Money and the judgement of others

We all know and acknowledge the old saying, "money will not buy happiness.". I completely agree with that sentiment however, I contend that this statement also holds true, "Money can't buy happiness, but neither can poverty."
Let me explain....
This crisis with the economy has made me take a very hard look at my families finances and make sure that we are doing everything we can to save. We are a family of 4 currently living on one income due to some personal choices we chose to go down to one income. Having made that decision, we made a plan to spend all of our extra income on paying down our debt before we were down to one income, leaving us with no savings or cushion if anything happened. Our contention was that we needed us to be financially secure before we were down to one income. Thinking that we could build it back up very easily in a few months. Then the national budget crisis hit! the threat of not only one paycheck but half of one paycheck was more then scary. It was terrifying! What were we going to do? Diapers? Wipes? Food? I blamed myself a lot for pushing for us to pay off and down most of our debt, there were lots of if only I could turn back time, leave a few hundred in the bank, not take the family out to eat as a treat that one Saturday. But then miracles of miracles we were rallied around, my mother-in-law offered assistance to us from her, friends, family. I felt so blessed and at the same time a little sad. It was very humbling to say the least. I was informed of programs that could help us get by, so I was a little bit more at ease. But still feeling very deflated. Then 2304 on Friday it was averted. We were told that we should be receiving our full pay checks come April 15th. I have been skeptical but am very hopeful that this is true and will happen. I have been breathing a little easier, but still feel that weight. What can I do? What could I have done differently ? When you question and punish yourself is one thing, but to hear it from others was completely another. I heard things like, why are you living pay check to pay check? You should have at least 3 months savings in your bank for jus such occasions. I couldn't agree more. But when the car dies, you have to travel out of state for medical reasons, family crisis' come up, or in my case you think you are being pro active and paying off your debt sooner. You don't have that luxury. I am very hurt by those that judge without knowing. We are a young couple/family just starting out, and unfortunately just like a lot of other young couples just staring out we made poor decisions at the beginning of our marriage and are only now digging our way out of it. But at least we are. I am writing this blog to educate and maybe enlighten people about young couples that are just like me and husband. I know in my heart what we have done to make our lives better and financially secure. Please try and put yourself in that persons shoes who you are so quick to judge, ask them their story and then judge them if you so choose.

"“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;"

Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my thoughts.