me the lady with 143 pair of shoes is in perilous need of the fun swap party for all those wonderful reasons that Ol’Bean enumerated for us. And Ol’ Bean even gave us the precise plan for organizing such a worthwhile, fun event…
Gmack, the swap party sounds like a wonderful idea, indeed. Thanks to both you and Ol’Bean!
Susan and Carolyn – In the storms of life, it’s a comfort and strength when God connects us unexpectedly with a kindred spirit to brighten our day. Thank you for sharing His sunshine.
Blessings! Marjorie
Just wantedto say hello and how blessed I was by talking to your son. My children were raised on your Mother Goose Book. They still recite several of your redos…..God blessed you with the potential to provide us with His sories and rhymes. Thank you for choosing to pay attention to Him. I make it a point to share this with every new mom I have the opportunity to give a gift to. Must confess – don’t know the Baby Rhymes, but they’re in the mail to me and I’m waiting with anticipation.
His blessings and my gratitude,
Mrs. Loxey Polanco
I love the quotes.
Mine and Jessie’sare:
Bravery is being the only one who knows you are afraid.
It is taking me a long time to be the person I want to be.
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.
If you do your best–you cannot do more.
Being bored is an insult to oneself.
Life is 10% what happens and 90% of how you respond to it.
Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
The time is always right to do what’s right.
Hello Mrs. Decker, what I want to know is why do women get to carry a large bag for all of the things they carry around, but somehow men have to be satisfied with just a wallet? Just doesn’t seem fair.
Also, I didn’t know the story of Phoebe, so I found that part very interesting. Thanks, Timothy.
Hi Timothy et al,
Guess you’ll just have to take on more of a Continental European persona to validate carrying that bigger bag, Timothy. I’m not sure it’s always a “get to” as far as carrying bags is concerned.
We also “get to” get back pain from lugging too heavy a bag around, feel pretty silly searching for something at the bottom of the bag, or perennially search for the ultimately small bag that carries “everything”. I find myself pitching things out of a bag thinking, I don’t need that … I don’t need that … now where is that? Ha!
I watched Sen. Kennedy’s memorial service today – something many of us Washingtonians did regardless of our politics. I think I learned a lot from it. But one sobering thought occurred to me out of the blue. None of the women seemed to carry bags. It made me think as with pitching unnecessary things out of my handbag, what are the things we need to carry on/within ourselves to be prepared for heaven and what are the things that simply are not necessary or useful for the hour? It was a reductionist moment but a good reminder to make Jesus Lord at every turn.
I love Keith’s photoshop rendering of you toting your weight around, CMG, as well as the sweet picture of you and your friend, Dotty! You’ve mentioned her before and we can certainly see the camaraderie!
Cheers,
Carolyn
I am so glad I found this page…. I am home schooling my son and daughter their curriculum requires the use of your book, The Christian Mother Goose Big Book. I have checked many Christian book stores and I can not find it, I am told it is out of print. All I have found online is a few of the original Christian Mother Goose Book. The one BIG Book I found was selling for 167.00 USD online… Would you be so kind to tell me where I may get one for my son and daughter.
Thank so kindly for your time,
Alisha
Hello Ol Bean, Alisha, Carolyn, Timothy, Gmack & Loxey–
Thank you for a “pocket” full of thoughtful comments on “Lucy Locket’s”
blog.
Timothy – I’m sure all the above ladies will agree that all those handy pockets built into men’s clothing can, inch for inch, outstrip a handbag. I just counted Kevin’s pockets, including his jacket, and there are nine!
So, be comforted, Timothy – all is fair, after all. Just make sure the pockets have no holes!
Perhaps Gmack knows a quote to balance the see-saw of ladies’ handbags and gentlemens’ pockets. Or maybe Carolyn knows a proverbial Bible verse. I, too, love the pithy wisdom and guidance of great quotes.
A warm welcome to long-time Christian Mother Goose friends and many thanks to all of our kind comment contributors. We do enjoy your input.
Blessings! Marjorie
TG, obviously again, you’re not only a curious but also a wise mother and lady to count the pockets and humbly, kindly report the fairness of balance. We always take our cue from the Lord … how about, “A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern. Pro 16:11″? It’s true!
Have a great Labor Day weekend with many blessings to all!
Carolyn