The Right Shoes

I think we can safely say that women have more shoes than men.
Women have shoes that go with a specific outfit.
Women have casual shoes, dress shoes, and walking shoes.
Women’s shoes are as much a fashion statement as the actual outfit itself.

If you asked women they would admit that many of their shoes are not comfortable.
A woman will admit that she bought the shoes for the way they looked, not the way they feel.
A woman will have her go-to comfortable shoes.
A woman will have her standard sneaker, which is not just for exercise.

The older I get, I tend to go for comfort.
If I can find attractive and comfortable shoes then I am sold.
I have certain brands of shoes I go to all of the time.
I can count on that brand shoe to be all I need them to be.

My Asics sneakers are my favorite shoe in the world.
I would wear them every day if I could.
I have dress shoes that are for special occasions or for going to church.
I would never walk far distances in them, however.

I never wear flip flops; I do not even own a pair.
I do not wear extremely high heels.
I have boots but only wear them occasionally.
I have casual shoes with a slight heel that I wear when I need to look nice but not too dressed.

That was the type of shoe I brought on our trip to Washington DC.
They are cute and comfortable and I knew they would go with the outfits I packed.
Cute and comfortable around my town running errands is one thing.
However, walking miles around DC was another thing all together.

I love to walk, so walking distances does not bother me.
I kept thinking, if only I had my sneakers with me.
That only made matters worse.
Wishing for something you can’t have never works.

I saw women walking with cute little dresses, yet they were wearing sneakers.
They were carrying a backpack and I am sure their dress shoes were inside.
Now, they are smart, I said to myself.
By comparison, what did that make me?

By the time we left church and walked past the Supreme Court building, I knew I was in trouble.
As we walked around the Capitol, I could feel a blister starting on the back of my heel.
By the time we sat at an outdoor cafe and had lunch, I wanted to be barefoot.
When we got to the Newseum, I wished I had a band aid.

I didn’t tell my husband or son about the fact that my shoes hurt.
My husband had reminded me when I was packing, make sure you have comfortable shoes.
Women don’t like to be told what shoes to wear.
We know that men do not understand the shoe factor as it relates to an outfit.

I knew my husband was right.
I had worn my sneakers when we drove down to DC.
They were sitting in the hotel room, which was not helping me now.
If I had truly been a city girl, I would have worn the sneakers with my skirt and changed later.

We got back to the hotel and had to change for dinner, I could not wait to take off my shoes.
The thought of putting on another pair of dress shoes with higher heels didn’t thrill me.
The thought of walking to the restaurant made me a bit fearful.
However, I made a good choice and the dress shoes I brought for dinner were just fine.

The next morning, I was so glad to put on my traveling clothes, which of course meant sneakers.
I have been wearing them ever since until the blister heals.
My cute shoes though usually comfortable were not made to go the distance.
The blister is a reminder of vanity over practicality.

How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ” Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:14-17)

Imagine the distance traveled in order to share the Gospel in the first century.
Jesus came at the appointed time.
That time was after an incredible road system was in place.
The distances were great but the roads made the traveling easier and more direct.

I imagine the sandaled, dusty feet of the ones sharing the good news.
I imagine that they suffered a few blisters and cuts on the soles of their feet.
Yet God’s Word calls their feet beautiful.
Not beautiful in the way they look, but rather beautiful in purpose.

Beautiful in purpose.
Not a hint of vanity.
Just a determination to set out and share the gospel with those who have not heard.
Those blisters are badges of service.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Our feet are beautiful when they bring the good news to others.
Our feet must be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
There are miles to walk and good news to share.
Make sure you are wearing the right shoes for such a task.